Scanning electron microscopic studies on the tear fracture of polyethylene filled natural rubber vulcanizate

Tear failure of natural rubber (NR) filled with high density polyethylene (HDPE) was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tear strength of NR was increased by the addition of HDPE. It was found that HDPE forms physical links with NR. The retention of tear strength by ageing attains an optimum value with HDPE loading.