Updating a Torsional Dynamic Rheometer for Fourier Transform Rheometry on Rubber Materials

A torsional dynamic rheometer has been suitably modified in order to collect actual torque and strain data, in view of studying the non-linear viscoelastic region. Essentially a fast electronic analogic - digital conversion card is used to record and treat torque and strain signals using a purposely written software. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm was first used in order to resolve recorded signals in harmonic peak components. Preliminary investigations were conducted with pure elastomers and filled rubber compounds in order to asses the testing capabilities of the system. As expected, when the non-linear viscoelastic response of a pure, unfilled rubber is produced through increasing strain amplitude, a number of significant odd-harmonic peaks appear in the Fourier Transform Spectrum (FTS). When testing intrinsically non-linear materials such as carbon-black filled rubber compounds, FFT gives also significant odd-harmonics whose relative intensities growth with filler content. Fourier transform rheology has therefore the capability to truly investigate non-linear viscoelasticity but cannot at first sight distinguish between the non-linear behavior appearing upon increasing strain amplitude (extrinsic non-linearity) and the non-linear behavior that reflects the complex heterogeneity of the material (intrinsic non-linearity). Other data analysis techniques were thus investigated; for instance, the detail examination of the actual shape of half-period torque signals. It appears that torque signal distortions are different providing they are obtained either through larger strain amplitude tests on pure polymer or by increasing filler content.