Abstract
In a series of cross-breaking tests carried out on hard rubber during hot weather, the values of the breaking elongation were higher than was expected, although the cross-breaking strength was of the usual order. It was thought that the high temperature might account for these results by making the hard rubber more plastic. The following experiments were, therefore, performed to investigate the effect of small changes of temperature, such as are encountered at different times of the year, on the cross-breaking strength and elongation. Test-pieces of standard size (75 × 25 × 5 mm.) were cut from a sheet of hard rubber of the composition: 68 per cent rubber, 32 per cent sulfur, which had been vulcanized for 5 hours at 155° C. They were immersed in a beaker of water and kept at the required temperature for about 15 minutes, when they were judged to have attained a steady temperature. The tests were carried out on an Avery fabric-testing machine fitted with special clamps to give a three-point loading test, the distance between the supporting knife-edges being 50.4 mm. (2 in.). These clamps were heated to the temperature of the specimens by means of an electric radiator. The specimens were tested as soon as possible after they had been removed from the water, so that the change of temperature during the test was reduced as far as possible. The standard conditions already laid down, were observed.