X-RAY COMPUTED MICROTOMOGRAPHY OF RUBBER

ABSTRACT In rubber science, X-ray computed microtomography (micro CT) is becoming an increasingly used technique to characterize 3D microstructures. As a first step, experimental methods, limitations, and data analysis are described. A review of published micro CT studies for rubber is reported. Examples of our recent works are presented, including investigations on samples or complex structures, for compact or foam rubbers. Micro CT is used to describe the evolution of microstructures relative to different processing steps, to environmental interaction, and to adaptation to a mechanical deformation. New insights and better understanding of damage mechanisms due to quasistatic, creep, and fatigue solicitations are presented from in situ micro CT experiments. Perspective studies are outlined.