In situ coupled mechanical/electrical/WAXS/SAXS investigations on ethylene propylene diene monomer resin/carbon black nanocomposites

In situ coupled mechanical/electrical/WAXS/SAXS investigations on EPDM-based composite materials filled with carbon black (CB) have been performed under uniaxial tensile stretching. The time-resolved correlation between the electrical conductivity and microstructural state of reveals mechanisms governing structure/properties relationships increasing deformation: orientation EPDM chains reorganization CB network ultimately, nano-cavitation. This involvement different phenomena offers a comprehensive picture underlying non-monotonic evolution strain. At large deformations, formation nanovoids preceding material fracture induces by significant decrease in conductivity. Our study thus brings new light conductivity/strain elastomers. We envision potential applications developing smart rubber where changes rupture can be monitored measurements.