Rubber Cavitation

Mechanical Strain

Deformation of elastomers under stress forces the molecular chains to rearrange rapidly. When rubber cavitation develops, the energy dissipation shifts from elastic recovery to permanent structural change. Excessive stretching near rigid fillers or crosslinks initiates these failures, which grow under repeated load cycles.

Small internal breaks accumulate until the polymer loses its ability to return to its original shape.

Moulding Control

Injection parameters influence the stability of the final product by managing how materials react to thermal gradients. High cooling rates trap internal stresses that accelerate rubber cavitation during subsequent use or secondary machining. Moulders mitigate this risk by adjusting injection speed and pack pressures to ensure uniform packing throughout the part geometry.

Consistent control of these variables prevents internal porosity that weakens moulded components.

Process Economics

Virgin materials exhibit higher resistance to internal fracturing than recycled grades due to longer chain lengths and fewer contaminants. Moulders face higher scrap rates when regrind content rises, as particles interfere with the uniform distribution of stress during curing. Excessive internal voids force frequent tool maintenance or total component rejection after quality assurance testing.

Dense crosslinked networks retain their mechanical properties longer by preventing the growth of small internal tears.