Characterization of tension set behavior of a silicone rubber at different loads and temperatures via digital image correlation

This work aims to determine the tensile set behavior of a silicone rubber under different stress magnitudes and temperatures through digital image correlation implemented in an improved creep experimental set-up. Creep-recovery strains were measured with time at 20, 40 and 60 °C under tensile strengths of 98.1, 196.2 and 394.3 kPa, respectively. The behavior of creep and recovery strain with time at the different stress magnitudes and temperatures was successfully obtained by the experiments. The corresponding elastic and viscous components of the material for each condition were determined from the results. Overall, all obtained creep behaviors matched with the behavior of a four-element model of creep-recovery. The increase of temperature generated an increase of creep compliance at the three loads, but the increase of tensile load produced a decrease of creep compliance for the three temperatures. The strain was not recovered entirely in any case for the test time stated.