Abstract
A method for assessing the resistance of rubbers to cutting by sharp objects is described. It involves the application of the cutting implement—a razor blade—to the tip of a crack in a stretched tear test piece. The method enables effects of friction on the cutting process to be substantially eliminated. Under these conditions two distinct forms of cutting are observed : one is a slow time-dependent process, while the other involves rapid, “catastrophic” failure. Effects of test piece shape and deformation on the cutting behavior can be taken into account by use of fracture mechanics. The relative cutting resistance of different rubbers is found to vary according to the test conditions. At low deformations the onset of catastrophic cutting can be defined by a simple relationship applicable to all rubbers examined.