The Language of Rubber – Part 6 (Flex Resistance) - By John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant)

"Flex" refers to distortion force applied repeatedly to the elastomer (rubber) such as stretching, bending and compression. In rubber language, the rubber is being "fatigued", hence the result is sometimes referred to as "flex fatigue".

The usual symptom observed is surface cracking commonly known as "flex cracking". A good example is the characteristic surface cracking of an old tyre especially when it has been under-inflated. Other examples include shoe soles and beltings.

The "flex resistance" is compromised when the rubber is heavily loaded with cheapening fillers.

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