Automatic recognition for cracks in aging rubber materials

Abstract Rubber materials are extensively used in the industrial sector, where aging is a critical factor affecting the performance of various rubber materials in industrial applications. After aging, rubber surfaces exhibit crazing, a type of crack that currently relies on subjective visual observation. This method suffers from issues such as subjective judgment bias, difficulty in dynamic tracking, and quantification challenges. This study proposes an objective and effective method for identifying and analyzing the degree of erosion of rubber surfaces due to aging. The results of this research provide an automated recognition scheme for a deeper understanding of the rubber material aging process, making it possible to record the dynamic process of crack propagation and establish a relationship between morphology and performance. Furthermore, it provides process data for developing strategies to improve the aging resistance of rubber materials.