Is a latex balloon's maximum strain independent of thickness?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the maximum strain of latex balloons and its relationship to latex thickness. It concludes that while increasing the thickness of a latex balloon may allow for higher internal pressure, the maximum strain before rupture remains constant, regardless of thickness. Theoretical calculations suggest that achieving a 1200% elongation in latex while maintaining structural integrity is challenging and would require experimental validation. Additionally, factors such as defect removal and adjustments to the curing system can influence the material's properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of material properties, specifically elastomers like latex.
  • Knowledge of kinematics related to isotropic stretching.
  • Familiarity with the curing process of latex materials.
  • Basic principles of tensile strength and elasticity in materials.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of thickness on the tensile strength of elastomers.
  • Investigate experimental methods for measuring maximum strain in latex materials.
  • Explore alternative materials with higher maximum strain capabilities than latex.
  • Learn about the curing systems used in latex production and their impact on material properties.
USEFUL FOR

Material scientists, engineers working with elastomers, and anyone involved in the design and production of inflatable products.

morganj2003
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Is latex balloon maximum strain independent of latex thickness?

I have been in search of a latex balloon that is relatively small when deflated and very large when fully inflated. Standard balloons that reach the desired inflated dimensions are much larger deflated than I would like. Specifically, I would like a balloon that can reach inflated radius of ~3'. Although, I want the balloon's deflated radius not to exceed 3".

Since I could not find an off-the-shelf balloon meeting the above requirement, I considered making my own balloon from latex. Perhaps if the latex was formed to create a balloon with ~3x the standard latex wall thickness, which would increase the maximum allowed internal pressure, I could meet my requirement. If the maximum strain of latex is independent of latex thickness, though, I don't think I will ever meet my requirement. A thicker balloon will require more pressure to stretch to a given dimension, but the maximum strain (stretch) before popping will remain unchanged. Is this true?

Maybe someone is aware of a material with much higher maximum strain than latex?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The strains are determined by the kinematics. If you assume a spherical balloon, going from 3" to 3' requires an isotropic stretch of 12 x in each in-plane direction of the latex. So the total area increases by a factor of 144. This means that the of the latex decreases by a factor of 144. Is a sheet of latex capable of sustaining isotropic in-plane stretches of 12x in each direction while decreasing in thickness by 144x? That would have to be determined experimentally.
 
Thickness is independent in a perfect world (defect free film). To get 1200% elongation with this material is (to pardon the pun) a bit of a stretch. Softening the cure system will increase elongation but at the expense of tensile strength (and possibly elasticity). Removing defects is key - a double dip could help eliminate pinholes but a thicker film could increase the possibility of defects
 
nr8209 said:
Thickness is independent in a perfect world (defect free film). To get 1200% elongation with this material is (to pardon the pun) a bit of a stretch. Softening the cure system will increase elongation but at the expense of tensile strength (and possibly elasticity). Removing defects is key - a double dip could help eliminate pinholes but a thicker film could increase the possibility of defects
You realize that this thread is 2 years old, and that the OP hasn't been on Physics Forums since then?
 
Chestermiller said:
You realize that this thread is 2 years old, and that the OP hasn't been on Physics Forums since then?
No and no. I was looking something up and came across this thread so thought I would contribute
 

Similar threads

Undergrad How Does the Balloon Analogy Explain the Expansion of the Universe?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
My balloon technology (the LDH honeycomb)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Graduate Estimating balloon internal pressure
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
How to calculate the time required to open a valve to inflate a balloon?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Understanding Stress and Strain: The Relationship Between Two Variables
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Compress helium in a CO2 cartridge
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Calculating Pennies Suspended by Balloon as it Deflates
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Graduate Gas in a semi permeable membrane - one for the gas experts
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Mechanical modeling of inflating a elastomeric balloon
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Modeling a kongming lantern (sky lantern)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K