Why the Failure Mode of One Elastomer was a Slap in the Face

Almost everyone can agree on the failure mode of semi-crystalline plastics, but elastomers can be a bit more challenging. Trying to interpret a failure mode of an elastomer from a fuzzy photo is next to impossible. As a scientist looking for tangible evidence to tell a client, what options are available? That is when science and engineering mix. And let’s throw a cheap kid’s toy in the mix for fun. By testing multiple scenarios, we can recreate the failure sequence of an elastomer and characterize the failure mode. Through scientific testing, we can show that six-year-old boys should not be unsupervised while in the presence of a thermoplastic elastomer.