What Makes Rubber So Strong? Scientists Finally Solve 100-Year-Old Mystery

USF researchers found why carbon black dramatically strengthens rubber, resolving a decades-long materials science debate.

Large-scale molecular simulations showed the key is a Poisson’s ratio mismatch that makes rubber resist volume change when stretched.

The result explains a foundational industrial material and could reduce trial and error in designing tires, seals, and medical products.

The study, led by David Simmons and published in PNAS, has direct implications for the tire industry and other rubber applications.