The nonlinear behaviour of cords to be used in rayon-rubber composites

In this work we investigate the mechanical behavior of polymeric single- and multi-ply yarns used as reinforcing materials in rubber composites employed in the tyre production. An extensive experimental campaign on rayon yarns has been conducted to identify the key aspects of the non-linear mechanical behavior of these reinforcements. Microscopic observations and monotonic and non-monotonic uniaxial tensile tests in different environmental conditions have been performed. A simple elasto-visco-plastic model is proposed to describe such behaviour.