Rebound resilience

Rebound resilience is measured using standardised tests. A body (e.g. a pendulum) strikes the material and the height of the rebound is determined. The result is stated as the percentage rebound height:

Rebound resilience (%) = (rebound height / initial height) × 100

Test methods

• Pendulum test: a pendulum strikes the material and the rebound height is measured (DIN 53512).

• Impact test: a defined load is applied to the material and the rebound energy is recorded.

The rebound resilience of a material depends on several factors:

• Material hardness: harder materials often have lower rebound resilience.

• Temperature: higher temperatures can increase elasticity, while low temperatures lead to embrittlement.

• Fillers: the use of carbon black or silica affects the energy return of the material.

• Polymer structure: crosslinked elastomers generally show higher rebound resilience.

Rebound resilience is a decisive parameter for evaluating materials in dynamic applications:

• Efficiency: materials with high rebound resilience return the absorbed energy efficiently.

• Comfort: elastomers with suitable rebound resilience offer optimum comfort in shock absorbers and cushions.

• Wear: good rebound resilience minimises energy losses and reduces wear.

Rebound resilience is a decisive factor in many industries:

Tyre industry

• Efficiency: tyres with high rebound resilience reduce rolling resistance and increase fuel efficiency.

• Ride comfort: optimised elasticity provides better shock absorption and less wear.

Vibration damping

• Vibrations: materials with controlled rebound resilience dampen vibrations and reduce mechanical wear.

• Mechanical engineering: use in engine mounts, suspensions and vibration isolators.

Construction industry

• Impact protection: use in floor coverings and insulating materials.

• Sealing: materials with suitable elasticity improve tightness and durability.

Factor	Influence	Example
Material composition	Polymer type and fillers determine elasticity	NBR has lower rebound resilience than EPDM
Temperature	High temperatures increase elasticity	Winter tyres vs. summer tyres
Degree of crosslinking	A high degree of crosslinking increases rebound resilience	Peroxide-cured elastomers
Ageing	Ageing reduces rebound resilience	Rubber hardens over time

Optimising rebound resilience requires a careful balance between different material properties:

• Choice of material: the right polymer base and fillers must be selected.

• Processing: even mixing and vulcanisation are crucial.

• Operating conditions: rebound resilience must be matched to the specific temperature and load conditions.

• How is rebound resilience tested? With a pendulum test (DIN 53512), in which the rebound height is measured.

• Which materials have high rebound resilience? Natural rubber (NR) and silicone have high rebound resilience.

• Can rebound resilience be changed? Yes, by adjusting the material formulation, the degree of vulcanisation and the fillers.

• Why is rebound resilience important? It affects the energy efficiency, comfort and service life of products such as tyres, seals and sports floors.

Rebound resilience is a decisive factor in evaluating and optimising materials for dynamic applications. It affects the energy efficiency, comfort and service life of numerous products. Through targeted material selection and processing, rebound resilience can be adapted to specific requirements to achieve optimum results.