Systematization and morphological analysis of rubber membranes

Increasing of the competitiveness of rubber membranes is determined both by their quality, reliability and durability, and by the time required to create a new product. Therefore, researchers need to have a clear picture of current and perspective areas of exploration, as well as the creation and using of rubber membranes. In this work, a systemic-functional analysis was carried out that revealed the functions of rubber membranes, the classification and their characteristic features. The main aspects of the rubber membranes classification are: the principle of action (direct action membranes, designed to convert pressure changes into displacement, and inverse action membranes, designed to convert movement into pressure changes are distinguished), the purpose and conditions of use (allocate power, compensation, pumping and damping are distinguished), as well as design features (flat, convoluted, dished, conical, envelope-shaped, spherical are distinguished). A matrix of interconnected classification features was compiled: purpose, application conditions, and design features with indicators such as strength, elasticity, large reversible strains, tear resistance, fatigue endurance, chemical inertness, oil resistance, gas impermeability, durability, low toxicity and low cost. A morphological analysis of possible technical solutions in the design and creation of rubber membranes through the use of various rubbers has been performed. The concretization of the morphological analysis of possible technical solutions in relation to classification criteria shows the necessity of a combination of rubbers to obtain rubbers with specified technical properties and the possibility of expanding the range of analyzed rubbers for developing promising technological solutions.