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Recent developments in rubber processing, leading to new applications such as the “green tyre”
Author(s) -
Noordermeer Jacques W. M.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 1022-1360
DOI - 10.1002/masy.19981270118
Subject(s) - natural rubber , carbon black , materials science , compatibility (geochemistry) , filler (materials) , composite material , mixing (physics) , polymer , physics , quantum mechanics
Rubber articles derive most of their mechanical properties from the admixture of reinforcing fillers. Most commonly, carbon black is used as reinforcing filler. If silica is used instead, tyres made with such rubber compounds may exhibit a rolling resistance reduction by ca. 30%, which translates in substantial fuel savings of a car. Such silicas are far more difficult to mix with rubber than carbon black. Coupling agents are used as a surface modification of the filler to enhance compatibility with the polymer. Additionally they improve the ease of mixing with the rubber. The development of proper coupling agents combined with improved mixing techniques has contributed to the final break‐through of the silicareinforced “Green Tyre”.