Rubber composites based on graphene nanoplatelets, expanded graphite, carbon nanotubes and their combination: A comparative study

High dispersion silica has recently become the preferred alternative to carbon black for low rolling resistance tyres. However, the combination of natural rubber with silica and a coupling agent remains a challenge, but also offers a tremendous potential for reduction of energy consumption of transport. This paper gives an overview of the recent studies on silica reinforcement in natural rubber (NR) and its importance in tyre technology. Recent work on optimisation of the mixing process of silica in NR compounds and the influence of non-rubber constituents such as proteins on silica reinforcement are highlighted. The utilisation of modified NR such as epoxidised NR, and deproteinised NR are the methods of choice to enhance the compatibility between NR and silica, as well as to minimise the interference of proteins with coupling agents. A better understanding of the problems encountered with NR/silica systems will facilitate the further development of silica technology for NR, especially for use in highly filled silica tyre compounds.

A Review on Reinforcement of Natural Rubber by Silica Fillers for Use in Low-Rolling Resistance Tires

Multifunctional behavior of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was investigated in a typical solution-grade styrene butadiene rubber (S-SBR)-based tread compound in connection with its potential as reinforcing filler as well as processing aid. Optimum physical properties were obtained when the loading of MCC was at 10% of the precipitated silica amount by substituting silica. The presence of MCC in mixes had shown reduction in Mooney viscosity. Peak-power consumption during mixing was also found lower for such mixes. Because of enhanced plasticity, it was possible to reduce aromatic oil dosage by 3 phr (equivalent to 18% of the original oil amount) to get the Mooney viscosity and physicomechanical properties comparable to those of the control compound.

Exploring Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) as a Green Multifunctional Additive (MFA) in a Typical Solution-Grade Styrene Butadiene Rubber (S-SBR)-Based Tread Compound

A new rotary tribometer to study the wear of reinforced rubber materials

Inversion carbon blacks and a method for their manufacture and disclosed. The inversion carbon blacks have a smaller rolling resistance with identical or improved wet sliding behavior. The particle size distribution contains a smaller proportion of particles with large diameters. This leads to an improved abrasion behavior of rubber compounds which were prepared using these carbon blacks. The inversion carbon blacks can be manufactured in conventional carbon black reactors by controlling the combustion in the combustion chamber in such a manner that carbon black nuclei form, which are immediately brought into contact with the carbon black raw material. The carbon blacks present a lower proportion of larger particles if the additions of combustion air and carbon black raw material are increased in an appropriate manner.

Inversion carbon blacks and method for their manufacture

Tyre material designers appear to be successful in obtaining both low rolling resistance and high wet performance, using precipitated silica together with solution polymers in tyre treads. There is still a need to improve rolling resistance further. Again, precipitated silica could be part of the answer. Compounding with precipitated silicas, particularly of high dispersibility, improves rolling resistance and other tyre properties of many parts of a tyre. We explain that it could be used there to help to meet new low rolling resistance requirements, not only in passenger tyres, but also in other tyre lines.

S. Touzet

Papers

Developments in silica usage for decreased tyre rolling resistance