Brendan Rodgers

Chapter 9 – The Science of Rubber Compounding

This chapter reviews both the types and the properties of elastomers, compounding with a range of filler or reinforcement systems such as carbon black, and enhancement of filler performance by novel use of compounding ingredients such as silane coupling agents. Other issues such as antioxidant systems and vulcanization systems are also discussed.

ALKYLPHENOL DISULFIDE POLYMER ACCELERATORS AND THE VULCANIZATION OF ISOBUTYLENE BASED ELASTOMERS

Abstract Vulcanization of isobutylene/isoprene copolymer (butyl rubber) using sulfur and organic accelerators is facilitated by the presence of the carbon-carbon double bond in the copolymer isoprenyl unit. The low number of unsaturated monomer units, usually in the order of 2%, has traditionally necessitated use of ultra-fast accelerators such as tetramethyl thiuram disulfide (TMTD) or zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate (ZMDC). Use of such accelerators can result in formation of nitrosamines which may be undesirable. There are a number of alternatives to thiuram and dithiocarbamate cure systems such as use of xanthates and phosphate based accelerators. Alkylphenol disulfide based accelerators also enable attainment of favorable properties when used in butyl and halobutyl compounds. Use of alkylphenol disulfide accelerators in butyl rubber compounds can allow improvement in reversion resistance, adhesion to natural rubber tire casing compounds, and aged property retention. In bromobutyl compounds containing alk...

Chapter 14 – Tire Engineering

This chapter discusses tire technology, a complex combination of science and engineering that brings together a variety of disciplines. In the development of a tire, knowledge in the areas of tire geometry, dynamic tire behavior, chemistry of component materials, and technology of composite structures is essential. The result is a broad range of products that satisfy vehicle manufacturers as well as end-consumer needs for optimum performance under a variety of service conditions.

14 – Tire Engineering

Publisher Summary A tire is an engineering marvel. Geometrically, a tire is a torus. Mechanically, a tire is a flexible, high-pressure container. Structurally, a tire is a high-performance composite built using elastomers, fibers, steel, and a range of organic and inorganic chemicals. Tire technology is a complex combination of science and engineering that brings together a variety of disciplines. In the development of a tire, knowledge in the areas of tire geometry, dynamic tire behavior, chemistry of component materials, and technology of composite structures is essential. The result is a broad range of products that satisfy vehicle manufacturers as well as end-consumer needs for optimum performance under a variety of service conditions. Three performance parameters govern a tires functions: vehicle mission profile; mechanical properties and performance such as wear resistance and casing durability; esthetics, comfort, and behavioral characteristics such as vehicle steering precision. The mechanical properties of a tire describe the tires characteristics in response to the application of load, torque, and steering input, resulting in the generation of external forces and deflection.