Improved performance of silica- and carbon black- filled elastomers: a.o. the Green Tyre (TST.4489)

The objective is to systematically investigate the influence of various adhesion promotors for silicas and carbon black (reinforcing fillers), and to examine the influence of rubber processing parameters on the filler-matrix-coupling, via an experimental design. Silica-type fillers tend to give less hysteresis loss in tyres than carbon black and therefore now increasingly replace the latter. However the compatibility of silica fillers with the polymer matrix is low, causing the mechanical properties to be adversely affected. We will investigate the influences of processing-conditions during mixing, shaping and vulcanisation on the level of interaction between silica fillers, carbon black and the elastomeric matrix, and how these influence the end-properties of rubber articles like tyres, sealing profiles, etc.. We will use AFM to quantify the level of activation of the filler surface and to characterize the distribution of filler particles, in order to assess the quality of the coupling and the morphology, and will relate these parameters to the mechanical properties.
The goal of this project is to learn how to better control the coupling reaction, and ultimately to develop new coupling systems.

Accepted for publication in Rubber Chemistry and Technology:
Atomic Force Microscopy of Elastomers: Morphology, Distribution of Filler Particles, and Adhesion Using Chemically Modified Tips. D. Trifonova, H. Schnherr, L. van der Does, P.J.P. Janssen, J.W.M. Noordermeer, and G.J. Vancso

In preparation:
Variation of rubber-glass adhesion strength with silane concentration in solution. A. Ayyad, J.W.M. Noordermeer, G.J. Vancso

Er zijn vijf bedrijven en één instelling bij dit project betrokken.

Prof.dr.ir. J.W.M. Noordermeer
Universiteit Twente
Fac. Chemische Technologie
Werkeenheid Rubbertechnologie
Postbus 217
7500 AE Enschede