An Investigation of the Effect of Taurit Filling of Rubber Mixes for the Coating of Radial Lorry Tyre Breakers

Abstract

The results of investigating the effect of the shungite analogue Taurit (grade TSD) on the properties (measured on an RPA 2000 instrument) of a breaker rubber mix and of a rubber compound based on synthetic isoprene rubber SKI-3 are set out. Different methods of introducing Taurit have been tested: 10 parts into the rubber at the stage of its production; 10 parts into the standard rubber mix at the first stage of mixing; 10 parts into the rubber subjected to preliminary mechanical plasticisation in a laboratory internal mixer at a temperature of 100°C. The introduction of Taurit into the rubber in small quantities in order to reduce the proportion of rubber constituent in the rubber mix has also been tested. The test results have been compared with results for standard rubber mixes and rubber compounds. When Taurit is introduced into rubber at the stage of its production, the cohesive strength of the rubber mix and the rate of its vulcanisation and also the dynamic modulus components G′ and G″ are increased. When Taurit is introduced into plasticised rubber, again G′ and G″ are increased, there is an increase in plasticity, and the elastic recovery of the rubber mix is reduced. The breaker rubber compound from this mix has the best adhesion to metal cord and the highest dynamic strength. Data on the Payne effect indicate a better carbon black particle distribution when Taurit is introduced into the rubber at the stage of its production. Reduction in the proportion of rubber constituent in the rubber mix leads to a deterioration in the carbon black particle distribution.