Application of Electron Beam Radiation Technology in Tire Manufacturing

Abstract

Abstract Electron beam radiation is used in various industries for a number of reasons. In the rubber industry it is used primarily for its ability to crosslink certain polymers and thereby to provide either “green strength,” by causing partial vulcanization (precuring), or “elastomeric properties,” by fully vulcanizing (curing). Although the latter function has potential importance, the precuring function has more practical application at this stage in the development of the technology and is particularly valuable in the radial tire building process. The electron beam vulcanization, or precuring of rubber products, is usually accomplished continuously, on-line, at high throughput rates, following extrusion or calendering operations. This paper reviews the chemistry involved, the response of polymers, and the effects of compounding for electron beam radiation processes. The type of equipment used in the tire industry, the process variables, and the methods used to measure the energy input into compounds exposed to radiation are also described. As an example of the utility of this process, electron beam radiation of halo-butyl inner liners used in radial ply tires is discussed.