Application of the Measurement of the Dielectric Constant and Loss Angle to the Study of the Structure of Vulcanizates Loaded with Carbon Blacks

Abstract

Abstract In the case of vulcanizates containing carbon black the variation curves of dielectric loss angle as a function of temperature enable the Debye type absorption occurring in the rubber matrix to be distinguished from a supplementary absorption little influenced by variations in temperature and frequency which is characteristic of blacks possessing a structure. The experimental results obtained indicate no difference in physical or chemical state between the matrix occupying the space between the particles of black in a loaded mix and the vulcanizate of the corresponding pure rubber mix. The supplementary losses on the other hand seem to be closely related to the effects of structure in loaded mixes imagined by Mullins to explain the mechanical behavior of these mixes: they decrease very rapidly by elongation or swelling and give rise to various phenomena of hysteresis. It would seem that dielectric absorption could advantageously be applied as a nondestructive test revealing the colloidal structure of rubber mixes based on carbon black. Moreover the dielectric constant would enable information to be obtained on the form factor and the orientation of the particles or agglomerates of particles of black in mixes on the basis of a theory assimilating these particles (or agglomerates) to condenser armatures.