Effect of radiation-crosslinked polyester particles on wet mixing coprecipitated rubber for green tire

Abstract

Solving the problems involved in processing wet mixing coprecipitated rubber is of great importance to develop high-performance green tires. In this work, the concept of polyester ball plasticized rubber is proposed to eliminate these processing difficulties using novel radiation-crosslinked polyester particles (REP). This paper describes a study of the effects of REP on the processability of wet mixing coprecipitated rubber compound and the mechanical properties of vulcanized rubber composites. Results indicate that REP lubrication untangles the rubber macromolecule during coprecipitated rubber processing; thus, reducing the Mooney viscosity and improving processability. Using 200 nm REP, the Mooney viscosity is reduced by 24% and the processing energy consumption is reduced by 10%. Additionally, REP can improve vulcanization efficiency and the mechanical properties of the vulcanized rubber composites. The application of REP in plasticizing coprecipitated rubber and reinforcing vulcanized rubber composites has theoretical importance in solving the problems of processing coprecipitated rubber and addressing the challenge of silica dispersal in tire tread composites for green tires.