Identification of Elastomers in Tire Sections by Total Thermal Analysis. I. Tread and Black Sidewall

Abstract

Abstract Total thermal analysis provides a reasonably accurate method for the identification of the polymers in tire treads or black sidewalls. DSC curves in nitrogen distinguish SBR, BR, or blends from NR or IR. Tg then distinguishes between these polymers, although confusion may arise in the case of blends of SBR/BR with a high proportion of BR. DTG curves confirm the findings of DSC and Tg. Thus, by combining all the techniques mentioned, it should be possible to establish the nature of the polymers with reasonable accuracy. The method is rapid, requires no sample preparation or treatment of the sample, and operator attention is not necessary once the experiment is started. An estimate of the proportion of carbon black in the recipe may also be obtained from the TG curve or by weighing the sample after DSC experiment in nitrogen.