Reduced Hysteresis in Truck Tread Compounds by Using Aramid Short Fibers

Abstract

Abstract The preparation of an intricate engineering component can be accomplished by using aramid short fibers as the reinforcing medium of an elastomer, especially tread compounds with a target to improve hysteresis without sacrificing other performance properties. For many years short fibers have been used to reinforce all sorts of rubbers. Particularly compounds with relatively low fiber content have been successful in improving hose and belt performance. The use of aramid short fibers, for example, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide, PPTA (Twaron), poly-(metaphyneleneisophthalamide, MPIA (Conex) and co-poly-(paraphenylene/3,4′-oxydiphenylene terephthalamide, PP/ODPTA (Technora) have been explored in typical truck tread compounds with an objective to improve hysteresis, thereby reducing rolling resistance. This paper presents the results on our latest research in this area focusing on improvement in rolling resistance, heat build up, flex, and dynamic properties. Compounds have been engineered to improve the hysteresis characteristics with a positive effect on wear and tear resistance. Furthermore, the levels of fibers and their sizes have been varied to obtain best performance advantage. This paper will provide a snapshot of all advantages that can be obtained by addition of small amount of fibers, often in a way which is impossible with conventional particulate fillers or with other fibers.