Study on temperature dependence of loss function in a model cord–adhesive–rubber system

Abstract

Energy dissipation (loss function) measurements for characterizing adhesion using the H-pull test have been applied to the tire cord/rubber composite system and the relationship between the loss function and test temperature was also investigated. Test samples consisted of commercial nylon 66 tire cord, commercial resorcinol–formaldehyde–latex (RFL) adhesive system and NR/SBR rubber compound. The H-adhesion of cord/rubber samples decreased with increasing test temperature. The surface tensions of RFL-coated cord and rubber were determined using Young and Fowkes equations. Also the interfacial tension was determined using the harmonic-mean equation. Then the thermodynamic work of adhesion (W) was determined using these data. Finally the loss function (ϕ) of the adhesive was determined using the Gent equation. When the cord–rubber interface was heated, the loss function decreased. We have proposed a Weibull model equation which describes the temperature dependence of the loss function in a model cord/RFL/rubber system.