The role of nanofillers on (natural rubber)/(ethylene vinyl acetate)/clay nanocomposite in blending and foaming

Nanocomposite foams were fabricated from 60/40 wt% ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/natural rubber (NR) blends by using azodicarbonamide as a blowing agent. Two different nanofillers (sodium montmorillonite and organoclay) were employed to study their effects on foam properties. The results were also compared with conventional (china clay)‐filled foams. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and three‐dimensional Microfocus X‐ray computed tomography scanning analysis were performed to characterize the EVA/NR blend morphology and foam structures. The results revealed that the nanofiller acted as a blend compatibilizer. Sodium montmorillonite was more effective in compatibilization, generating better phase‐separated EVA/NR blend morphology and improving foam structure. Higher filler loading increased the specific tensile strength of rubber foams. The rubber nanocomposite foam showed superior specific tensile strength to the conventional rubber composite foam. The elastic recovery and compressive strength of the nanocomposite foams decreased with increasing filler content, whereas the opposite trend was observed for the conventional composite foams with china clay. The thermal conductivity measurement indicated that the nanofiller had better beneficial effect on thermal insulation over china clay filler. From the present study, the nanofillers played an important role in obtaining better blend morphology as compatibilizer, rather than the nucleating agent and the nanofiller content of 5 phr (parts by weight per hundred parts of rubber) was recommended for the production of EVA/NR nanocomposite foams. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:134–146, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of the silica content on rheological behaviour and cure characteristics of silica‐filled styrene–butadiene rubber compounds

Rheological behaviour and cure characteristics of silica‐filled styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds and SBR compounds filled with both silica and carbon black with different silica contents were investigated. Rheocurves of the time versus the torque of the compounds showed specific trends with the silica content. For the compounds with low silica content (less than 50 phr), the torque decreased immediately after the steep increase at the initial point of the rheocurve and then increased very slowly. For the compounds with high silica content (more than 50 phr), the rheographs showed two minimum torque points; the torque decreased immediately after the steep increase at the start point of the rheocurve and then increased sharply before reaching the second minimum point. This can be explained by the strong filler–filler interaction of silica. The minimum torque of the compound increased slightly with an increase of the silica content up to 50 phr silica content and then increased appreciably. For the silica‐filled compounds, cure times of the t₀₂, t₄₀, and t₉₀ became shorter with an increase of the filler content. For the compounds filled with both silica and carbon black (total filler content of 80 phr), the cure times became longer with an increase of the silica content ratio. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Studies on blends of natural rubber and ethylene propylene diene rubber modified with phosphorylated cardanol prepolymer: Processability,physico‐mechanical properties,and morphology

The melt processability and physico‐mechanical properties of blends of natural rubber (NR) and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) containing different dosages (0–10 phr) of phosphorylated cardanol prepolymer (PCP) were studied in unfilled and china‐clay‐filled mixes. The plasticizing effect of PCP in the blends was evidenced by progressive reduction in power consumption of the mixing and activation energy for melt flow with an increase in the dosage of PCP. The PCP‐modified blend vulcanizates showed higher tensile properties and tear strength despite a decrease in the chemical crosslink density (CLD) index. This is presumably due to the formation of a crosslinked network structure of PCP with the rubbers and improved dispersion of the filler particles in the rubber matrix, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Thermogravimetric analysis showed an increase in thermal stability of the blend vulcanizate in presence of 5 phr of PCP. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5123–5130, 2006     

Silica‐modified SBR/BR blends

The purpose of this article is that the silica‐modified SBR/BR blend replaces natural rubber (NR) in some application fields. The styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) and cis‐butadiene rubber (BR) blend was modified, in which silica filler was treated with the r‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH‐550) as a coupling agent, to improve mechanical and thermal properties, and compatibilities. The optimum formula and cure condition were determined by testing the properties of SBR/BR blend. The properties of NR and the silica‐modified SBR/BR blend were compared. The results show that the optimum formulawas 80/20 SBR/BR, 2.5 phr dicumyl peroxide (DCP), 45 phr silica and 2.5 mL KH‐550. The best cure condition was at 150°C for 25 min under 10 MPa. The mechanical and thermal properties of SBR/BR blend were obviously modified, in which the silica filler treated with KH‐550. The compatibility of SBR/BR blend with DCP was better than those with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and DCP/BPO. The crosslinking bonds between modified silica and rubbers were proved by Fourier transform infrared analysis, and the compatibility of SBR and BR was proved by polarized light microscopy (PLM) analysis. The silica‐modified SBR/BR blend can substitute for NR in the specific application fields. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.     

A comparison of the properties of rice husk ash,silica, and calcium carbonate filled 75 : 25 NR/EPDM blends

The effects of incorporation of three different fillers, i.e., rice husk ash (RHA), silica, and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), over a loading range of 0–60 phr on the curing characteristics, processability, mechanical properties, and morphology of 75 : 25 natural rubber (NR)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) blends were studied using a conventional vulcanization system. Filler loading and type influence the processability of the blends in which RHA and CaCO₃ offer better processing advantage over silica. The best improvement in the tensile and tear strength and abrasion resistance of the 75 : 25 NR/EPDM blends with additional fillers was achieved when filled with silica. However, RHA and CaCO₃ were better in resilience property compared to that of silica. The RHA filled blends showed higher failure properties and abrasion resistance but lower ozone resistance than that containing CaCO₃. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that the morphology of the blend filled with silica is finer and more homogenous compared to the blend filled with RHA and CaCO₃. According to these observations, RHA can be used as a cheaper filler to replace CaCO₃ in rubber blends where improved mechanical properties are not so critical. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Properties of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr) blends: The effects of carbon black/silica (CB/Sil) hybrid filler and silane coupling agent,Si69

The recycling or reuse of waste rubber by means of blending together with polymeric materials in addition of filler such as hybrid carbon black and silica (CB/Sil) to a polymer system can provides an opportunity to explore alternative product specifications. Therefore, in this work the investigation of recycled rubber blends based on styrene butadiene rubber/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (SBR/NBRr) blends reinforced with 50/0, 40/10, 30/20, 20/30, 40/10, 0/50 phr of carbon black/silica (CB/Sil) hybrid filler treated with and without silane coupling agent (Si69) were determined. Cure characteristics, tensile properties, and morphological behavior of selected SBR/NBRr blends at a fix 85/15 blend ratio were evaluated. Results showed that, cure time t₉₀, minimum torque (M_L), and maximum torque (M_H) of CB/Sil hybrid fillers filled SBR/NBRr blends with and without Si69 increased as silica content increased. However, t₉₀ and M_L of SBR/NBRr blends with Si69 were lower than without Si69 except for (M_H). The optimum scorch time (t_s2) of SBR/NBRr blends with and without Si69 was obtained at 30/20 phr of CB/Sil hybrid filler. However, t_s2 of SBR/NBRr blends with Si69 were longer than SBR/NBRr blends without Si69. The incorporation of Si69 has improved the tensile properties [(tensile strength, elongation at break (E_b), stress at 100% elongation (M100), and stress at 300% elongation (M300)] of CB/Sil hybrid fillers filled SBR/NBRr blends. These properties were influenced by the degree of crosslinked density as the silica content is increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the tensile fracture surfaces indicated that, with the addition of Si69 improved the dispersion of hybrid fillers and NBRr in SBR/NBRr matrix. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Structure and properties of nylon 1010/ethylene‐vinyl acetate rubber–based dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers filled with SiO2

Dynamically vulcanized Nylon 1010/ethylene‐vinyl acetate rubber (EVM)/SiO₂ nanocomposites were prepared. Maleic anhydride grafted ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA‐g‐MA) and nano‐silica (SiO₂) was used as a compatibilizer and a filler, and silane coupling agent (KH550, 3‐triethoxysilylpropylamine) was used to improve the dispersion of SiO₂ in the nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and rheology analysis and mechanical properties test. SEM and AFM images showed that the compatibility between Nylon 1010 and EVM was improved by adding the compatibilizer. An increase in SiO₂ content and the addition of the compatibilizer led to an increase in the tensile strength of the nanocomposite. A nanocomposite based on Nylon 1010/EVM/DCP (30/70/0.8) with tensile strength of 16.3 MPa and elongation at break of 180% was obtained by the addition of 15 phr EVA‐g‐MA and 40 phr SiO₂. The non‐isothermal crystallization processes of Nylon/EVM blend were investigated by DSC. It was observed that EVM rubber could act as heterogeneous nuclei for Nylon which was more effective in Nylon/EVM/DCP blend than in Nylon/EVM blend. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:581–588, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of silanized silica nanofiller on tack and green strength of selected filled rubbers

BACKGROUND: Tack and green strength of filled and gum (unfilled) natural rubber (NR), poly(styrene‐co‐butadiene) rubber (SBR), polybutadiene rubber (BR) and (SBR‐BR) blend with different loadings of reinforcement agent, silanized silica nanofiller (Coupsil 8113), were studied and the results compared and discussed. RESULTS: It was found that silica was fully dispersed in rubber matrix after 13 min of mixing. In addition, with some exceptions for NR and (SBR‐BR) blend, filler loading decreased the tack strength of the studied filled rubbers. Green strength and Mooney viscosity increased with filler loading for all studied filled rubbers but with different rates and amounts. The optimum filler loadings for NR and (SBR‐BR) filled blend were 30 and 10 phr, respectively. Tacks of NR filled rubbers were much higher than those of synthetic filled rubbers. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that filler loading alters substantially the tack and green strength of the rubbers under investigation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of carbon black on properties of rubber nanocomposites

Polymer based nanocomposites were prepared using brominated poly(isobutylene‐co‐paramethylstyrene) (BIMS) rubber and octadecyl amine modified montmorillonite nanoclay. The effect of nature and loading of carbon black on these nanocomposites and the control BIMS was investigated thoroughly using X‐ray diffraction technique (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and mechanical properties. The addition of 4 parts of the modified nanoclay to 20 phr N550 carbon black filled samples increased the tensile strength by 53%. Out of the three different grades of carbon black (N330, N550, and N660), N550 showed the best effect of nanoclay. Optimum results were obtained with the 20 phr filler loading. For comparison, china clay and silica at the same loading were used. Fifty‐six and 46% improvements in tensile strength were achieved with 4 parts of nanoclay added to the silica and the china clay filled samples, respectively. N330 carbon black (20 parts) filled styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) based nanocomposite registered 20% higher tensile strength with 4 parts of the modified nanoclay. In all the above carbon black filled nanocomposites, the modulus was improved in the range of 30 to 125%. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 443–451, 2005     

Effective thermal conductivity of three‐phase styrene butadiene composites

Transient plane source technique was used for the simultaneous measurement of thermal conductivity and thermal diffisivity of three‐phase styrene butadiene rubber composites. Two series of styrene butadiene rubber composites were studied, having natural rubber as a variable filler in both the composites along with 10 phr of silica and clay, respectively. The measurements were done at room temperature and normal pressure. The experimental results show that there is a small variation in the thermal conductivity of both the composites with the filler (NR) fraction. It is interesting to note that the thermal conductivity shows a sharp decrease at 10 phr filler loading and then increases. The comparative study of these composites shows that the conductivity as well as the diffusivity of the silica reinforced composites is larger than that of the clay composites. The thermal conductivity of the filler NR has been evaluated using the Agari model. It has also been found that the composite with 40 phr of NR has the maximum thermal conductivity. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 1799–1803, 2000     

Interaction of silica and carbon black fillers with natural rubber/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) matrix by swelling studies

The interaction of a black filler and a white filler, which are extensively used in the rubber industry, with natural rubber/poly (ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (NR/EVA) blends vulcanized by DCP has been examined by equilibrium swelling technique. Blends loaded with intermediate super abrasion furnace black (ISAF) and those with silica (SiO₂), of same loading, have been used. The silica incorporated blends sorbed a higher amount of aromatic solvents, compared with the ISAF filled blends, when NR was the continuous phase. However, the silica filled systems showed lower sorption characteristics when EVA became the continuous phase. This has been explained in terms of the differences in the interaction between the filler particles and the blend components. The swelling coefficient, diffusion coefficient, and molar mass between crosslinks have been computed to complement the experimental observations. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:705–712, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Swelling and mechanical properties of (acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber)/(hydrogenated acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber) blends with precipitated silica filled in gasohol fuels

This work studied the effects of hydrogenated acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (HNBR) and precipitated silica (PSi) loadings in acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR) filled with 60 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) of carbon black (CB) for oil‐resistant seal applications in contact with gasohol fuel. The cure characteristics, mechanical properties, and swelling behavior of HNBR/NBR blends reinforced with PSi before and after immersion in ethanol‐based oils (E10, E20, and E85) were then monitored. This work studied the effects of PSi loading in rubber compounds on the mechanical properties of the rubber blends. The results suggested that the scorch time of CB‐filled NBR/HNBR was not affected by HNBR loading, but the cure time, Mooney viscosity, and torque difference increased with HNBR content. The swelling of the blends in E85 oil were relatively low compared with those in E10 and E20 oils. The recommended NBR/HNBR blend ratio for oil‐resistant applications was 50/50. Tensile strength and elongation at break before and after immersion in gasohol oils increased with HNBR loading, and the opposite effect was found for tensile modulus and hardness. PSi filler had no effect on scorch time, but decreased the cure time of the blends. The swelling level of the blends slightly decreased with increasing PSi content. The recommended silica content for optimum reinforcement for black‐filled NBR/HNBR blend at 50/50 was 30 phr. The results in this work suggested that NBR/HNBR blends reinforced with 60 phr of CB and 30 phr of silica could be potentially used for rubber seals in contact with gasohol fuels. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:239–246, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Reinforcement of maleated natural rubber by precipitated silica

Graft copolymers of maleic anhydride and natural rubber or so‐called maleated natural rubbers (MNRs) were prepared in a molten state with varying maleic anhydride contents from 4 to 10 phr. In this work, the filler–filler and filler–rubber interactions of the MNR and precipitated silica were investigated. The MNR compounds containing 40 phr of silica both with and without 9 wt % of silane coupling agent were prepared. By increasing the maleic anhydride contents, the Mooney viscosity and cure times were increased, but the torque differences and cure rate indices were decreased. Bound rubber was increased with increasing maleic anhydride content, indicating an increase of filler–rubber interaction. In case of the compounds without silane, the MNR with 6 phr of maleic anhydride showed the lowest filler–filler interaction as indicated by a decrease of storage modulus upon an increase of strain in the filled compound i.e., Payne effect. This MNR compound also yielded the optimum mechanical properties. It has been demonstrated that a use of MNR with appropriate maleic anhydride content can reduce filler–filler interaction dramatically and hence improve a silica dispersion, as confirmed by SEM micrographs, resulting in an enhancement of the mechanical and dynamical properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Interfacial Interactions of Silica and Natural Rubber Enhanced by Hydroxyl Telechelic Natural Rubber as Interfacial Modifier

The incompatibility between hydrophilic silica and hydrophobic rubber is an important problem on using silica in nonpolar rubber. In this study, hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber (HTNR) that contains hydroxyl‐terminated groups was introduced into silica‐reinforced natural rubber (NR) in order to improve the bonding strength between rubber and silica. The properties of silica‐reinforced NR compounds and vulcanizates as a function of varying silica contents were evaluated at a fixed HTNR concentration at 8% wt/wt of silica content. The results show that the improvement of silica dispersion and decreasing of filler–filler interactions (Payne effect) were obtained in the NR compounds and vulcanizates with HTNR addition. The enhancements in tensile properties, crosslink density, abrasion resistance, heat build‐up, and thermal properties of the silica‐reinforced NR vulcanizates with added HTNR confirmed that HTNR performed good as interfacial modifier of silica. In the study, the optimum properties of silica‐reinforced NR vulcanizate were achieved at 30 phr silica with 2.4 phr HTNR. However, HTNR still showed poorer efficiency than the synergy between commercial silane coupling agent, bis [3‐(triethoxysilyl) propyl] tetrasulphide (TESPT) and diphenylguanidine (DPG) when used in silica‐reinforced NR vulcanizate. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:291–303, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Bentonite as a reinforcing and compatibilizing filler for natural rubber and polystyrene blends in latex stage

Bentonite clay was used as a reinforcing and compatibilizing filler for natural rubber/polystyrene (NR/PS) blend via latex blending process. The reinforcing and compatibilizing performance of bentonite clay in the NR/PS blends were evaluated. The improvement of the mechanical properties of NR/PS blends with the weight ratios of 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30 was found with the addition of 3 and 5 parts per hundred rubber (phr) clay. The characterization by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) gave the evidence that the silicate layer was intercalated by NR and PS molecular chains. The morphology of tensile fracture surface by scanning electron microscope showed the separated phase boundaries of PS and NR blend and gradual disappearance with the bentonite content. This could be implied that the bentonite contributes to the compatibilization between PS and NR. The compatibilization action of the bentonite clay was also reflected by the shift of glass transition temperature (T_g) of NR to higher temperatures than those of the blends. These results suggested that the tensile and tear properties of the blends were controlled by compatibility between NR and PS. The most enhanced properties of blends were found with the addition of 3 phr bentonite clay. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1436–1443, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Reducing of heat loss of rubber compound using natural zeolite filler: effect of partially substitution of fillers on compound properties

The main objective of this work was reducing the heat loss of styrene butadiene rubber by partial substitution of carbon black with natural zeolite as a filler. Reducing the usage of carbon black in the rubber industry is a good strategy to decrease fossil fuel usage and global warming. There are different mineral fillers like silica and clay to be used instead of carbon black. Effect of application of natural zeolite on reducing the heat loss of rubber compound based on SBR was investigated by melt mixing of natural zeolite in rubber matrix in an internal mixer. Natural zeolite was selected as 5, 10, 15, and 20 phr. Carbon black was partially substituted with zeolite and the effect of natural zeolite content and structure on different aspects of the compound including heat buildup, hardness, elongation, and modulus were evaluated. It was shown that although cross-link density and mechanical properties of the compounds decreased a little, but a significant improvement was observed in the fatigue resistance of the compounds beside a favorable decrease in the heat buildup and abrasion loss with an increase in the natural zeolite loading. The rate of improvement in properties was slowed down at zeolite contents higher than 5 phr.     

Influence of interfacial compatibilizer,silane modification,and filler hybrid on the performance of NR/NBR blends

The effects of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) as a compatibilizer, silane in situ modification, and filler hybrid on the properties of natural rubber/acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber blends were systematically studied. Phase change with the incorporation of ENR was quantitatively characterized via atomic force microscope quantitative nanomechanics technique. The results show that ENR could greatly reduce the dispersed domain size and increase the interfacial thickness; however, this compatibilizing effect reached the limit when ENR content was 5 parts per hundred rubber (phr). If the content is further increased, the redundant ENR start to gather at the interface and thus form a third phase. The macroscopic dynamic performance measurement was well in accordance with the microscale observation; the blend with 5 phr of ENR presented the lowest heat generation. The results also revealed that silane modification could significantly improve the overall properties, which benefited from better filler dispersal as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. Finally, the effect of filler hybrid [silica and carbon black (CB)] was studied. It turned out that the blend containing 20 phr silica and 32 phr CB synchronously possessed high wet grip property, low rolling resistance, and high wear resistance, which makes it very promising for the high-performance tire application. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47421.     

Abrasion Property of Epoxidized Natural Rubber

The abrasion resistance of two grades of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 25 and ENR 50) and one grade of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) were studied using an Akron abrasion tester. An accelerated sulfur vulcanization system with 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) as the accelerator is used throughout the study. Carbon black (N 330), precipitated silica, and calcium carbonate were chosen as the fillers. The range of sulfur and filler loadings was from 1 to 5 phr and 10 to 50 phr, respectively. Mixing was done on a two-roll mill. Results obtained show that for all the rubbers studied, the volume loss due to abrasion decreases with increasing sulfur loading and passes through a minimum at about 3 phr of sulfur. This observation is attributed to the changes of cross-link types from monosulfidic to polysulfidic crosslink as sulfur concentration is increased. However, further sulfur loading would cause a “tight” cure, thus increasing the abrasion loss. For sulfur loading less than 3 phr, ENR 25 indicates the highest abrasion loss, followed by SBR and ENR 50. For the filled stock, minimum loss is observed at about 35–40 phr of filler. Reinforcing filler such as carbon black exhibits better abrasion resistance than calcium carbonate, a nonreinforcing filler. The abrasion loss increases at higher filler loading due to the dilution effect of fillers. Ozone plays an important role in the abrasion property of unsaturated rubbers, as reflected by the higher abrasion loss in the presence of ozone.     

Natural rubber/ethylene propylene diene blends for high insulation iron crossarms

This research studied the composition and behavior of natural rubber (NR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) blends at various carbon black concentrations (0–30 phr) in terms of electrical resistivity, dielectric breakdown voltage testing, and physical properties. The blends having electrical properties suitable for application in high‐insulation iron crossarms were selected for investigation of compatibility and increased physical properties. The effect of the homogenizing agent concentration on improvement of compatibility of blends was studied by scanning electron microscopy, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and rheology techniques. We also examined mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at break, and hardness. The NR/EPDM blends filled with a fixed concentration of silica were investigated for ozone resistance. A carbon black content as high as 10 phr is still suitable for the insulation coating material, which can withstand electrical voltage at 10 kVac. Addition of the homogenizing agent at 5 phr can improve the mechanical compatibility of blends, as evidenced by the positive deviation of shear viscosity of the rubber blend, that is, the calculated shear viscosity being higher than that of experimental data. Moreover, the pulsed NMR results indicated that the spin‐spin relaxation (T₂) of all three components of the rubber blend was compressed upon the addition of the homogenizing agent. The ratio of NR/EPDM in the blend to best resist the ozone gas is 80/20 with the addition of silica of 30 phr into the blend. Also, the NR/EPDM filled with silica had a decreased change in thermal and mechanical properties of blends after thermal aging. The synergistic effect of silica content and high NR content (80) in 20 phr EPDM could improve antioxidation by ozone in the absence of a normal antioxidant for natural rubber. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3401–3416, 2004     

Effect of adhesive‐coated glass fiber in natural rubber (NR), acrylonitrile rubber (NBR), and ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPDM) formulations. II. Effect of cyclic loading,abrasion, and accelerated aging

Treated glass fibers (RICS, 3 and 6 mm in length) were added at a concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 phr in natural rubber (NR), nitrile rubber (NBR), and ethylene–propylene–diene comonomer (EPDM) formulations, in both plain and carbon black mixes. The compounds were mixed in two‐roll mill and were evaluated for their resistance to hot‐air aging, abrasion, compression set, Goodrich heat buildup, De Mattia fatigue, and for NR mixes, adhesion in the tensile mode. The vulcanizates of the three rubbers showed resistance to hot‐air aging. Abrasion resistance was poor for NR, and it improved with carbon black addition in the presence of treated glass fiber in NBR. In carbon‐black‐added EPDM vulcanizates, the abrasion resistance and fatigue resistance were better. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1124–1135, 2004