Solution Masterbatching Studies

Abstract

Hydrosolution masterbatching (HSMB) imparts excellent dispersion and improved pigment-to-polymer adhesion to carbon and oil masterbatches of poly-butadiene, SBR and blends of these rubbers. Tire tests show HSMB stocks to resist wear slightly better than like stocks mixed in a conventional manner. The HSMB process can be used to produce fully compounded vulcanizable tread stocks in which the stock is discharged continuously from a drying extruder. The dispersion and adhesion advantages of HSMB stocks are also noted in complete masterbatches. HSMB oil, black, and polymer masterbatches usually have higher viscosity, tensile strength, hardness, and dynamic modulus but lower resilience and reduced scorch safety, in comparison with conventionally mixed stock. Carbon black dispersion as revealed by light and electron microscope analysis is excellent. Experiments characterizing carbon gel and development of carbon black dispersion on HSMB stocks (vacuum dried), indicate the total effective molecular contact between elastomer and pigment to be increased, so that, in effect, surface area is increased.