Denka recently launched Evolmer, a new elastomer with outstanding performance benefits. This paper examines its properties and performance.

This paper shows how a torque rheometer system like the Thermo Scientific HAAKE PolyLab OS can be practically used to characterize the influence of different carbon black types on the processability of a rubber compound, and help achieve meaningful processing parameters on a laboratory scale that relate to the full-scale manufacturing experience.

Recycling rubber is gaining traction globally in efforts toward a circular economy. Beside sustainability, it also is recognized as a cost-efficient raw material in applications such as modified asphalt, virgin rubber blends and molded goods from ground tire rubber.

Some established RPA ASTM Tests are ASTM D6204, Part A, for low strain processability testing; ASTM D6204, Part B, for high strain processability testing; ASTM D6204, Part C, a variable temperature analysis for better characterization of curing properties; ASTM D6601, for in-situ curing and measurements of after-cure dynamic properties; ASTM D6048, for measuring stress relaxation of raw rubber or rubber compounds; ASTM D7050, for classifying natural rubber regarding processability; ASTM D7605, for characterizing TPEs and TPVs; and ASTM D8059, for using the Payne Effect to measure the quality of mix involving carbon black and/or silica.

Each of these methods are reviewed and compared.

Since the first discovery of ways of vulcanizing rubber for improved dimensional stability, mechanical properties and chemical resistance, sulfur continued to be analyzed to elucidate its role in the crosslinking process.

This paper is focusing on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for an in-depth analysis of the process, with an emphasis on ZnO crystallography/surface chemistry and its influence on sulfur crosslink process.

This paper will present an overview of curatives that are more eco-friendly but still appropriate and effective for various compound applications. Specifically, the area of reducing or eliminating carcinogenic nitrosamine-generating curatives will be explored.

This paper will describe the phenomenology of the interaction of tread enhancement additives with these polymer systems and characterize the magnitude of performance improvements.