Filler protection

The elastomers and elastomer blends used in tire compounds, and particularly tread compounds, are thus equally important to the structural design parameters of the tire (Table 4.7). A properly designed tread compound will ensure the tire can meet its performance targets. Tread compounding materials fall into one of five general categories polymers, fillers, protectants, vulcanization system, and various special purpose additives. Elastomers for tread compounds are typically natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polybutadiene (BR), and in some instances isobutylene based polymers for winter and special performance tires. 

Emulsion Adhesives. The most widely used emulsion-based adhesive is that based upon poly(vinyl acetate)—poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers formed by free-radical polymerization in an emulsion system. Poly(vinyl alcohol) is typically formed by hydrolysis of the poly(vinyl acetate). The properties of the emulsion are derived from the polymer employed in the polymerization as weU as from the system used to emulsify the polymer in water. The emulsion is stabilized by a combination of a surfactant plus a coUoid protection system. The protective coUoids are similar to those used paint (qv) to stabilize latex. For poly(vinyl acetate), the protective coUoids are isolated from natural gums and ceUulosic resins (carboxymethylceUulose or hydroxyethjdceUulose). The hydroHzed polymer may also be used. The physical properties of the poly(vinyl acetate) polymer can be modified by changing the co-monomer used in the polymerization. Any material which is free-radically active and participates in an emulsion polymerization can be employed. Plasticizers (qv), tackifiers, viscosity modifiers, solvents (added to coalesce the emulsion particles), fillers, humectants, and other materials are often added to the adhesive to meet specifications for the intended appHcation. Because the presence of foam in the bond line could decrease performance of the adhesion joint, agents that control the amount of air entrapped in an adhesive bond must be added. Biocides are also necessary many of the materials that are used to stabilize poly(vinyl acetate) emulsions are natural products. Poly(vinyl acetate) adhesives known as "white glue" or "carpenter s glue" are available under a number of different trade names. AppHcations are found mosdy in the area of adhesion to paper and wood (see Vinyl polymers). 

The apex (often referred to as bead filler) compound must be formulated for excellent dynamic stiffness to facilitate stress distribution and provide good car handling properties. The bead insulation compound must possess good adhesion to this most important component for enclosing the pHes of the tire and holding the tine to the rim. The chafer/rim strip compound protects the pHes from rim abrasion and seals the tire to the rim. 

Welding (qv) of titanium requires a protected atmosphere of iaert gas. Furthermore, parts and filler wire are cleaned with acetone (trichloroethylene is not recommended). The pieces to be welded are clamped, not tacked, unless tacks are shielded with iaert gas. A test sample should be welded. Coated electrodes are excluded and higher purity metal (lower oxygen content) is preferred as filler. Titanium caimot be fusion-welded to other metals because of formation of brittle intermetallic phases ia the weld 2oae. 

Flame retardants (qv) are incorporated into the formulations in amounts necessary to satisfy existing requirements. Reactive-type diols, such as A/ A/-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)aminomethylphosphonate (Fyrol 6), are preferred, but nonreactive phosphates (Fyrol CEF, Fyrol PCF) are also used. Often, the necessary results are achieved using mineral fillers, such as alumina trihydrate or melamine. Melamine melts away from the flame and forms both a nonflammable gaseous environment and a molten barrier that helps to isolate the combustible polyurethane foam from the flame. Alumina trihydrate releases water of hydration to cool the flame, forming a noncombustible inorganic protective char at the flame front. Flame-resistant upholstery fabric or liners are also used (27). 

Because nitrile rubber is an unsaturated copolymer it is sensitive to oxidative attack and addition of an antioxidant is necessary. The most common practice is to add an emulsion or dispersion of antioxidant or stabilizer to the latex before coagulation. This is sometimes done batchwise to the latex in the blend tank, and sometimes is added continuously to the latex as it is pumped toward further processing. PhenoHc, amine, and organic phosphite materials are used. Examples are di-Z fZ-butylcatechol, octylated diphenylamine, and tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite [26523-78-4]. All are meant to protect the product from oxidation during drying at elevated temperature and during storage until final use. Most mbber processors add additional antioxidant to their compounds when the NBR is mixed with fillers and curatives in order to extend the life of the final mbber part. 

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