The Goodyear & Tire Rubber Company

Pawan K Handa

Richard G Bauer

Martin Paul Cohen

Vetkav Rajagopalan Eswaran

Christopher Kiehl

Fredrick Lewis Magnus

Gordon R Schorr

James B Pyke

Vetkav R Parameswaran

Colleen Marie Lansinger

A method of making silica loaded elastomer masterbatches or compounded productive elastomer stocks with or without the simultaneous extrusion of component profiles is provided. A twin-screw extruder is used to mix the elastomeric stock in multiple mixing zones at controlled temperatures in which a concurrent chemical reaction takes place between the silica coupler, the silica, and/or the diene based elastomer. Silica, elastomer, silica coupler, and other ingredients are fed into the twin screw extruder continuously through precise loss-in-weight or volumetric feeders. Chemical reactions(s) in the elastomer/silica based composition take place within the twin-screw extruder while the composition is mixing. The product is forced through a profile die mounted at the exit of the extruder and formed into the shape of the desired component. The maximum rate of mixing tends to be a function of the heat transfer efficiency, the conveying capacity of the screws, and the mechanical strength of the extruder.

Continuous mixing of silica loaded elastomeric compounds

An elastomer masterbatch or a compounded productive elastomer stock is made using a twin screw extruder to mix elastomer components in multiple mixing zones at controlled temperatures. Elastomer and other ingredients are fed into the twin screw extruder continuously through precise loss-in-weight or volumetric feeders. The degradation temperature and/or cross linking temperature of the elastomer determines the rate at which the elastomer can be processed, since friction created during mixing heats the elastomer. Accordingly, the maximum rate of compounding is a function of the torque limit, cooling efficiency, and conveying capacity of the extruder. The conveying capacity and torque limit are also a function of the size of the extruder. The viscosity of the elastomer compound in the extruder, as measured by a Mooney viscosimeter (ASTM D1646), is typically in the range of about 20 to 250 units (ML(1+4)100C).

Continuous mixing of elastomeric compounds

It is desirable to increase the modulus of rubbers utilized in a wide variety of applications. This invention discloses a technique for modifying rubbers to improve their modulus without sacrificing other properties. The subject invention more specifically relates to a process for preparing a rubber composition having a high modulus which comprises reacting maleic anhydride with at least one polydiene rubber and at least one nylon.

High modulus rubber composition

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Akron, OH, United States of America

Pawan K Handa