Reinforcement structure for rubber articles and methods of preparation

Abstract

A reinforcement means for molded and extruded articles such as tires has a metal structure with a layer of silica gel bonded thereto. The silica gel bonds the reinforcement means to the rubber compound during the molding/vulcanization of the rubber compound without the need for a slow curing stage. The silica gel may be applied to the metal structure by a sol-gel process with the gel formed by drying the sol at a temperature up to 150° C. The reinforcement means is preferably a cable formed from steel wires coated with the silica gel. To further improve bonding of the silica gel to the rubber compound, an organosilane bonding agent may be included in the rubber compound or the reinforcing means provided with a second layer comprising an organosilane as a bonding agent. The reinforcement means are particularly useful for strengthening and providing geometric stability to tires.