Filler and mobility of rubber matrix molecules

Abstract

Filler surfaces in elastomers influence mobility of rubber matrix molecules. Mobility of rubber matrix molecules then determines elastomer properties and behaviour of rubber products in applications. Effect of filler in elastomer-filler system is usually characterized by different properties: Modulus seem to depend mainly on filler cluster size and filler network behaviour but effect of mobility of rubber matrix molecules is also evident. Bound rubber characterize fraction of rubber immobilized on filler particle surfaces, however, can be obtained only for uncured rubber-filler compounds. As it is shown in this paper, the permeability coefficient of permanent gas in rubber-filler system could characterize mobility of rubber matrix molecules around the filler particles and the activation energy of its permeation could characterize strength of physical bonds between the rubber matrix molecules and surface of filler particles. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.