Problems Concerning Adhesion of Steel Wire and Steel Cord in Rubber

Abstract

Abstract A research program, employing specially adapted techniques, was conducted on the bonding phenomena of steel reinforcements in rubber. Most of this work has a bearing on the problem of steel wire and cord in varying compounds. In most cases the metal-to-rubber bonding agent used was a copper alloy, especially brass. Some experiments were also made with nonmetallic adhesives. The influence of numerous possible variables of steel wire and cord on the adhesion in several well-defined rubber compounds was examined thoroughly. It was found that the compound itself played an important part in the process of metal-to-rubber bonding. Hence the research program was extended to the influence of rubber compounding on wire adhesion. The research on adhesion phenomena is far from finished. The reaction mechanism of bonding metals to rubber looks very complex. Both metal and rubber are responsible for the actual measured bond strength. Research on adhesion therefore appears to belong to the field of the metallurgist as well as to the field of the rubber chemist and the tire maker. A close cooperation on this problem might prove as fruitful to the wire as to the tire manufacturer. We should appreciate any information or suggestion that might be offered.