Influence of Benzyl Ester Oil on Processability of Silica Filled NR Compound

Abstract

Modified benzyl esters from coconut, palm, and soybean oil were used as alternative rubber processing oil to replace distillate aromatic extract oil (DAE). The effect of benzyl esters on mixing, curing properties, polymerfiller interaction and Mooney viscosity was investigated in silica filled natural rubber compound. Benzyl ester oil was found to be effective processing oil with decreasing of mixing energy and Mooney viscosity. Furthermore, it was found that coconut and palm benzyl esters showed higher torque difference than the aromatic oil filled compound. Also, benzyl ester oil gave similar level of cure time and dynamic properties compared with the rubber compound with aromatic oils.