Improved Polymer–Filler Interaction with an Ecofriendly Processing Aid. Part 1

Abstract

Internationally there is a trend towards the use of ecofriendly materials in view of the environmental benefit and the improvement in properties. In the present work, the chemical and analytical properties of an eco processing aid and a soluble-zinc-soap-based processing aid (Zincolet PN60) were assessed. The two processing aids were also analysed in a styrene butadiene rubber/natural rubber/butadiene rubber blend based on tyre tread compounds. Compounds mixed with the eco processing aid exhibited better mixing properties, better polymer–filler interaction, marginally better filler dispersion and flow behaviour, and better heat build-up and fatigue-to-failure properties.