Biomimetic synthetic rubber vs. natural rubber - Strain induced crystallization and abrasion resistance

摘要

Results of the collaborative research project "Biomimetic Synthetic Rubber - BISYKA" of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will be presented. Main goal of this project was to develop a biomimetic synthetic rubber with mechanical properties similar to those of natural rubber. The project has focused in particular on synthetic polyisoprene rubber materials with improved strain-induced crystallization (SIC). This property is currently unique to natural rubber and confers favorable properties on the natural rubber based compounds that are commonly used to manufacture truck tires. The laboratory method used to quantify the degree of strain induced crystallization in various synthetic rubbers investigated during the project is described and relevant SIC parameters are compared with those of natural rubber. The results of comparative laboratory abrasion tests on an optimized biomimetic synthetic rubber and natural rubber are also presented. Finally, we report the results of the first tests on tires with treads made from BISYKA rubber and natural rubber based compounds. The test results clearly indicate that similar performance parameters can be achieved if the natural rubber in tire tread compounds is replaced by the biomimetic synthetic rubber developed in this Fraunhofer research project.