Dynamic viscoelastic properties of trans-1,4- poly-isoprene vulcanizate and its application in green tire

摘要

Trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI) is a crystalline polymer with a melting point at about 60℃. It can be turned by vulcanization into an elastomer which possesses the major advantages of low rolling resistance and low heat buildup. The results of DMA spectra shows that the rolling resistance of TPI vulcanizate is so far the lowest among all the rubbers used in tire compound, whose tanδ at 60℃ is only 0.07, 50% of that of SBR. When TPI was used together with NR, SBR, BR, both the rolling resistance and heat buildup decreased significantly. When TPI and high-vinyl-butadiene rubber (HVBR) were used together, rolling resistance had a decrease without any sacrifice of wet-skid property. Further tests demonstrated that 15～20% decrease of rolling resistance and 2.5% of fuel saving was obtained when only 20～25 phr TPI was used in SBR-based tread compounds, and the abrasion resistance (mileage) was improved as well.