Evaluation of isobutylene-based elastomers in a model winter tire tread

摘要

The performance of butyl, chlorobutyl, bromobutyl, and brominated isobutylene-co-para-methylstyrene (BIMS) rubbers were evaluated versus a solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber with 20% bound styrene in model winter tire tread formulations containing natural rubber and butadiene rubber. Isobutylene-based elastomer performance was compared in carbon black-filled and silane-coupled silica-filled systems. Based on laboratory dynamic properties predictive of wet and winter traction, and on DIN abrasion index values, BIMS is the elastomer of choice affording increased tangent delta values between 0℃ and -40℃, and the highest DIN abrasion index values of the isobutylene-based elastomers. Evaluation of BIMS/NR/BR blends in model compounds show its utility as a tread polymer for improving winter performance.