Blends of nitrile rubber and reclaimed rubber containing different levels of a
coupling agent, Si 69 (bis(3- triethoxysilyl propyl)(tetrasulphide) were prepared
and the cure characteristic's and mechanical properties were studied. Optimum
loading of Si-69 was found to be a function of blend ratio. 3 phi- of Si 69 in a
70:30. Blend was found to be the optimum combination with respect to the
mechanical properties. The rate and state of cure were also affected bv the
conp/ing agent. Tensile strength, tear strength and abrasion resistance were
improved in the presence of coupling agent. While the state of cure improved,
the cure rate and scorch time decreased with increasing silane content. Ageing
studies showed that the blends containing the coupling agent were inferior to
the unmodified blends.
Mechanical properties and thermal degradation characteristics of natural rubber compounds
captaining coconut oil were compared with that of a control compound containing naphthenic oil.
Cure time was marginally lower in the case of coconut oil mixes, probably due to the presence of
free fatty acids. Tensile strength , tear strength, resilience and abrasion resistance were better than
the naphthenic oil-based compounds . Compression set and hardness were marginally inferior
The coconut oil mixes had a crosslink density comparable to that of the reference compound.
Thermal studies showed that the temperature of initiation of degradation was increased by 10°C
and the temperature at which the peak rate of degradation occured was increased by 7°C. The
peak rate of degradation was compa rable to the control compound.