Influence of Plasticization of Isoprene Rubber on the Mooney Viscosity of Rubber Compound
The influence of the temperature T and time t of plasticization of isoprene rubber (SKI-3) in a closed laboratory rubber mixer on the Mooney viscosity (η<sub>м</sub>) of a rubber compound of the recipe of a truck tire breaker was studied. Empirical equations are obtained that allow calculating the η<sub>м</sub> depending on the viscosity before plasticization (η<sub>м</sub><sub>0</sub>), the initial mass average molecular weight of the SKI-3 M<sub>w</sub><sub>0</sub>, T and t . The experimental and calculated data are shown to be in good agreement. The η<sub>м</sub> changes most effectively at low t. The change in the nature of the influence of T on the η<sub>м</sub> is shown to depend on the value of T . Changes in the ratio of oxidative and mechanical degradation processes, as well as recombination, depending on the value of T are discussed. Linear equations connecting the values of η<sub>м</sub> and plasticity (P) of rubber mixtures are proposed. This allows calculating the P of breaker rubber compounds based on data on plasticization of SKI-3.