Mixing Process of Natural and Synthetic Polyisoprene Rubbers
Abstract The mixing process, in a Brabender Plasticorder with a cam-type mixing head, was studied with NR (natural Hevea rubber), GR (natural guayule rubber) and IR (synthetic polyisoprene) at two different temperatures (60 and 80°C), with three types of carbon black (EPC, FEF and HAF), each one at three different concentrations (30, 50 and 70 phr). Samples for analysis were obtained at six different mixing times. Development of mixing and dispersion was evaluated through the black incorporation times (BIT), energy consumption, and tensile properties, which have been correlated to the degree of dispersion determined by low resolution microscopy. BIT, Optimum Mixing Times and the energy consumed to reach those points are lower for GR and IR than for NR. Compounds obtained at Optimum Mixing Times show that GR has a lower modulus, similar tensile strength and higher elongations.