EPDM and Chlorobutyl Blends for Tire Sidewalls
Abstract Laboratory data have shown that the performance of tire sidewall components can be significantly improved by substituting EPDM and halogenated elastomers, either alone or in combination, for a portion of the highly unsaturated polymers now in use. Blends of EPDM and general purpose polymers provide improved weathering resistance, especially static ozone resistance. Blends of EPDM, chlorinated polymers and highly unsaturated elastomers offer a further improvement in weathering resistance and markedly better resistance to flex cracking. Chlorobutyl has been found to be more effective than polychloroprene in enhancing the dynamic properties of these blends. The level of performance achievable by these blends is a function of the chlorinated elastomer concentration. Current Los Angeles outdoor tire test results indicate that 25% RHC EPDM blends with general purpose elastomers perform adequately as sidewall components in the bias ply construction. The more severe dynamic sidewall flexing of the bias-belted and radial constructions, however, appears to require a higher level of sidewall performance. For these constructions, the tire test results indicate that select blends of EPDM, chlorinated butyl and highly unsaturated rubbers should provide satisfactory performance.