The influence of carbon black on the extrusion characteristics and rheological properties of elastomers: Polybutadiene and butadiene–styrene copolymer

Abstract

Abstract An experimental study of the influence of carbon black loading, particle size, and structure on the extrusion characteristics of polybutadiene and butadiene–styrene copolymer synthetic rubber is described. The development of extrudate distortion and its mechanisms are considered. The viscosity and die swell have been related to black loading, particle size, and structure. Generally, it is found that black surface area and structure acts to increase viscosity and decrease elastic memory. This situation is analyzed in terms of the theory of nonlinear viscoelasticity. Two mechanistic theories are described which may explain this behavior. One theory is based on the continuum mechanics analysis of suspensions of particles in viscoelastic media. The rheological behavior of the black compounds is explained in terms of the increased severity of deformation in the polymer matrix surrounding the particle agglomerates. The second theory is based on the view of an entanglement network containing black particles. Polymer chains may be adsorbed onto the surface giving rise to increased entanglement densities.