Studies in the Dispersion of SRF Carbon Black in Butyl Rubber
Abstract A simple method is described for producing different degrees of carbon black dispersion in elastomers under controlled laboratory conditions. Careful selection of milling conditions has made possible the preparation of stocks possessing variations in degree of dispersion, comparable to the wide differences noted in practice. A new technique is described for studying these carbon black dispersions in rubber by means of the electron microscope. Such studies show large differences in degree of agglomeration of carbon black in compounds made under simple variations of conditions. Representative electron micrographs are shown. Good correlation is obtained between these micrographs and light transmission measurements of dilute solutions of the compounds. Such photometric analysis provides a simple method for the measurement of carbon black dispersion in research or control work. The observed differences in degree of dispersion have an effect on the physical properties of the unvulcanized compounds. This effect was observed by means of the parallel-plate plastometer. The viscosity values obtained with this instrument show a direct correlation with electron micrographic observations. Some of the practical and theoretical implications of this study are discussed with reference to recent work in this field by other investigators.