Abstract
Filler dispersion is a critical component in determining material properties of a
vulcanized rubber compound. Various methods exist to determine the degree of dispersion
including mechanical, electrical and optical techniques. These methods vary both in
complexity and time required for testing. An automated reflected light optical method of
rating dispersion has been shown to be accurate and operator independent. Most often,
however, this method is applied to the cured rubber product. A new method of sample
preparation is described which allows specimens to be made from unvulcanized rubber
that are suitable for dispersion measurement. The experiment shows a good correlation of
the dispersion rating by this method to the work input of the mix, the Mooney viscosity and
Mooney stress relaxation and the dispersion rating of the vulcanizate. With this correlation,
then, the method allows the test to be applied to quality control of uncured rubber in
general and to the masterbatch in particular.
To obtain a full-text copy of this paper, please email Bob Samples or visit Rubber Division, ACS at www.rubber.org
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