Changes in the chemical structure of natural rubber tyre vulcanisates in service

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<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The chemical structure of tread vulcanisates in heavy duty tyres was examined when the tyres were new, after they had been rig‐tested under conditions designed to induce tread‐lift and after they had had service on the road. Considerable changes occurred near the breaker edge; these included a marked decrease in the concentration of polysulphide crosslinks, an increase in the concentration of monosulphide crosslinks, and an increase in the amount of sulphur bound to the rubber network in main‐chain modifications. Experiments with laboratory‐prepared vulcanisates indicated that the structural alterations in the tyres were due to thermal anaerobic reactions induced by heat build‐up and that they may lead to a deterioration in the durability of the tread vulcanisate. Tyre performance may be improved by reducing heat build‐up and/or increasing the thermal stability of the rubber network. The latter could be achieved by the use of modified forms of conventional vulcanisation recipes, or efficient vulcanisation systems that produce thermally stable monosulphide crosslinks.</jats:p>

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