ABSTRACT
Inverse gas chromatography has been demonstrated to be one of the most sensitive and convenient methods for studying the filler surface, providing important information about polymer-filler interaction, filler–filler interaction, and filler-ingredient interaction, which is important for filler development, quality improvement, and understanding of rubber reinforcement. Technically, the rubber grade carbon blacks are classified by their surface area and structure. With regard to surface activity in terms of polymer-filler interaction, the argument arises as which carbon black is more active: higher-surface-area blacks or lower-surface-area blacks. The graphitization of carbon black at temperatures beyond 1500°C, leads to formation of a more regular graphitic crystal structure with only moderate alteration of gross morphology. Silica is another important reinforcing agent for rubber with volume of consumption second only to carbon black. In practice, the elastic response of rubber compounds is reflected in their processing behavior in terms of die swell and surface roughness of the extrudate.
