Page 74 - 《橡塑技术与装备》英文版2026年2期

HINA R&P TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT

Application of a new rubber processing aid in semi-steel tire tread

Zhang Jinyang, Liu Pu, Peng Liang, Xu Jizhi
(Bayi Rubber Co. LTD., Zaozhuang 277800, Shandong, China)

Abstract: This article primarily investigates the application of rubber processing aids produced by
Rhine Chemicals (Qingdao) Co. LTD. in tire tread formulations. The results indicate that when 2.5 parts of
processing aid PP are added to the tire tread formulation, the Mooney viscosity of the tread compound
can be effectively reduced by 6 to 10 values without significantly affecting the physical properties of the
tread compound. At the same time, during the extrusion production of tread half-components, the molding
temperature of the components decreases by approximately 3 °C. For multi-stage mixing formulations, the
use of rubber processing aids can reduce the number of mixing stages and enhance efficiency, effectively
improving production efficiency and reducing production costs. The only minor drawback is a slight decrease
in carbon black dispersion.
Key words: semi-steel; rubber processing aid; tread; Mooney viscosity
Classification number: TQ32 Article number: 1009-797X(2026)02-0030-05
Document code: B DOI:10.13520/j.cnki.rpte.2026.02.009

Mooney viscosity is a key indicator for measuring and ensure process stability and product quality consistency.
the processing performance of rubber, directly reflecting To achieve a reasonable Mooney viscosity, some rubber
the molecular weight and plasticity of rubber. Its value has compounds require multi-stage mixing, which to some extent
a significant impact on the processing technology and the affects production efficiency, occupies tooling, and increases
performance of the final product. When the Mooney viscosity production costs.
is too high, it usually indicates that the molecular weight of The processing aid PP used in this article is a new type
rubber is relatively large and the molecular weight distribution of processing aid produced by Rhine Chemicals (Qingdao)
is relatively wide, resulting in poor fluidity and high viscosity Co., Ltd. Its main component is a saturated fatty acid zinc salt,
of the rubber compound. This makes it difficult to mix evenly, which acts as a lubricant between rubber molecular chains,
extrude, or calender during processing, prone to issues such enhancing the mobility of rubber macromolecular chains,
as increased energy consumption and aggravated equipment ultimately improving the fluidity of the rubber compound
wear, and may even cause processing difficulties or product and reducing Mooney viscosity. Rhine Plastic PP is used in
defects. When the Mooney viscosity is too low, it indicates that tread rubber, which can increase the tread extrusion speed,
the molecular weight is relatively small and the distribution is improve the dimensional stability of the extruded semi-finished
relatively narrow. Although the fluidity of the rubber compound products, and significantly reduce the air voids in the extruded
is good and it is easy to process and shape, the crosslinking tread cross-section. This work mainly studies the application
density after vulcanization may be insufficient, leading to low effect of Rhine processing aid PP in tire tread formulations.
tensile strength, poor wear resistance, or decreased dimensional
stability of the product, affecting the mechanical properties and 1 Experiment
service life of the product. Therefore, the reasonable control
of Mooney viscosity values needs to be balanced according Biography: Zhang Jinyang (1988-), male, is an assistant engineer,
to specific processing techniques and product performance mainly engaged in research on radial tire production processes and product
quality management.
requirements, in order to optimize the formulation design

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