Natural rubber in automotive dynamic application

Abstract Natural rubber is widely used in automotive dynamic applications as engine mount or bush due to its mechanic properties. The first part of this paper gives a review of the main characteristics of natural rubber properties such as dynamic behavior, adhesion, fatigue resistance, creep…
Increasing under-hood temperature is a trend in today’s automotive market.  Therefore temperature requirements have moved from 75°c to reach 100°c now. This temperature increase brings about changes in the curing system of natural rubber and the evolutions of curing system, from conventional sulfur to efficient curing system are reviewed in the second part. 
To anticipate higher temperatures, Hutchinson has developed a new natural rubber compound called “ SHTC ” ( Super High Temperature Compound ) for 115°c class, which brings better compression set , good ageing resistance , good fatigue resistance and dynamic properties .
This new concept allows for technical levels never reached with natural rubber.