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Investigation of the Rubber-Brass Adhesion Layer Using the Olefin-Metathesis Method
For a thorough investigation of the rubber-brass interface and for further development a method is needed, where the generated adhesive layer can be released in a non-destructive way. However, due to the strong adhesive strength between the rubber and the brass coated wire, it is difficult to uncover their interface. A method, where the degradation of the rubber compound does not damage the adhesive interface, is based on the olefin-metathesis. Here the rubber macromolecules are cleaved in low-molecular weight components using a ruthenium based Grubbs 2ndcatalyst (“metathesis degradation”). After careful optimization of the reaction conditions, the rubber-metal interface can be exposed for detailed investigations using e.g. optical microscopy, focus variation microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX).
This method permits to investigate real rubber-brass interfaces although in the presence of large amounts of fillers and additives in the elastomer matrix. . Therefore, the olefin-metathesis method is promising for future studies in brass reinforced rubber technologies. This will be shown on the basis of selected examples.
References
[1] van Ooij W.J.: Fundamental Aspects of Rubber Adhesion to Brass-Plated Steel Tire Cords, Rubber Chemistry and Technology, Vol. 52, 1979, 605-675
[2] van Ooij, W. J.: Mechanism and Theories of Rubber Adhesion to Steel Tire Cords, Rubber Chemistry and Technology, Vol. 57, 1984, 421-456