Effect of Filler Type on Abrasion

To better understand the mechanism of abrasion, we examined a range of polymer types and filler types.  In particular, the effect of filler-polymer interaction on abrasion was examined.  We studied a series of model compounds, including four polymer types and three filler types.  The polymer types were E-SBR, S-SBR, bromobutyl, and EPDM.  This allowed us to examaine the effect of diene (unsaturated) elastomer versus saturated elastomer (BIIR and EPDM).  The fillers were carbon black, Agilon(TM) and silica with coupling agent.  The effect of the polymer-filler interaction was measured by DMA strain sweeps.  The abrasion resistance was measured with an angle abrader.  Thereby, the importance of polymer-filler interaction was evaluated.