Effects of Filler Variations on the Rubber Compound Shear Thinning Profiles As Measured By the Capillary Rheometer

The Capillary Rheometer has been used in rubber technology for over 45 years.  Capillary Rheometry is a very practical way of studying the effects of increasing shear rate on the rubber compound viscosity.  From a given rise in applied shear rate, rubber compounds will decrease their viscosity as measured by the capillary rheometer under steady state shear measurements.

It is well known that different base elastomers can impart different degrees of shear thinning behavior.  This study concentrates on the effects of different types of rubber fillers, different filler surface areas (inversely related to particle size), and different filler concentrations on shear thinning profiles.