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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/K68882/01
Title: TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING THE PROPERTIES OF RUBBER BLEND COMPOUNDS
Principal Investigator: Freakley, Dr P
Other Investigators:
Bradley, Dr R Sutherland, Professor I
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Cooper-Avon Tyres Ltd Vitacom Ltd
Department: Materials
Organisation: Loughborough University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 January 1996 Ends: 30 June 1999 Value (£): 158,007
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
It is proposed to explore the extent to which the microstructure and properties of rubber blend compounds filled with carbon black and precipitated silica can be predicted, modelled and controlled. The selected methods are manipulation of the elastomer rheology in the batch internal mixing process and the selective application of surfactants to the filler surfaces, for control of phase morphology and filler location/dispersion respectively. The extent to which the selected surfactants can influence the phase morphology will also be investigated. Development of models and predictive methods will be approached through fundamental characterisation of surfaces and interfaces and of elastomer rheology. The experimental scheme is designed to provide results for compounds with characteristics which are relevant to a broad section of the rubber industry and will thus enable the general capability and utility of the models and methods to be developed and evaluated.
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Organisation Website: http://www.lboro.ac.uk