Migration of Filler and Vulcanization Agents in Immiscible Rubber Blends

In recent years polymer blends due to the technological importance for achieving the desired material is provided fascinating field for research and industrial activities. Extensive growth of polymer blends especially rubber blends are due to achieving a variety of benefits, including control of processing and production costs. This research is focused on the migration of additives include fillers and vulcanization agents in rubber blends. In this context, the factors affecting the migration of traditional fillers such as carbon black, silica and calcium carbonate as well as migration of vulcanization agents between the phases are discussed. Mechanism for the transfer and migration of additives and also the importance of migration phenomenon and controlling of migration in rubber blends is discussed. Changes in mechanical properties due to the migration of fillers and vulcanization agents in rubber blends reviewed and strategies for controlling the migration of these materials are presented. In this research covulcanization in rubber blends as a key factor in the migration phenomenon has also been considered. Crosslink network formation at the interface is one of the most essential items to improve the mechanical properties of the product. Crosslink formation at the interface is only possible when curing rate is the same on both rubbers. Viscosity difference between components can be effect on the distribution of additives in the blend. Fillers tend to migrate to the lower viscosity phase in the blend. For less than the critical amount of filler, the filler is distributed only in the phase with lower viscosity. In filled rubber blends, polymers with lower viscosity will accommodate more filler content. This paper presents examples of the phenomenon of migration in different rubber blends including special purpose elastomers and general purpose elastomers will give a new perspective for researchers and industrialists.