Abstract
Various compositions of two component blends of natural rubber (NR) -polybutadiene rubber (BR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) - have been studied. Morphology and compatibility of blends have been investigated using optical and scan electron microscope in conjunction with tensile strength measurement of cured samples. Under all conditions of mechanical blending all two component blends of NR/BR, NR/SBR, showed a heterogeneous morphology at microscopic scale and were compatible at macroscopic level at all ratios. Blends of SBR and BR showed a homogeneous morphology under optical microscope, but distinct phase differentiation was observed using scan electron microscope. Investigations were also done on curing characteristics, physical properties of all blends compounded according to passenger tyre tread formulations. Extrusion behaviour of compounded blends has also been studied.
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