The effect of various alternative filler granularity on the properties of elastomeric vulcanizate

This work deals with the influence of different alternative filler granularities or fractions (size) on properties of real elastomeric blend. Alternatively, the filler was subjected to a sieve analysis to obtain individual fractions of filler as well as to determine the ratio of individual fractions in a determined amount of alternative filler. The main objective was to evaluate the effect of the granularities on the basic properties of the elastomeric blend. Prepared elastomeric blends were studied in terms of their properties and vulcanization characteristics. The resulting vulcanizates were tested from the aspect of hardness and rebound resilience. In the case of commercially available fillers (e.g. carbon black), the granularity is a significant parameter affecting the properties of the elastomeric blends. From the results of tests for the prepared materials, it is possible to determine the most suitable granularity of the alternative filler for the preparation of elastomeric materials. In relation to given suitable granularity, the application of the basic alternative filler is not suitable to achieve better quality parameters. The results show a significant granularity effect of the alternative filler on the properties (hardness, rebound resilience, rheological, vulcanization characteristics) of the elastomeric vulcanizate.