Patent ID: 6093271
Filing Date: 2000-07-25
Classification: B29D,B60C

Abstract:
A process for coloring an opaque non-black rubber component of a pneumatic tire, said process comprising:a) compounding and mixing a non-black rubber compound including at least 50 PHR of a copolymer having at least 50 weight percent repeating units from a monoisoolefin of 4 to 7 carbon atoms;b) applying a dye mixed with at least one low molecular weight rubber plasticizing additive, wherein said additive is a liquid, at temperatures in the range of about 20.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C., to at least one external surface of said rubber compound prior to curing said rubber compound to form a colored rubber compound substantially without the use of a volatile organic solvent;c) assembling said colored rubber compound into an uncured pneumatic tire; andd) molding and crosslinking said pneumatic tire thereby producing a tire with at least one colored non-black rubber component.