Patent ID: 6790889
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: B60C,C08K,Y10T

Abstract:
A process for the preparation of a silica-filled, vulcanized elastomeric compound comprising the steps of:(a) mixing (1) 100 parts by weight of an elastomer; (2) from about 5 to about 100 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler selected from the group consisting of silica filler and mixtures thereof with carbon black, per 100 parts of said elastomer; (3) from about 0.1 to about 150 percent by weight, based on said silica filler, of an alkylalkoxysilane and an additional processing aid selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters of hydrogenated or non-hydrogenated C5 or C6 sugars, polyoxyethylene derivatives of fatty acid esters of hydrogenated or non-hydrogenated C5 and C6 sugars, and mixtures thereof; (4) optionally from one 0 to about 40 parts by weight of a non-reinforcing filler, per 100 parts elastomer; and (5) an effective amount of sulfur to provide a satisfactory cure of the compound, wherein said alkylalkoxysilane or said additional processing aid are first mixed with and supported on at least some of said reinforcing filler or said non-reinforcing filler prior to mixing with said elastomer; and wherein the minimal amount for said alkylalkoxysilane is about one part by weight; and (b) effecting vulcanization.