Effects of filler contents and processing parameters on the weldline strength of compression molded natural rubber

The presence of weldlines in rubber products is regarded as a one of the most undesirable phenomena, since it results in poor mechanical properties. Compression molding of large or complicated products are prepared by multiple charges, which produces weldlines once the melt fronts are joined by the impingement flow. In this work, the effects of curing systems, processing parameters, filler types, and contents on weldline strength of compression molded natural rubber (NR) were investigated. Furthermore, the effects of curing systems on the aging properties of NR vulcanizates were studied in details. The results show that an increased amount of calcium carbonate does not affect the weldline strength. However, the difference in tensile strength between weldline and nonweldline specimens becomes larger with the high loading of silica and carbon black. In addition, for the factors selected in the experiments, clamping pressure, and curing system were found to be the principal factors affecting the weldline property of vulcanizates. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011.