Kautschuk Gummi Kunststoffe, Vol.56, No.7-8, 381-387, 2003
A new test method for fast, precise and reproducible measurements of filler dispersions in rubber
The dispersion of fillers in a rubber matrix not only determines the mechanic dynamic properties of the material but also often serves as a indicator for quality control of mixing and processing steps in the production of rubber articles like tires or technical rubber goods. Several methods for direct or indirect measurements of filler dispersions are described in the recent literature. Often these test are rather subjective and/or time consuming and seldom automized. Some methods have problems to assess Silica filler dispersions. As new methods for quantitative measurements of filler dispersions in rubber the Confocal Spectral measuring Technique (CSMT) as proven to be very suitable. The CSMT was recently mainly used for surface roughness measurement or the assessment and quality control of the micro-dimensions e.g. of wafers. The feasabilty of the CSMT for quantitative, objective and reproducable measurements of the dispersion of various fillers (carbon black, silica, gels) in different rubber matrices will be discussed. The CSMT plus image processing software is ideally suited for the assessment of filler dispersions.