Influence of fluorine-containing lubricant on properties of NR/BR rubber

K95 experimental lubricant being a product of fluorine reaction with a blend of mutually soluble poly(fluorine alcohols) and poly(fluorine esters) with molecular weight 240–900 g/mol was studied as an additive for rubber compounds based on blend of NR and BR. It was thermally stable till 270–300 °C. For comparison, it was tested simultaneously with homogenizing agent, Struktol MS40. Lubricant K95 added in a quantity of 0.5 wt% reduced the viscosity of rubber compound; it also improved compound flow in the mold. Mechanical properties of cured rubber not decrease while resistance to abrasion and fatigue increased. K95 participated in forming strong physical junctions (lower molecular weight between junctions of thermally stable network) while Struktol MS40 reduced the networking degree of rubber. As a result, it acts a multifunctional additive for NR/BR rubber.