Interfaces Between Rubber and Metallic or Textile Tire Cords

Bonding metal and textile components to rubber has always posed a problem. In this paper, an attempt had been made to modify textile and metal surfaces for bonding with rubber. The metal surfaces were modified using silane coupling agents and textile fibers were modified using plasma polymerization techniques. Some results on adhesion of metals to a range of sulfur-cured rubber compounds using a combination of organofunctional silanes are given here. The treatment was not only effective for high-sulfur compounds but also for low-sulfur com pounds as used in engine mounts and even for some semi-EV compounds. Coatings of plasmapolymerized pyrrole or acetylene were deposited on aramid and polyester tire cords. Standard pull-out force adhesion measurements were used to determine adhesion of tire cords to rubber compounds. The plasma coatings were characterized by various techniques and the performance results are explained in an interpenetrating network model.