The Rheological Behavior of Wheat Starch Particulates Filled Uncured Styrene-Butadiene Rubber

This study treats one important aspect of starch-filled rubber compounds which is their rheological behavior. Starch-based SBR1712 masterbatches resulting from various formulations were prepared using a mini two roll mill and an internal mixer (Plastograph Brabender). The content in starch was varied from 0 to 50 phr. The effect of starch content on the rheological behavior was evaluated through the flow characteristics in the temperature range (130-160 °C) which matches that used in the vulcanization process. Four experimental techniques were considered to assess the mixing and the flow behavior of the materials: 1) Brabender mixer, 2) melt flow index, 3) capillary rheometer and finally 4) dynamic rheological properties through strain sweep experiments using a plate-plate rheometer. It came out that the four techniques used in the assessment of the rheological behavior of such materials are appropriate, complementary and successful. The melt flow index, and viscosity measurements indicate a resistant flow for the rubber and its starch composites. Even high temperatures do not seem to reduce the viscosity considerably. Nevertheless, small amounts of starch incorporated in the gum will ease the flow to some extent. The materials showed a pseudoplastic behavior, and storage made a slight change in their melt flow index. Morphological studies showed that the particles of starch were not destructed during the mixing and their interaction with the rubbery matrix is very poor.