Electron beam (EB) radiation curing-a unique technique to introduce mixed crosslinks in cured rubber matrix to improve quality and productivity.

Effect of electron beam (EB) pretreatment on tire components has been investigated. The technique proved to be incredibly useful for reducing curing time of thick rubber products in the press and enhancing or retaining the properties required by a tire. This unique technique can be use to incorporate mixed crosslink in rubber products. Investigations were performed both on experimental compounds and industrial compounds. Experimental compound study was limited to development of theoretical data, effect of particular ingredients on EB radiation curing, and evaluating optimum dose required for obtaining optimum properties and reduction in cure time. The same sequence of study was followed on the compounds of tire components obtained from a reputed tire manufacturer. Components of tire such as inner liner and tread were irradiated with optimum doses selected in line with the study conducted on the experimental and industrial compounds. These components were then used to build the green tire. Properties of compound and tire as a whole were checked and are reported in detail in the article. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]