Compatibility of tire elastomers using derivative heat flow traces in the glass transition region

Derivative heat flow curves give much more information about the phase heterogeneity of binary blends composed of NR, SBR and BR elastomers thanT _g. In blend compositions, the areas under the derivative heat flow curves appear to be an additive function of the concentration of elastomers in the case of incompatible blends (NR/BR, NR/SBR). They are less than additive for either a partially compatible blend (uncured SBR/BR) or a compatible blend (covulcanized SBR/BR). In the case of 60/40 SBR/BR blends, a DSC (T _0.5) reveals a singleT _g, in conformity with the earlier investigators, whereas the derivative heat flow curve shows two peaks (T _p) indicating incomplete homogenization of the phases. This is a new observation not mentioned in the published literature. Thus, derivative heat flow traces are likely to provide a unique tool to determine compatibility of elastomers. The study also reveals the importance of sample contact with the DSC pan in quantitative determinations.