Abstract
For the reinforcement system of rubber, Kawabata et al proposed a model with a super-network structure. Their model consists of carbon-black aggregate connected by extended chain molecules. They hypothesized that this super-network structure may be formed during rubber mixing processes that induce strong shear deformation. For reinforced rubber systems, the effect of reinforcement on the strain energy function can be represented by a third term called the γ function. This paper investigates the effect of various mixing methods on this γ function. Particular attention is given to solution mixing, which involves minimal shear forces, and would be expected by the above hypothesis to impart only a small reinforcement effect. However, the results show that solution mixing also has a strong reinforcement effect.
