Sustainable optimization of adhesion between rubber and textile
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SP SVERIGES TEKNISKA FORSKNINGSINSTITUT AB - SP Kemi, material och ytor, Borås |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 300 000 |
| Project duration | August 2016 - December 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
A literature study was performed within the prestudy. It identified potential alternative chemicals to RFL (Resorcinol Formaldehyde Latex) solutions, used to achieve adhesion between rubber and textile. None of those however constitute currently commercial alternatives to RFL. Laboratory tests showed that plasma technology had potential as an alternative surface modification technology to enhance the adhesion between reinforcing textile and rubber.
Expected long term effects
The literature study showed that no relevant and environmentally friendly chemicals are available on the open market to replace the RFL technology, which dates back to 1938. Results from laboratory tests show that plasma treatment of textile material improved the adhesion between textile and rubber significantly. The identified knowledge gap resulted in an application for a bridging project in which the expected result will be a new adhesion technology with improved environmental properties. This new technology will be verified by pilot- and full scale testing.
Approach and implementation
A literature study and an internal workshop were performed at SP. Laboratory plasma treatment experiments were performed at Swerea IVF. The plasma treated test specimens were evaluated at Trelleborg Industry AB. Our work shows that the research in this area needs to be strengthened. Therefore the pilot study resulted in an application for a bridging project together with relevant project partners.