Chloroprene rubber was blended with whole tire reclaimed rubber
(WTR) in presence of different levels of a coupling agent Si69 [bis-
(3-(triethoxysilyl)propy1)tetrasuIfide] and the cure characteristics and
mechanical properties were studied. The rate and state of cure were
also affected by the coupling agent. While the cure time was increased,
the cure rate and scorch time were decreased with increasing silane
content. Tensile strength, tear strength, and abrasion resistance were
improved in the presence of coupling agent. Compression set and
resilience were adversely affected in presence of silane-coupling agent.Aging studies showed that the blends containing the coupling agent
were inferior to the unmodified blends.