Effects of BIMS structure on the properties of a tire black sidewall compound.

The tire black sidewall is the outer surface of the tire between its bead and tread that protects the casing against weathering. It is formulated for resistance to weathering, ozone, abrasion and tear, radial and circumferential cracking, and for good fatigue life. A blend of natural rubber and butadiene rubber is generally used in the sidewall along with carbon black, curatives and a high concentration of antidegradants to provide weather resistance (refs. 1 and 2). Secondary characteristics of tires, such as black sidewall appearance, have become increasingly important, particul