Butyl reclaim in innerliner applications

Reclaimed butyl rubber is an important compounding ingredient that is widel y used in the tire industry. For innerliner applications halobutyl compound s are used for which partial replacement with butyl reclaim is possible. An increasing amount of butyl reclaim results in a lower air permeability e nabling the manufacturer to reduce the thickness of the innerliner. Aging r esistance of the compound is also improved; in particular the flex fatigue life after aging is increased considerably. The most significant processing improvement is better air venting during tire construction and curing. The results of a thorough investigation of increased butyl reclaim loading on the overall properties of various butyl compounds and halobutyl compound s will be discussed.