This invention relates to preparation and use of a rubber/carbon black
composite comprised of at least one elastomer which contains a dispersion
therein of carbon black aggregates. Such carbon black is formed by
preparing a pre-blend comprised of uncompacted carbon black aggregates and
oil and/or aqueous latex of, preferably, a low molecular weight
diene-based elastomer particles, followed by blending said pre-blend with
an aqueous emulsion of diene-based elastomer particles and/or with an
organic solution of a diene-based elastomer, and/or with solid diene-based
elastomers, and recovery therefrom of a solid rubber/carbon black
composite comprised of said diene-based elastomer, (which may include
butyl rubber, EPDM rubber and thermoplastic polymers), which contains a
dispersion therein of said carbon black aggregates having an apparent
density significantly lower than the specific gravity of said carbon black
aggregates and significantly lower than compacted carbon black aggregates.
Such carbon black aggregates may be optionally in a form of silica treated
carbon black which contains silica domains on its surface. A rubber
composition is further provided which is comprised of said rubber/carbon
black composite. An article of manufacture is also provided, such as a
tire, having at least component comprised of said rubber/carbon black
composite or said rubber composition.
