This invention relates to a dual phase rubber composition and pneumatic
tire with a rubber sidewall thereof, namely a dual phased non-black
colored rubber composition composed of a first pre-formed elastomer phase
comprised of butyl-type rubber and EPDM rubber containing a dispersion
therein of reinforcing filler comprised of a particulate amorphous
precipitated silica and a second pre-formed elastomer phase comprised of
a nanocomposite of natural rubber containing a dispersion therein of
exfoliated clay platelets. Said exfoliated clay platelets may be
substantially oriented within the tire sidewall in a parallel direction
to each and may also be substantially oriented in an annular direction
about the axis of the tire. The tire sidewall rubber composition may
contain at least one additional elastomer which may be included in either
or both of said elastomer phases. Such tire sidewall rubber composition
may contain a non-black colorant pigment, such as for example a white
colored titanium dioxide pigment. The dual phased tire sidewall rubber
composition is prepared by a phase mixing process comprised of
pre-blending said butyl-type rubber and EPDM rubber together with said
precipitated silica reinforcing filler to form a pre-mix thereof, and
thereafter mixing therewith said nanocomposite as a pre-formed blend of
natural rubber and exfoliated clay platelets.