0521874807.Cambridge.University.Press.Reinforcement.of.Polymer.posites.Theory.Experiments.and.Applications.Sep.2009.pdf

This page intentionally left blank
REINFORCEMENT OF POLYMER POSITES
Reinforced rubber allows the production of passenger car tires with improved
rolling resistance and wet grip. This book provides in-depth coverage of the physics
behind elastomer reinforcement, with a particular focus on the modification of poly-
mer properties using active fillers such as carbon black and silica. The authors build
a firm theoretical base through a detailed discussion of the physics of polymer chains
and matrices before moving on to describe reinforcing fillers and their applications
in the improvement of the mechanical properties of high-performance rubber mate-
rials. Reinforcement is explored on all relevant length scales, from molecular to
macroscopic, using a variety of methods ranging from statistical physics -
puter simulations to experimental techniques. Presenting numerous technological
applications of reinforcement in rubber such as tire pounds, this book is
ideal for academic researchers and professionals working in polymer science.
T. A. Vilgis is Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Mainz and a
researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. He is a member of
several scientific societies including the German Physical Society, EPS, and APS.
He has written more than 250 scientific papers, three popular science books and
two scientific cookbooks.
G. Heinrich is Professor of Polymer Materials at Technische Universität Dresden
and is also Director of the Institute of Polymer Materials within the Leibniz Institute
of Polymer Research. He has written or contributed to over 250 scientific papers
and book chapters on polymer science.
M. Klüppel is a Lecturer in Polymer Materials at Leibniz University, Hannover
and Head of the Department of Material Concepts and Modelling at the German
Institute of Rubber Technology (DIK). He has published more than 150 scientific
papers and is a member of the German Physical Society, the German Rubb