Influence of Rubber Combinations on the Low‐Temperature Static Stiffness of Rubber Pad

ABSTRACT The increase in static stiffness of rubber pad during winter in cold regions reduces track elasticity and ride comfort. To improve low‐temperature properties, a rubber pad was prepared using a blend of polybutadiene rubber (BR) and styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR). The effects of the blending ratio on the low‐temperature and mechanical properties of the rubber pad were analyzed using a material testing machine, a differential scanning calorimeter, and a dynamic mechanical analyzer. The static stiffness change rate at low temperatures ( R LT ) of rubber pads prepared from NR, BR, and SBR were 27.3%, 651.6%, and 52.6%, respectively. The rubber blending had a great effect on the R LT . The results showed that the R LT of the SBR/BR blend was lower than that of natural rubber (NR)/BR and NR/SBR blends. The SBR and BR showed good compatibility, while the crystallinity of BR was destroyed, and the glass‐transition temperature of SBR decreased in the SBR/BR blend. At an SBR/BR blending ratio of 60/40, the R LT was 15.6% at −35°C and other properties met the required standards. This work can provide help for the development of rubber pad with excellent low‐temperature properties.