Utilization of lignins in rubber compounding

Abstract Lignin in the form of lignosulfonate containing about 33% moisture was found to be dispersible in natural rubber by dry mixing. Properties such as tear resistance, abrasion resistance, flex crack resistance, and crack growth resistance improved upon addition of lignin, irrespective of the nature of filler added. This lignin was found to have negative effects on modulus, tensile strenght, resilience, heat buildup, and compression set, which showed, however, remarkable improvement upon aging.