Influence of calcium carbonate added to the SBS rubber formulation on the surface modifications produced by halogenation

To improve the adhesion properties of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) rubber sole to polyurethane adhesive, surface treatments are required, of which halogenation with trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCI) solutions in organic solvents is the most commonly used treatment in the footwear industry. Calcium carbonate filler is commonly added to improve the mechanical properties and to reduce shining of SBS rubber formulations. The influence of the filler on the effectiveness of surface chlorination of SBS rubber had not been considered in the existing literature. Therefore, 10 wt% calcium carbonate filler was added to the SBS rubber formulation and the surface modifications and adhesion properties produced by treatment with TCI solutions were investigated. The resulting surface modifications and adhesion were compared to those obtained in unfilled SBS rubber. It is shown that the treatment with TCI solutions was less effective in the calcium-carbonate-filled SBS rubber and a lower peel strength to polyurethane adhesive was obtained; however, a cohesive failure in the rubber was always obtained.