PRO-170: oil-modified rubber reinforcement resin

In rubber compounding, the balance between hardness, modulus, and abrasion resistance is rarely achieved through elastomer selection alone. Reinforcing resins are added to increase stiffness and modulus at target hardness, improve abrasion and cut resistance, and improve processing behavior, particularly green strength and tack. PRO-170 is PAT's oil-modified rubber reinforcement resin for tire compounds, industrial rubber goods, and footwear applications.

What oil modification does

Phenolic reinforcement resins in their unmodified form can be brittle and difficult to disperse uniformly in rubber compounds. Oil modification (typically with cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), tall oil, or rosin) improves resin flexibility, improves compatibility with rubber matrices, and makes dispersibility during mixing more predictable and controllable.

PRO-170's oil modification preserves the reinforcing effect of the phenolic network while delivering the processability benefits that unmodified resins lack.

Performance effects in rubber

• Increased modulus: raises the 100% and 300% modulus, contributing to reduced deformation under sustained load and improved dimensional stability
• Improved hardness: allows formulators to hit target hardness with reduced carbon black loading, which can improve tear resistance and processing
• Improved abrasion and cut resistance: the resin network reinforces the rubber matrix at the microscale
• Improved green strength: builds tack and uncured strength useful in tire building and multi-component rubber goods assembly

Applications

Tire compounds: used in tread, sidewall, and undertread compounds where modulus and abrasion resistance are critical parameters.

Industrial rubber goods: conveyor belt covers, roll covers, mining screen panels, and hose, where abrasion resistance and long service life are the primary drivers.

Footwear outsoles: improves abrasion resistance and stiffness without sacrificing tear resistance.