A rubber composition of a first embodiment contains 100 parts by mass of a chloroprene polymer, more than 0 parts by mass and 25 parts by mass or less of a diene-based polymer having an epoxy group, and 0.3 to 1.8 parts by mass of an organic peroxide, in which the chloroprene polymer includes a copolymer of chloroprene. A rubber composition of a second embodiment contains 100 parts by mass of a chloroprene polymer, more than 0 parts by mass and 25 parts by mass or less of a diene-based polymer having an epoxy group, and 0.3 to 1.8 parts by mass of an organic peroxide, in which the chloroprene polymer includes a homopolymer of chloroprene.

A rubber composition of a first embodiment contains 100 parts by mass of a chloroprene polymer, more than 0 parts by mass and 25 parts by mass or less of a diene-based polymer having an epoxy group, and 0.3 to 1.8 parts by mass of an organic peroxide, in which the chloroprene polymer includes a copolymer of chloroprene. A rubber composition of a second embodiment contains 100 parts by mass of a chloroprene polymer, more than 0 parts by mass and 25 parts by mass or less of a diene-based polymer having an epoxy group, and 0.3 to 1.8 parts by mass of an organic peroxide, in which the chloroprene polymer includes a homopolymer of chloroprene.

The invention relates to an article having a single-layered or multilayered main body having elastic properties, in particular an air spring bellows, a metal-rubber element or a vibration damper.

To improve the flame-retardant properties the main body of the article consists of or contains at least one layer D which is constructed from a rubber mixture which is free from halogen-containing flame retardants and contains at least one carbon black having a BET surface area according to DIN-ISO 9277 between 35 and 140 m.sup.2/g and an oil absorption number (OAN) according to ISO 4656 between 70 and 140 ml/100 g.

An algae-elastomer composite including an elastomer matrix; algae; and a mixing additive sufficient to achieve a desired property. The algae can be present in a milled condition having a particle size value of between about 10 and 120 microns. The algae is mixed with the elastomer matrix in a dry condition having a moisture content of below about 10%. A method of preparing the algae-based elastomer composite is provided that includes the steps of: premixing an elastomer matrix; adding an algae filler; adding a mixing additive that includes a plasticizer; forming an elastomer-algae blend by blending the algae and elastomer to a temperature sufficient to be further mixed, wherein the temperature is about 10° C. higher than the temperature sufficient for the elastomer alone; adding and mixing a curing or vulcanizing agent for the elastomer dispersing the elastomer-algae blend; and heating and curing the elastomer-algae blend into a final form.

An algae-elastomer composite including an elastomer matrix; algae; and a mixing additive sufficient to achieve a desired property. The algae can be present in a milled condition having a particle size value of between about 10 and 120 microns. The algae is mixed with the elastomer matrix in a dry condition having a moisture content of below about 10%. A method of preparing the algae-based elastomer composite is provided that includes the steps of: premixing an elastomer matrix; adding an algae filler; adding a mixing additive that includes a plasticizer; forming an elastomer-algae blend by blending the algae and elastomer to a temperature sufficient to be further mixed, wherein the temperature is about 10° C. higher than the temperature sufficient for the elastomer alone; adding and mixing a curing or vulcanizing agent for the elastomer dispersing the elastomer-algae blend; and heating and curing the elastomer-algae blend into a final form.

A highly fire-resistant expanded polymeric material for thermal insulation, acoustic insulation and/or fire barrier contains rubber, expandable graphite, at least one alkaline earth metal component selected from alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, hydrates of either, and combinations thereof, and a component containing silica or a silicate. The expanded polymeric material is preferably manufactured by a process including decomposition of a chemical blowing agent.

The present invention relates to a wrapped joined V-belt in which outer peripheral surfaces of a plurality of wrapped V-belt portions are coupled via a tie band, each of the wrapped V-belt portions includes a tension member layer, a tension rubber layer laminated at a belt outer peripheral side, a compression rubber layer laminated at a belt inner peripheral side, and an outside cloth covering an entire outer surface of the belt, and the compression rubber layer includes a first compression rubber layer laminated at the belt outer peripheral side and a second compression rubber layer laminated at the belt inner peripheral side, a rubber hardness of the tension rubber layer is higher than that of the second compression rubber layer, and a rubber hardness of the first compression rubber layer is equal to or higher than that of the tension rubber layer.

The present invention relates to a wrapped joined V-belt in which outer peripheral surfaces of a plurality of wrapped V-belt portions are coupled via a tie band, each of the wrapped V-belt portions includes a tension member layer, a tension rubber layer laminated at a belt outer peripheral side, a compression rubber layer laminated at a belt inner peripheral side, and an outside cloth covering an entire outer surface of the belt, and the compression rubber layer includes a first compression rubber layer laminated at the belt outer peripheral side and a second compression rubber layer laminated at the belt inner peripheral side, a rubber hardness of the tension rubber layer is higher than that of the second compression rubber layer, and a rubber hardness of the first compression rubber layer is equal to or higher than that of the tension rubber layer.

Essentially ethylene thiourea free cross linkable composition comprising a chloroprene rubber having defined contents of cations from the second or third main group and resinate anions are provided, which possess improved curing characteristics for increased productivity and lower vulcanization temperatures for energy-saving manufacturing methods and vulcanizates obtained by using said chloroprene rubber.

Essentially ethylene thiourea free cross linkable composition comprising a chloroprene rubber having defined contents of cations from the second or third main group and resinate anions are provided, which possess improved curing characteristics for increased productivity and lower vulcanization temperatures for energy-saving manufacturing methods and vulcanizates obtained by using said chloroprene rubber.