Anhydrous metal salts of alpha , beta -ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids and related methods

摘要

A reinforcing agent for vulcanizable rubber compounds comprises an anhydrous metal salt of an alpha , beta -ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having a crystalline structure consisting essentially of plates and fibers. Vulcanizable rubber compounds containing such reinforcing agents have improved physical properties over rubber compounds containing conventional metal carboxylic acid salts. Methods for the preparation of such anhydrous metal salts and methods for the reinforcement of vulcanizable rubber compounds therewith are also provided.