James Kollar

James Kollar is a senior research associate in the Birla Carbon rubber product development group. His work includes developing and evaluatuing new carbon blacks and synergistic materials for rubber applications. James joined Birla Carbon in 2018 and hold a Master’s degree in chemistry. He is interested in reinforcing material networks and network formation mechanisms within polymer systems.

---

Presentation

Contrasting carbon black’s influence on in-rubber electrical and thermal conductivity

The electrical and thermal conductivity of rubber compounds are investigated with respect to carbon black loading and morphology – surface area, structure, and porosity. A set of carbon blacks with morphologies varied according to a central composite experimental design are used to prepare rubber compounds at various loadings ranging from 10 to 180 PHR. The influence of carbon black on the electrical and thermal conductivity of rubber compounds are investigated on a mechanistic basis and shown to be significantly different in physical origin. Electrical conductivity follows the anticipated percolation behavior which varies significantly and systemically depending on carbon black morphology.