In this study, microstructure and gel content (C-C) of polybutadiene rubber (PBR) were investigated using various techniques including ASTM D 3616, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (ATR FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The ATR FTIR spectra of the samples were investigated to determine the cis, trans, 1, 2-vinyl and the C-C gel content in PBR. The absorbance ratios of specific peaks in different grades of PBR were correlated with the C-C gel content measured by the ATR FTIR techniques. Physico-mechanical and rheological properties of rubber compounds based on BR with various amounts of gel were determined. The results showed that there is an acceptable correlation between these properties and the C-C gel content of PBR.

Keywords: polybutadiene rubber; C-C gel content; ATR FTIR; physico-mechanical and rheological properties; NR/BR blend.