Then, the
compound was 10 end-roll passed before sheeting off and
storing at room temperature for 24 h before determining
cure characteristics. Later, the silica/NR compounds were
cured at 150 C by compression moulding in a hydraulic
press (Toyoseiki) according to their optimum cure time
(tc90) to produce the vulcanized sheets and test pieces. The
vulcanized samples were stored at room temperature for at
least 24 h before testing.