abstract |
For a wide variety of reasons, it would be desirable to affix identification labels, such as serial numbers, to tires. Such labels should be capable of lasting the entire life of the tire which may include being retreaded on multiple occasions. From a commercial standpoint, it is also very important for the label and the means of affixing it to the tire to be inexpensive. This invention discloses such a technique for affixing identification labels to tires. This information specifically relates to a method of preparing a pneumatic rubber tire having an outer circumferential tread, a supporting carcass therefor, two-spaced beads, two rubber sidewalls connecting said beads, and a rubber innerliner having an identification label affixed thereto, the process including the steps of (a) applying the identification label to the rubber innerliner of an uncured tire, wherein the identification label contains about 35 to about 90 weight percent syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having a melting point which is within the range of about 70° C. to about 160° C. and about 10 to about 65 weight percent of at least one polydiene rubber which is cocurable with the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene, sulfur, zinc oxide and at least one pigment or colorant; and (b) curing the tire. Labels containing virtually any type of information can be affixed utilizing this technical. For instance, the identification labels can include conventional numbers and/or letters, computer readable dot matrix identification, or a bar code. |