Thermally expandable microcapsule complex, method for manufacturing same, rubber composition in which complex is blended, and pneumatic tire using composition
In the present technology, a thermally expandable microcapsule complex is blended in a rubber component, the thermally expandable microcapsule complex being obtained by preparing an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer having a concentration of 1 to 30 mass %, adding from 5 to 60 parts by mass of cellulose fibers to 100 parts by mass of the aqueous solution to prepare a liquid dispersion ( 1 ), adding from 10 to 200 parts by mass of thermally expandable microcapsules to the liquid dispersion ( 1 ) to prepare a liquid dispersion 2 ), and evaporating the moisture content of the liquid dispersion ( 2 ).
1. A rubber composition, comprising:
from 1 to 30 parts by mass of a thermally expandable microcapsule complex per 100 parts by mass of a rubber component, the thermally expandable microcapsule complex having a structure comprising a plurality of thermally expandable microcapsules adhered on cellulose fibers, wherein the thermally expandable microcapsule complex has a structure comprising a plurality of the thermally expandable microcapsules connected in a thread-like, band-like, or clustered manner on the cellulose fibers, the cellulose fibers being cellulose microfibrils.
2. A pneumatic tire comprising a vulcanized product of the rubber composition described in claim 1 .
3. A pneumatic tire, wherein the vulcanized product of the rubber composition described in claim 1 is present in treads.
4. The pneumatic tire according to claim 3 , wherein the tire is a studless tire.