FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10, rule 13) 1. Title of the invention: RUBBER COMPOSITION AND IMPLEMENTATIONS THEREOF
2. Applicant(s)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
CEAT LIMITED Indian RPG HOUSE, 463, Dr. Annie
Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai-400
030, India
3. Preamble to the description
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rubber composition and in particular to a
rubber composition for an inner liner, transition liner and body ply skim of a tire.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Butyl rubber/halogenated butyl rubber compositions are generally used in inner liner of a tubeless tire in order to reduce the air permeation. However, the co-crosslinking tendency of butyl rubber with ply cords is very poor and possess a potential risk of peeling between the inner liner and the ply skim cords, leading to failure of the tire to function. Therefore, a rubber layer called transition liner is generally used between an inner liner and a ply skim to avoid the chance of butyl rubber compound penetration at lower gauges. Additionally, the entire inner component assembly of the tire, i.e., body ply skim, transition liner and inner liner makes the tire manufacturing process complex involving multiple steps. It also leads to increase in tire weight which deteriorates tire rolling resistance. [0003] To improve the adhesion between the cord-rubber, the plies are treated with adhesive before the rubber is applied. The resulting reinforced-rubber coat is normally about 1 mm thick. The rubber ply coating is commonly known as a ‘body ply skim’ and is referred to as such in the following description. The rubber composition used in the ply skim must have good adhesion to the cords used in the body ply, good hysteresis so that heat generation is low, and good mechanical properties (e.g., modulus and elongation).
[0004] US 2007/0137753 discloses non-butyl inner liner made of ENR and silica air permeation. However, the rubber composition used in this prior art reference uses multiple component for ply skim and inner liner separately, resulting in the difficulties pertaining to smooth and economic manufacturing process of tire. Additionally, the prior art composition and processes suffer from one or more drawbacks such as low wear resistance, low breaking performance, low rigidity feeling thereby resulting in manufacturing of suboptimal quality of tires.

[0005] The drawbacks as discussed above thus triggers the necessity of unique rubber composition development for inner liner and ply skim for the sake of compound standardization and process ease.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In an aspect, the present disclosure there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%. [0007] In an aspect, the present disclosure there is provided a process of preparing the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%, the process comprising: contacting at least one epoxidized natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, and at least one reinforcing filler to obtain the composition.
[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a tire comprising body ply, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition of the present disclosure.
[0010] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for manufacturing the tire, the process comprising: (a) obtaining the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein

the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%; (b) preparing the body ply, transition liner, and inner liner from the rubber composition of step (a) to obtain an unified assembly; and (c) introducing the unified assembly from step (b) to a tire building machine to obtain a tire. [0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The detailed description is described with references to the accompanying
figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the
figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used
throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. The disclosure
may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the
detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a conventional tire, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a partial cross-section of the tire of the present
disclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
DEFINITIONS

[0016] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure,
certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are delineated here.
These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and
understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the
meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for
convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth
below.
[0017] The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are used to refer to one or to more than one
(i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0018] The terms “comprise” and “comprising” are used in the inclusive, open
sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be
construed as “consists of only”.
[0019] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the
word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be
understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or
steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or
steps.
[0020] The term “including” is used to mean “including but not limited to”.
“Including” and “including but not limited to” are used interchangeably.
[0021] Ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be
presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is
used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to
include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range,
but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed
within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For
example, a temperature range of about 150–170℃ should be interpreted to include
not only the explicitly recited limits of about 150℃ to about 170℃, but also to
include sub-ranges, such as 150–165℃, 160–170℃, and so forth, as well as
individual amounts, including fractional amounts, within the specified ranges, such
as 150.2 ℃, and 165.5 ℃, for example.

[0022] The term “at least one” is used to mean one or more and thus includes individual components as well as mixtures/combinations.
[0023] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term “phr” refers to parts per hundred rubber, it is a unit well used in the field of rubber technology to define the amount of ingredients used.
[0024] The term “unified assembly” refers to the components of tire wherein the body ply, transition liner and inner liner are made up of the rubber composition of the present disclosure. Since the body ply, transition liner and inner liner are made up of the same material, this is referred as unified assembly.
[0025] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, the preferred methods, and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.
[0026] The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purposes of exemplification only. Functionally-equivalent products, compositions, and methods are clearly within the scope of the disclosure, as described herein.
[0027] Addressing the need of the hour to provide rubber composition the present disclosure provides a rubber composition suitable for use in the ply, transition liner, as well as inner liner of a tire that possesses a good balance of air retention property and good ply adhesion property. The rubber composition of the present disclosure can be used for coating the ply fabric (polyester, nylon) at a higher rubber gauge. Instead of having different compositions for the inner liner, body ply and transition liner, the rubber composition of the present disclosure provides a solution of using a unified rubber composition for all three components in tire, thereby simplifying the tire manufacturing process (Figure 1). In addition to this the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800

m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%, meets the performance requirements as well.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation of 25%. [0030] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation of 50%. [0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, is selected from the group consisting of clay, carbon nanotube, single walled carbon nanotube, graphene, reduced graphene oxide, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d)

20 – 50 phr of carbon black, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black; and (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; and (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one

reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; and (g) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%. [0040] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; (g) 0 - 5 phr of at least one process aid; and (h) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 0 – 6 phr of at least one curing accelerator, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; (g) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid; (h) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent; and (i) 0 – 6 phr of at least one curing accelerator, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 0 – 1.5 phr of at least one retarder, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; (g) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid; (h) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent; (i) 0 – 6 phr of at least one curing accelerator; and (j) 0 – 1.5 phr of at least one retarder, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%, wherein carbon black has a surface area in the range of 30 – 100 m2/g.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black having a surface area in the range of 30 – 100 m2/g; and (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black having a surface area in the range of 30 – 100 m2/g; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; and (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black having a surface area in the range of 30 – 100 m2/g; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; and (g) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black having a surface area in the range of 30 – 100 m2/g; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; (g) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid; and (h) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent,

wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black having a surface area in the range of 30 – 100 m2/g; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; (g) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid; (h) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent; and (i) 0 – 6 phr of at least one curing accelerator, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%. [0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black having a surface area in the range of 30 – 100 m2/g; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; (g) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid; (h) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent; (i) 0 – 6 phr of at least one curing accelerator; and (j) 0 – 1.5 phr of at least one retarder, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a rubber composition as disclosed herein, wherein the at least one cure activator is selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, stearic acid, and combinations thereof. [0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a rubber composition as disclosed herein, wherein the at least one antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylendiamine (6PPD), 2,2,4-trimethyl-l,2-dihydroquinoline (TQ), and combinations thereof. [0054] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a rubber composition as disclosed herein, wherein the at least one process aid is selected from the group consisting of is selected from the group consisting of phenol

formaldehyde (PF) resin, C5 hydrocarbon resin, C9 hydrocarbon resin, alpha methyl styrene resin, terpene phenol resin, treated distillate aromatic extract (TDAE) oil, and combinations thereof.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a rubber
composition as disclosed herein, wherein at least one curing accelerator is selected
from the group consisting of tetra methyl thiuram monosulphide (TMTM), N-
tertiary butyl-2-benzothiazole sulphenamides (TBBS), N-cyclohexyl-2-
benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), and combinations thereof.
[0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a rubber composition as disclosed herein, wherein at least one retarder is N-cyclohexylthio-phthalimide.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%, wherein the composition has gas transmission rate (GTR) in the range of 50 -550 cm3/m2-24h-0.1MPa.
[0058] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a process of preparing the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%, the process comprising: contacting at least one epoxidized natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, and at least one reinforcing filler to obtain the composition.
[0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a process of preparing the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure

activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; (g) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid; (h) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent; (i) 0 – 6 phr of at least one curing accelerator; and (j) 0 – 1.5 phr of at least one retarder, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%, the process comprising: (a) contacting at least one epoxidized natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, at least one reinforcing filler, carbon black, at least one cure activator, at least one antioxidant, at least one process aid, at least one curing accelerator, and at least one retarder to obtain a first mixture; and (b) curing the first mixture with at least one curing agent to obtain the composition. [0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a process of preparing the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; (g) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid; (h) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent; (i) 0 – 6 phr of at least one curing accelerator; and (j) 0 – 1.5 phr of at least one retarder, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%, the process comprising: (a) contacting at least one epoxidized natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, at least one reinforcing filler, carbon black, at least one cure activator, at least one antioxidant, at least one process aid, at least one curing accelerator, and at least one retarder to obtain a first mixture is carried out at a temperature in the range of 150°C – 170°C; and (b) curing the first mixture with at least one curing agent is carried out at a temperature in the range of 95°C – 115°C to obtain the composition.
[0061] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; (g) 0 – 5 phr of at least one

process aid; (h) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent; (i) 0 – 6 phr of at least one curing accelerator; and (j) 0 – 1.5 phr of at least one retarder, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition as disclosed herein.
[0063] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%. [0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, is selected from the group consisting of clay, carbon nanotube, single walled carbon nanotube, graphene, reduced graphene oxide, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0065] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 20 – 50 phr of

carbon black, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0066] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0067] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0068] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0069] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler

having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0070] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 0 – 6 phr of at least one curing accelerator, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0071] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; and (d) 0 – 1.5 phr of at least one retarder, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
[0072] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g; (d) 20 – 50 phr of carbon black; (e) 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator; (f) 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant; (g) 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid; (h) 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent; (i) 0 – 6 phr of at least one curing accelerator; and (j) 0 – 1.5 phr of at least one retarder, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a process for manufacturing the tire comprising: body ply, transition liner, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, transition liner, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%, the process comprising: (a) obtaining the rubber composition as described herein; (b) preparing the body ply and inner liner together or separately from the rubber composition of step (a) to obtain an unified assembly; (c) introducing the unified assembly from step (b) to a tire building machine to obtain a tire.
[0074] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible.
EXAMPLES
[0075] The disclosure will now be illustrated with working examples, which is intended to illustrate the working of disclosure and not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the disclosed methods and compositions, the exemplary methods, devices and materials are described herein. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may apply.
Materials and methods
[0076] All the raw materials were commercially procured.
EXAMPLE 1
[0077] A rubber composition which can be used for body ply, transition liner, as
well as inner liner of a tire along with improvement in gas barrier property and

other mechanical properties was sought for. This was with the aim to investigate a more economical solution in reducing the gas permeation through rubber and improving the strength, which could be a viable choice for tire components (ply skim, transition liner, and inner liner). Exemplary rubber compositions of the present disclosure are illustrated in the Table 1 below.

[0078] Table 1
Workin Comparative
S.No Broad Raw material g ranges Composition composition

(phr) 1 2 3 4 5 6
Epoxidised





Natural rubber natural rubber
1. based polymer (percentage epoxidation 25%) 70-100 85 75 70 65
Epoxidised





Natural rubber natural rubber
2 based polymer (percentage epoxidation 50 %) 70-100 85 70
Reinforcin Clay – BET





3. g filler Surface Area > 10 m2/g 20-60 30 30 30 30 30 30
Reinforcin





Carbon Black –
4. g /Non- BET Surface 20-50 35 35 35 35 35 35
reinforcing Area 30-100 m2/g

filler
Styrene Styrene





5. butadiene butadiene 10-40 15 25 15 30 30 35
polymer rubber 10 10 12 10 10
Oil 0.0-15.0




10
6. Process aid

Resorcinol





Formaldehyde 0.0-5.0 1 1 1 1 1 1

Resin 3 2
2
0.5
3.5
2
1.2 3 2
2
0.5
3.5
2
1.2 3 2
2
0.5
3.5
2
1.2 3 2
2
0.5
3.5
2
1.2 3 2
2
0.5
3.5
2
1.2
7. Cure activator Zinc oxide 2-4




3

Stearic acid 1-3




2
8. Antioxidan t Antioxidant-(6 PPD) 0-3




2
9. Retarder N-cyclohexylthio -phthalimide 0.0-1.5




0.5
10. Curing agent Sulphur 1.5-5.0




3.5
11. Curing accelerator (0-1.6 phr) HMMM 0.0-3.0




2

TBBS 0.0-3.0




1.2
EXAMPLE 2
Process of preparing the rubber composition of the present disclosure
[0079] The rubber composition of the present disclosure was compounded using a rubber mixing apparatus in two stages (Stage 1 and Stage 2) and sheeted out on two-roll mill or twin-screw sheeter which is a machinery traditionally used for mixing rubber compounds according to ASTM 3182.
[0080] 80 phr of epoxidized natural rubber, 20 phr of styrene butadiene rubber, 30 phr of clay having BET surface area in the range of 10 – 800 m2/g, 35 phr of carbon black having BET surface area in the range of 30 100 m2/g, 4 phr of zinc oxide, 2 phr of stearic acid, 2 phr of 6PPD, 1 phr of resorcinol formaldehyde resin, 8 phr of oil, 2 phr of N-cyclohexylthio-phthalimide were mixed together at a temperature in the range of 150°C -170°C to obtain a first mixture as master batch. The first mixture was then cured with 3.5 phr of sulphur and 2.7 phr of accelerators at a temperature in the range of 95°C -115°C to obtain the rubber composition. The addition of accelerators and sulphur were delayed to the last part of the process to prevent premature vulcanization during compounding. The Rubber compositions were then sheeted out with a thickness of at least 5 mm.

Procedure for Stage 1 mixing
[0081] The rubbers and all other ingredients were weighed as per the decided recipe. Care was taken to avoid shooting up of the temperature above 170°C. Further to this the compositions were sheeted out in the mill. The roll nip was set at 5.0 mm. After weighing the dumped stock, the composition was loaded onto the mill, giving minimum no’s ¾ cuts to get a smooth sheet (2 no’s from each side generally). Post this continuous smooth stock were sheeted out.
Procedure for Final stage mixing
[0082] The first mixture (master batch) was kept as such for at least 4 hours before converting it to the final product. The nip was adjusted to 0.8 mm, and the stock was passed through the nip endwise six times, alternating the right and left ends. Further the nip was adjusted to 6 mm and the batch was passed four times without banding or rolling. Mooney viscosity, Mooney scorch and Carbon black dispersion specimens were removed from the batch. The nip was again adjusted to 3 mm and remaining compound was loaded onto the mill and continuous smooth stock was sheeted out to obtain the rubber composition.
EXAMPLE 3
Tire Manufacturing process: Fabric Calendering
[0083] Conventional tire manufacturing process: 4 roll calendering of rubber ply
skim (nylon, polyester, rayon and aramid as reinforcement material) is uniformly
coated from both sides. Further extrusion of transition liner and inner liner
compounds, followed by doubling of both the compounds after passing through
calender is carried out. Finally, the inner liner, the transition liner and the ply skim
is assembled in tire building machine. The drawbacks with the conventional
process are multi-fold, i.e, difficulty in processability, time consuming, complex
process.
[0084] To overcome the problems associated with the conventional process, a tire
manufacturing process was developed, wherein the rubber composition of the
present disclosure helped in discarding the usage of separate rubber compositions
in tire inner components like ply skim, transition liner, and inner liner. Thus, the
tire manufacturing process of the present disclosure aids in compound

standardisation and simplifying tire manufacturing process by eliminating inner liner calendaring process.
[0085] Figure 1 illustrates the design of a conventional tire (100). The conventional tire comprises of ply skim compound (101 and 103), transition liner (104), and inner liner (105) made up of different rubber compositions. Component 101 and 103 are made of rubber compound having identical composition, whereas component 102 represents reinforcement materials such as nylon, polyester, rayon and/or aramid. The different rubber compositions for 103, 104, and 105 resulting in the difficulties pertaining to smooth and economic manufacturing process of tire. It also leads to increase in tire weight which deteriorates tire rolling resistance. [0086] In contrast, Figure 2 illustrates the design of the tire (200) of the present disclosure. It discloses that ply skim compound (201 and 203), transition liner (204), and inner liner (205) of the tire of the present disclosure in made up of the rubber composition of the present disclosure thereby eliminating different components for inner liner, transition liner calendaring or extrusion. As a result of this the process for manufacturing of tire of the present disclosure provides compounds standardization and process ease, without increasing the weight of the tire through undesirable component elimination. Component 202, in Figure 2 represents reinforcement materials such as nylon, polyester, rayon and/or aramid. [0087] The rubber composition of the present disclosure was used in the tire manufacturing process. Two separate routes (Route 1 and Route 2) were followed in the tire manufacturing process. Route -1
[0088] 4 roll calendering of rubber ply skim (nylon, polyester, rayon and aramid as reinforcement material) which is unbalance coated from each side i.e. one side will be having lower rubber gauge and other side will be having higher rubber gauge. No further requirement of extrusion or calendering of inner liner and transition liner and their doubling. Application of only calendered ply in tire building machine by eliminating inner liner and transition liner compound application was carried out. Route 2

[0089] 4 roll calendering of rubber ply skim (nylon, polyester, rayon and aramid as reinforcement material) uniformly coated on both sides. Extrusion or calendering of only inner liner compound was done. Thus, eliminating the requirement of transition liner extrusion or calendering and doubling of both the compounds. Finally, the inner liner and ply skim were assembled in tire building machine.
EXAMPLE 4
Gas transmission rate (GTR) in a cured rubber compound prepared from the composition of the present disclosure
[0090] Lab mixing of various rubber formulations were carried out in material development laboratory for understanding the effect of various factors like – epoxidised natural rubber, clay, carbon black etc. Lab tests were carried out on these compounds for permeability properties. Based on the lab results, compound taken for factory trials with modified process steps and tubeless tires produced and tested.
[0091] GTR test estimates the steady-state rate of transmission of a gas through 97.00 mm diameter and 600 ± 100 µm thick rubber film. The test was performed in Gas Permeability Tester Model no: VAC-V1, Lab think Instruments Co. Ltd. Sample was conditioned for minimum 16 hrs before testing. Sample was then placed between two the chambers using vacuum grease and filter paper (to support the sample). GTR (Gas transmission rate) data was captured by using the given unit i.e. cm3/m2-24h-0.1MPa. Standard temperature kept during the experiment was 24 ± 3 °C. The relative humidity was: 55 ± 15 %. The gas permeability of the afore¬mentioned compositions 1-5 and the comparative composition 6 as provided in Table 1 were conducted and the results recorded are provided in Table 2. Table 2: Gas Transmission Rate

Permeability Compositions Comparative Composition
GTR 1 2 3 4 5 6
(cm3/m2-24h-0.1MPa) 201 398 51 195 528 687

[0092] It is clear from Table 1, Table 2, and Figure 1 that a unique combination of ENR-25, styrene butadiene rubber, clay and carbon black (Table-1) can produce optimum GTR values (Table-2) required for the passenger tire compounds keeping compound processibility and other performance properties consistent.
[0093] While performing experiments it was also noted that the compositions wherein the percentage epoxidation in the epoxidised natural rubber was below 25% the air im-permeability of the composition was compromised. Additionally, when the percentage epoxidation in the epoxidised natural rubber was beyond 50% difficulties with respect to the processing of the composition for tire manufacturing was observed.
ADVANTAGES
[0094] The present disclosure discloses a particular unified type of rubber composition comprising: (a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber; (b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and (c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%, for tire portion selected from inner liner, body ply skim, transition liner. The rubber composition of the present disclosure eliminates usage of different compounds and sub-assemblies for inner liner, transition liner, and body ply skim separately. A simplified tire manufacturing process by eliminating different components for inner liner, transition liner calendaring or extrusion is also provided.

I/We Claim:
1) A rubber composition comprising:
(a) 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber;
(b) 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber; and
(c) 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler having surface area in the range of 10 m2/g to 800 m2/g,
wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
2) The rubber composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation of 25 % or 50 %.
3) The rubber composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcing filler is selected from the group consisting of clay, carbon nanotube, single walled carbon nanotube, graphene, reduced graphene oxide, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS).
4) The rubber composition as claimed in any one of the claims 1 – 3, wherein the composition further comprises at least one additive selected from a group consisting of 20 – 50 phr of carbon black, 0 – 7 phr of at least one cure activator, 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant, 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid, 1.5 – 5.0 phr of at least one curing agent, 0 – 6 phr of at least one curing accelerator, 0 – 1.5 phr of at least one retarder, and combinations thereof.
5) The rubber composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein carbon black has a surface area in the range of 30 – 100 m2/g.
6) The rubber composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one cure activator is selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, stearic acid, and combinations thereof; the at least one antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylendiamine (6PPD), 2,2,4-trimethyl-l,2-dihydroquinoline (TQ), and combinations thereof; at least one process aid is selected from the group consisting of is selected from the group consisting of phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin, C5 hydrocarbon resin, C9 hydrocarbon resin, alpha methyl styrene resin,

terpene phenol resin, treated distillate aromatic extract (TDAE) oil, and
combinations thereof; at least one curing accelerator is selected from the
group consisting of tetra methyl thiuram monosulphide (TMTM), N-tertiary
butyl-2-benzothiazole sulphenamides (TBBS), N-cyclohexyl-2-
benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), and combinations thereof; at least one retarder is N-cyclohexylthio-phthalimide.
7) The rubber composition as claimed in claim 1, has gas transmission rate (GTR) in the range of 50 – 550 cm3/m2-24h-0.1MPa.
8) A process of preparing the rubber composition as claimed in claim 1, the process comprising: contacting 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber, 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber, and 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler to obtain the composition, wherein the at least one epoxidized natural rubber has a percentage epoxidation in the range of 25% – 50%.
9) A process of preparing the rubber composition as claimed in claim 4, the process comprising:

(a) contacting 70 – 100 phr of at least one epoxidized natural rubber, 10 – 40 phr of styrene butadiene rubber, 20 – 60 phr of at least one reinforcing filler, 20 – 50 phr of carbon black, 0 – 7 phr at least one cure activator, 0 – 3 phr of at least one antioxidant, 0 – 5 phr of at least one process aid, 0 – 6 phr at least one curing accelerator, and 0 – 1.5 phr of at least one retarder to obtain a first mixture; and
(b) curing the first mixture with 1.5 – 5.0 phr at least one curing agent to obtain the composition.
10) The process as claimed in claim 9, wherein contacting at least one
epoxidized natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, at least one reinforcing
filler, carbon black, at least one cure activator, at least one antioxidant, at
least one process aid, at least one curing accelerator, and at least one
retarder to obtain a first mixture is carried out at a temperature in the range
of 150°C - 170°C; curing the first mixture with at least one curing agent is

carried out at a temperature in the range of 95°C - 115°C to obtain the composition.
11) A tire comprising the rubber composition as claimed in claim 1.
12) A tire comprising body ply, and inner liner, wherein the body ply, and the inner liner is made up of the rubber composition as claimed in any one of the claims 1 – 7.
13) A process for manufacturing the tire as claimed in claim 12, the process comprising:
(a) obtaining the rubber composition as claimed in any one of the claims 1-
7;
(b) preparing the body ply, transition liner, and inner liner from the rubber composition of step (a) to obtain an unified assembly; and
(c) introducing the unified assembly from step (b) to a tire building machine to obtain a tire.