Effect of SiO₂ surface modification on the filler‐reinforced interfaces in SiO₂‐filled functional styrene butadiene rubber composites

Abstract

Silicon dioxide (SiO2), commonly known as silica, the surface is modified using bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, also known as (Si69) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). A series of composites are prepared by mixing general solution styrene butadiene rubber (GSSBR) and polyethylene oxide‐functionalized solution styrene butadiene rubber (FSSBR) with unmodified and modified SiO2. A comparative analysis is conducted using various characterization techniques to evaluate the performance of different composites regarding rubber‐filler dispersion, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties. Field emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrates that FSSBR/SiO2@Si69 facilitates a more uniform and well‐dispersed distribution of silica particles, improving the compatibility between the rubber‐filler matrix and reducing the size of particle aggregates. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that composites GSSBR/SiO2@PEG and GSSBR/SiO2@Si69 + PEG and FSSBR/SiO2@Si69 possess superior thermal stability with minimal weight loss. According to the rubber process analyzer (RPA) analysis, FSSBR/SiO2@Si69 results in significantly reduced Payne effect values, indicating improved dispersion of the rubber‐filler mixture. These findings suggest that the simultaneous functionalization of SSBR and surface modification of SiO2 effectively enhance the interaction between filler and rubber.