Excavating the unique synergism of nanofibers and carbon black in Natural rubber based tire tread composition

Abstract

The article portrays the synergistic reinforcement of new generation nanofillers such as silicon carbide nanofibers (SiCs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphite nanofibers (GNFs) when used along with carbon black (CB) in a typical tire tread composition. The unique synergism in these composites, which were fabricated by a liquid phase mixing method, was reflected in their enhanced failure resistance and dynamic mechanical properties. At 4 phr loading of the nanofiber, the tensile strength, tear strength, modulus at 300% elongation, storage modulus, rolling resistance, and abrasion resistance were improved by 29, 45, 36, 110, 15, and 14%, respectively. The role of nanofibers in the development of a hybrid microstructure was investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Tribological characteristics were studied using a Laboratory Abrasion Tester (LAT 100), and the abrasion loss of the samples was correlated with energy dissipation occurring during the process. The fatigue properties indicated the ability of the CB-nanofiber dual filler system to arrest crack growth. The study also serves to establish a correlation between the wear loss and fatigue properties of the hybrid nanocomposites containing different fibrous nanofillers. A mechanism of reinforcement by hybrid fillers is proposed.

Nanofiber‐Carbon black dual filler reinforced sustainable high‐performance Natural Rubber nanocomposites

“…The development of this interesting microstructure was explained using zeta potential studies in our earlier work. [ 24 ] It is possible that compared with the carbon black containing compound, a large number of single rubber chains get adsorbed on the hybrid filler surface. The formation of a three‐dimensional chain network is necessary to hold the chains together, and it was feasible with the development of greater entanglements between rubber chains and hybrid filler structures formed by nanofibers and carbon black (more evident from the morphology discussed later).…”

“…The detailed mechanism is given in our earlier work. [ 24 ] During the application of tensile stresses, the fibrous structures align themselves along the direction of the applied tensile stress because of their higher extensibility. The rubber chains adsorbed onto the hybrid filler system also get stretched in the process, resulting in the formation of strands of oriented molecules, yielding better failure properties than the carbon black filled rubber.…”

“…[23] Keeping in mind the technical relevance of dual filler systems, integrating the attractive property enhancements of nanofillers with the economic significance of fillers like carbon black, we have developed high-performance natural nanocomposites for tire-related applications. [24,25] In the present work, we have performed all the studies considering the carbon black reinforced rubber as the base material. The developed composites comprise a dual filler reinforcing system composed of novel nanofibers such as aramid nanofibers, silicon carbide nanofibers or carbon nanotubes, and carbon black.…”

Recent trends in industrial and academic developments of green tyre technology

“…The incorporation of 3 phr CNT along with 30 phr graphite particles exhibited improvement in thermal stability due to uniform dispersion and distribution of graphite and CNT particles [ 85 ]. The synergistic reinforcement effect of carbon black with nanofillers (by partially replacing CB) such as silicon carbide nanofibers, carbon nanotubes and graphite fibres in tyre tread composition was studied by Surya et al through the latex phase mixing method [ 86 ]. The high aspect ratio of these nanofibres helps in the effective stress transfer and the nanofiller loading at 4phr resulted in optimum tribological as well as mechanical properties.…”

Influence of liquid polybutadiene on crosslinking network and mechanical properties of SSBR/BR

“…The rolling resistance depends on the tanδ of the range of 50-80 C. The wet skid resistance depends on the tanδ of the range of À20 C to 0 C. From the viscoelastic view, when the rubber material has a high tanδ at 0 C and a lower tanδ at 60 C, the rolling resistance, wet skid resistance, and tractive force of the material can reach a great balance. [42,43] In Figure 6, it is obvious that when LPB replaced TDAE plasticizing SSBR/BR with the same or different sulfur, the difference of tanδj 60 C was small. The effect on rolling resistance was small (Table 4).…”