Exploring a highly dispersible silica–elastomer composite for tire applications

Abstract

In this article, we provide an extensive analyses of various properties that are required for tire tread based on developed highly dispersible (HD) silica-filled epoxidized natural rubber composites. Silica in an HD form has become a staple filler in tire tread applications because of its inherent advantages. In this study, epoxidized natural rubber with 25 mol % epoxide (ENR 25) and natural rubber were mixed with two different types of HD silica for superior reinforcement. A standard tire tread formulation was used as the base compound. The magic triangle properties were conspicuously influenced by the viscoelastic characteristics of the vulcanizates. The introduction of polar rubber (ENR 25) into the HD silica greatly improved rheological, physicomechanical, bound rubber content, and dynamic mechanical properties, and this led to a better, fuel-efficient tire. We successfully achieved this, even in the absence of a silane coupling agent. ENR 25 played an imperative role in showing an extraordinary rubber-filler interactions and was primarily responsible for these observations. In this study, we explored the HD silica dispersion with transmission electron microscopy observations. Morphological studies revealed well-dispersed HD silica with the formation of a rubber-filler network.

Superior electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness and low percolation threshold through the preferential distribution of carbon black in the highly flexible polymer blend composites

“…Filler surface properties like surface activity, surface energy, surface area, degree of dispersion, and so forth, the filler–filler interaction, polymer chain–filler, polar–polar interaction, and presence of functional groups on filler surface can influence the overall degree of interaction between the polymer and the reinforcing filler. A higher BdR infers higher polymer–filler interactions . BdR content of composites with different filler loading is shown in the Figure .…”

On‐demand tuned hazard free elastomeric composites: A green approach

“…Cure characteristics were measured by using a Monsanto R‐100S oscillating disc rheometer (ODR) according to the test methods of ASTM D 2084, at a temperature of 150°C for 30 min . The optimum cure time T c90 and scorch time T s2 of the compounds were determined.…”

“…Silica‐filled Natural rubber (NR) is considered to be an eco‐friendly material. Silica is preferred as complimentary to carbon black as reinforcing filler in rubber applications . Silica reinforced elastomer has been developed due to their superior influences on tires properties .…”

The effects of natural astaxanthin‐modified silica on properties of natural rubber

“…Silica is well‐known as being a type of reinforcing agent to enhance the properties of rubber matrix and its consumption is next only to the carbon black in the field of rubber processing . Compared with carbon black, the tread rubber filled with silica has the advantages of low hysteresis loss, small rolling resistance and strong wet grasping force . Replacement of carbon black by silica has been growing steadily, especially in the tire industry, as the introduction of the “Green Tire Technology” by Michelin in 1992 .…”