Hybrid enhancement of silica and aramid pulp on improving performance and reducing dynamic heat generation of natural rubber composites

Abstract

The composites with excellent mechanical, low rolling resistance, and low heat build‐up are the potential materials for preparing green tires. In this study, we prepared silica‐natural rubber latex (silica‐NRL) masterbatch, which improved the processing and dispersion properties of silica in the natural rubber, proved by the rheological properties of composites. Furthermore, the idea of partial replacement of silica with low content modified aramid pulp (AP) for preparing hybrid enhanced natural rubber with high mechanical properties and low heat build‐up was put forward and evaluated the feasibility of this strategy. We find that replacing 5 phr silica with 1 phr AP, the performances of the rubber composites were all superior to the composites with only filled 50 phr silica, and replacing 10 phr silica with 2 phr AP, the mechanical and fatigue property was improved remarkably and dynamic heat generation was reduced the most at same time. The strategy of preparing silica‐NRL masterbatch and partial replacement of silica with AP provides a novel reference for the preparation of low heat build‐up green tire.