Synergistic Effect by Polyethylene Glycol as Interfacial Modifier in Silane-Modified Silica-Reinforced Composites

Abstract

The viscoelastic behavior and reinforcement mechanism of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as an interfacial modifier in green tire tread composites were investigated in this study. The results show a clear positive effect on overall performance, and it significantly improved all the parameters of the “magic triangle” properties, the abrasion resistance, wet grip and ice traction, as well as the tire rolling resistance, simultaneously. For the preparation of the compounds, two mixing steps were used, as PEG 4000 was added on the second stage in order to avoid the competing reaction between silica/PEG and silanization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that PEG could cover the silanol groups on the silica surface, resulting in the shortening of cure times and facilitating an increase of productivity. At low content of PEG, the strength was enhanced by the improvement of silica dispersion and the slippage of PEG chains, which are chemically and physically adsorbed on silica surface, but the use of excess PEG uncombined with silica in the compound, i.e., 5 phr, increases the possibility to shield the disulfide bonds of bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT), and, thus, the properties were deteriorated. A constrained polymer model was proposed to explain the constrained chains of PEG in the silica-loaded composites on the basis of these results. An optimum PEG content is necessary for moderately strong matrix–filler interaction and, hence, for the enhancement in the mechanical properties.

The prediction methodology for tire durability regulation test using FEA

“…Subsequently, uniaxial tensile tests were performed on specimens to obtain the stressstrain data required for fitting the parameters of the super-elastic intrinsic model. [17][18][19]…”

Effectiveness of polyethylene glycol-coated silica on ions adsorption in industrial wastewater

“…Therefore, it plays the role of proton acceptors in the hydrogen bonding between PEG macromolecules and primary silica particles [16]. Based on [17], cure times can be shortened and increase productivity by covering silanol groups on the silica surface using PEG.…”

Effect of TESPT on viscoelastic and mechanical properties with the morphology of SSBR/BR hybrid nanocomposites

“…These properties largely depend on the viscoelastic characteristics of the ingredients of the tire tread formulation. 3 To balance these contradictory viscous and elastic properties, different blends of synthetic and natural rubbers are used on the tire tread formulations; so a difficult problem for researchers around the world is to develop an ideal compound that balances the properties of the magic triangle. 4 In this regard, green tires have been developed and these tires, in addition to having low rolling resistance had a suitable wet grip.…”

“…It has been seen that improving one of these three features often leads to the decline of the other two features, making it very difficult to find the optimum formulation. These properties largely depend on the viscoelastic characteristics of the ingredients of the tire tread formulation 3 . To balance these contradictory viscous and elastic properties, different blends of synthetic and natural rubbers are used on the tire tread formulations; so a difficult problem for researchers around the world is to develop an ideal compound that balances the properties of the magic triangle 4 .…”