Preparation of novel fillers, named networked silicas, and their effects of reinforcement on rubber compounds

• Published in: Polymer international 2008-10, Vol.57 (10), p.1101-1109
• Main Authors: Seo, Gon, Kaang, Shinyoung, Hong, Chang Kook, Jung, Dong Shin, Ryu, Chang Seok, Lee, Dong Hee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; entanglement; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; networked silica; Polymer industry, paints, wood; reinforcement; SBR; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0959-8103; 1097-0126
• DOI: 10.1002/pi.2449

BACKGROUND: A new concept for reinforcing silica, named networked silica, was used to achieve enhanced reinforcing performance of silica and to eliminate the disadvantage of ethanol production and precure through coupling reagents in the preparation of silica‐reinforced SBR compounds. RESULTS: The networked silicas were prepared by connecting silica particles with amine and glycidoxy groups, which had been previously coupled on their surface. The networked silicas compounded in SBR showed a significant enhancement of tensile strength accompanied with a moderate increase in modulus at a high loading of 70 phr even without using any coupling reagents. Their high performance is discussed in relation to their physical and chemical properties investigated using thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, ζ‐potential, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption methods. CONCLUSION: The improved reinforcing performance of networked silicas confirmed their feasibility as reinforcing materials for the manufacture of highly stable tires. The high tensile strength achieved using the networked silicas is probably due to the physical entanglements of rubber molecules with the networks formed among silica particles. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry