ELASTOMERS AND PLASTICS Evaluation of the Reinforcement Mechanism of functionalized Nanoparticles in Silica loaded Rubber Compounds

The performance of nano-sized rubber particles with different functional groups was studied in a silica loaded tire tread compound. The nanoparticles contained hydroxyl-, carboxyl-, dimethyl amino-, pyridino-, or epoxy- groups. In uncured compounds the reduction of filler flocculation at 160°C was mostly pronounced by nanoparticles, which contained either carboxyl or hydroxyl groups.

Silica which is activated with a silane coupling agent is widely used as a reinforcing filler for passenger car tire treads. Regarding rolling resistance and wet traction the performance of silica loaded tire treads is superior over that of carbon black loaded tire treads. Even though silica dispersion is considerably improved by the use of silanes further performance improvements can be expected if silica dispersion can be further improved.