RAW MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS Modification of Carbon Black to Improve Filler Dispersion in Rubber Matrix and to Enhance Rubber Compound Properties

Carbon black surface chemistry was modified by treatment with benzyl triethyl ammonium chloride (BTEAC) and effects of the same were studied in styrene butadiene rubber and butadiene rubber-based compound. The functionalized carbon black showed improvement in filler dispersion and reduction of filler-filler interaction.

Carbon black is the most significant filler used in rubber compound applications, the basic purpose of carbon black incorporation in rubber compounds is to provide reinforcement to the rubbery materials. The reinforcing efficiency of carbon black in rubber compound potentially depends on its dispersion and distribution in the rubber matrix as well as the existence of filler-filler interaction and the filler-polymer interaction in the matrix. Carbon black having superior interaction with rubber molecules leads to increase filler-polymer interaction and enhances the dispersibility in the rubber matrix.