Optimization of physico-mechanical properties of silica-filled NR/SBR compounds

Abstract

In this extended study, the effect of silica reinforcement on natural rubber (NR) and NR/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds was studied. The silica surfaces were treated with bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulfide, which is a silane-coupling agent, to chemically bond the silica to the rubber. Optimum levels of silane were determined according to the silica loading in NR compounds. Results in NR/SBR compounded with optimum levels of silane show that the cure time decreases with increasing NR content. Also, the tensile properties of the NR/SBR blends decrease with increasing SBR content. This study further confirmed that filler materials affect the physical and mechanical properties of these blends. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.