Reinforcement effect of silica-silane system in deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) is reported. The influence of mixing temperature and sulfur ranks in silane bis-triethoxysilylpropyl-polysulfide is compared between silica-DPNR and silica-natural rubber (NR). Dispersion morphology of silica and rubber-to-filler interaction in DPNR is visualized by atomic force microscopy and TEM network visualization, respectively. DPNR compound shows smaller influence of dump temperature and more constant mechanical properties as compared to NR compound. Establishment of the silica-silane-rubber coupling in DPNR tread compound results in an improvement in dynamic properties especially the lower tan δ at 60°C which indicates the lower rolling resistance of tire. DPNR shows better mechanical and dynamic properties as compared to NR.
Part of the book: Silicon Materials