Optimization of mixing parameters on the degree of silanization using Taguchi and response surface method for fuel‐efficient tire tread compound.

Recently, in the tire industry, carbon black has been replaced by silica as a reinforcing filler for the development of "green tires". The "green" claim comes from the fact that silica‐reinforced materials help further reduce rolling resistance, save vehicle fuel and reduce CO2 emissions to the environment. Silica‐silane technology dramatically contributes to the field tire industries by saving fuel. However, unlike carbon black mixing, silica mixing is complicated as it involves several reactions inside an internal mixer. In this paper, we have evaluated the effects of mixing parameters and optimized the silica‐filled elastomer compound using the design of experiments (Taguchi and Response surface method). Silanization temperature and time are found to be crucial parameters for silanization. Compounds mixed using optimized mixing parameters show superior performance properties compared to the control. Filler dispersion in the optimized batch was better and characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Tan δ @60°C as an indication of rolling resistance is improved by 23% indicating the better fuel economy of this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]