Mechanical and Dynamic Properties of Silica-Filled Rubber Compounds

Natural rubber compound using different silicas, including unmodified silica, admicellar-modified silica and silica with silane coupling agent, were studied. The properties including cure characteristics, mechanical properties and dynamic properties were examined with the comparison of three compounds. The results show that cure characteristics of admicellar silica/rubber compound (Ad-Si/R) was shorter than those of unmodified silica/rubber compound (Un-Si/R) and silane coupling silica/rubber compound (Sil-Si/R). Mechanical properties of Ad-Si/R and Sil-Si/R were better than those of Un-Si/R. In addition, wet grip and rolling resistance analyzed from tan δ (5 Hz) at 0°C and 60°C, respectively, by DMA were found that the wet grip of Ad-Si/R was the best, whereas the rolling resistance of Sil-Si/R was the best, in the comparison.