Abstract
In this work, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) with low epoxide degrees is synthesized through in situ epoxidation and then blended with TESPT-modified silica to obtain the corresponding nanocomposites (ENR-x/silica). It is found the filler-rubber interaction is significantly enhanced by the ring-opening reaction between silanol groups on silica and epoxy groups of ENR macromolecular chain. Therefore, wet-skid resistance, fuel efficiency, abrasion resistance, and moduli of the ENR-x/silica nanocomposites are superior to those of NR/silica nanocomposites. ENR-15/silica demonstrates a balanced “magic triangle” performance, with wet-skid resistance increasing by 74%, abrasion resistance improving by 17%, and rolling resistance decreasing by 29%, in relative to NR/silica. Highlights: ENR with low epoxide degrees is synthesized by in situ epoxidation. Epoxy groups enhance the silica dispersion and filler–rubber interaction. ENR-15/silica shows the lowest rolling resistance. Wet-skid and abrasion resistance increase with increasing epoxide degree. ENR/silica with TESPT composites show excellent performance as tire tread.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 6335-6345 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Polymer Composites |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 10 May 2025 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Epoxidized natural rubber
- rubber nanocomposites
- silica
- tire tread