Reinforcement of elastomer by starch

Significant reinforcement of styrene-butadiene-rubber was achieved by the novel modification of starch through the use of a resorcinol-formaldehyde and a silane surfactant. The mechanical property improvement by the modified starch is comparable with that reinforced by carbon black. SEM micrograph shows fine morphologies caused by the modification. Dynamic mechanical test shows the advantages of the modified SBR/starch composite: the lowered glass transition temperature means improved low temperature properties; the decreased Tan delta value predicts a smaller internal temperature rise produced by dynamic stress; the increased storage modulus indicates this material is of higher hardness; the improved loss modulus demonstrates higher resistance to tearing.