Abstract
AbstractQuantitatively characterizing the interactions between silica and polymers is crucial, as they significantly influence various essential tire performance metrics, including strain‐stress properties, hysteresis, and abrasion resistance. In this study, the difference in cross‐link densities observed following ammonia treatment and hydrofluoric acid treatment serves to elucidate the chemical interactions between silica and polymer. A swelling test is employed to assess the total cross‐link density, while the ammonia‐modified toluene equilibrium swelling method facilitates the calculation of physical interaction between silica and polymer. The investigation into the effects of rubber type on the structure of vulcanizates demonstrates that matrix cross‐link density, chemical interactions, and total cross‐link density of natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates filled with modified silica are highest. An increase in the content of accelerators enhances both the matrix cross‐link density and the chemical interaction in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) vulcanizates filled with modified silica. For comparative purposes, the structural characteristics and mechanical performance of unmodified silica‐filled vulcanizates are also discussed. Furthermore, the relationship between the structure and physical properties of the vulcanizates is elucidated.Highlights Chemical interaction of modified silica filled natural rubber (NR) vulcanizate is highest. Physical interaction evidently decreases after adding Bis[3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl] tetrasulfide (TESPT) in NR vulcanizates. For vulcanizates with TESPT, more accelerators, higher chemical interaction. Higher matrix cross‐links rather than chemical interaction apt to reduce tanδ.
Published Version
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