Polar copolymer-surface-modified precipitated silica

Abstract

To improve the performance of rubber compounds using precipitated silica as a reinforcing filler, the silica surface was directly modified by (1) adsorption of a surfactant onto the surface, (2) adsolubilization of an organic monomer, (3) in situ polymerization of the monomer in the surfactant bilayer, and (4) partial surfactant removal. Silica was thus modified using copolymers of isoprene or 1,3-butadiene with vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile, 4-methoxystyrene, 4-chlorostyrene, and methyl methacrylate on the silica surface. 4-Methoxystyrene/butadiene modification afforded the most promising candidate based on evaluation in a silica-filled, natural/styrene-butadiene rubber shoe sole compound that also has been used as a model tire compound. Physical testing showed that cure times were decreased, and break strength, tear energy, elongation to break, and cut growth resistance were increased. Thus, surface modification of silica by the in situ polymerization of organic monomers has been shown to be a flexible process capable of producing unique materials useful in improving rubber cure properties and the cured compound physical properties. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.