The utilization of aminopropyltriethoxy silane as a rubber additive in improving the degree of filler dispersion of natural rubber/precipitated silica composites

Abstract

The performance of aminopropyltriethoxy silane (AS) as an additive in improving the filler dispersion of natural rubber (NR)/precipitated silica (PSi) was observed. The NR was loaded with PSi at thirty phr. The AS was mixed with the NR/PSi composites with various dosages (one to seven phr). The NR/PSi/AS composites were vulcanized at 150 °C. The rheometric behaviours of the NR/PSi/AS composites were determined by applying a curemeter. The AS role as a plasticizing additive. It cut down the minimal torque (viscosity) but raised the maximal torque and torque changes. The bigger the AS dosage; the lower the viscosity of the NR/PSi/AS composites. The incorporations of AS till five phr raised the maximal torque and torque changes. Based on the torque behaviours; the degree of PSi dispersion was observed. It was revealed that the AS raised the degree of PSi dispersion. Presumably, in the relation to the plasticizing affection of AS on the NR/PSi systems; the AS plasticized or soften the NR/PSi composites and hence, made easier the dispersion process of PSi into the NR systems, raised the PSi dispersion in the NR composites, jointly. The bigger the AS dosage, the better was the PSi dispersion.