Rubber-filler Interaction Research Articles

Synthesis, Characterization, Environmental Properties and Mechanical Studies of SBR-Nano Aluminum Oxide Composites

Background: Rubber or nano aluminum oxide composites may be considered as potential materials in mechanical applications because of the adaptability of polymer properties of nanometric substances. Rubber nano-composite is prepared by using the emulsion polymerization method. Mechanical properties and environmental resistance properties are evaluated for a better rubber-filler interaction. Purpose: In this examination, the Raman spectroscopy and the mechanical properties of nanocomposites are based on Styrene-Butadiene rubber (SBR) and were explored within the sight of nano aluminum oxide additive. The nano-composites were prepared by mechanically mixing and utilizing two-roll mills. Nano aluminum oxide particle suspensions were added to SBR and the abrasion and spectral properties were overviewed. Materials and Methods: Nano aluminum oxide, 2, 2’- dithiobis, tetramethyl thiuram disulfide, N, N’- Diphenyl P- phenylenediamine and SBR latex were used for analysis. SBR nano-composite was obtained by using the emulsion polymerization method. Results: Mechanical test outcomes demonstrated the improvement in tensile strength, elongation, and tear resistance. Abrasion test results demonstrated that nano aluminum oxide particles could improve the abrasion resistance of SBR matrix because of the good properties of nano aluminum oxide particles. The strengthening capacity of the fillers resulted in noteworthy upgrades in the properties of polymer framework at extremely low filler loadings when contrasted with conventional fillers. In this work, we concentrate on Raman spectroscopy and mechanical properties by including filler content within a low loading amount. The collection idea of the combined rubber nano-composite was built up by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The impact of nanoparticles in the polymer network has been assessed for the SBR-nano aluminum oxide from the TEM investigation. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DTA) was also examined. Ozone resistance was studied to elucidate periodic observations of the surface of samples, which were made for crack initiation. The samples were exposed for a longer time. Flame resistance was studied to measure the ease of extinction of a flame and four ratings were possible, depending upon the burning time and the presence of flaming drips. Conclusion: The present study highlights the emulsion polymerization method, where the environmental resistance performance of rubber nano-composites is found to be improved and the thermal and mechanical properties are also enhanced.

EFFECTS OF SILANE AGENTS AND CURING TEMPERATURES ON VULCANIZATE STRUCTURES

ABSTRACT Silane coupling agents are commonly used in silica-filled rubber compounds to hydrophobize the silica surface and improve filler–rubber interaction. The coupling agent bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide (TESPT) is the most widely used coupling agent. The tetrasulfide is more reactive than the disulfide in bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]disulfide (TESPD) due to its low decomposition energy, resulting in more coupling reaction with rubber molecules. Meanwhile, vulcanization temperature affects chemical networks. Polysulfide is vulnerable to heat, so it can be easily broken to form shorter crosslinks. Compounds with TESPD or TESPT were vulcanized at 160 and 180 °C. In addition to the decomposition, the reactivity of the silanes was confirmed from the cure characteristics of the compounds without the curatives. TESPD could also cause a coupling reaction without the curatives such as TESPT known to release free sulfur. By analyzing vulcanizate structures, total crosslink density was separated into chemical crosslink density and filler–rubber networks. Applying TESPT or vulcanizing at 180 °C increased the filler–rubber networks, and the higher vulcanization temperature decreased the chemical crosslink density. By correlating physical properties, effects of the vulcanizate structures on performance of tread compounds were investigated. The filler–rubber interaction was dominant for wet traction and mechanical properties in tensile test. The chemical crosslink density affected rolling resistance.

Preparation and characterization of silica nanoparticles from sugarcane bagasse ash for using as a filler in natural rubber composites

Silica nanoparticles from sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) were prepared from sol–gel process. Particle size, specific surface area, morphology, chemical composition and chemical structure of SBA and prepared silica nanoparticles were characterized. The effect of drying techniques such as freeze drying (FD) and heat drying (HD) on the properties of silica nanoparticles was investigated. High purity of silica nanoparticles in size range of 90 ± 10 nm were successfully prepared. FD provided silica nanoparticles with high specific surface area and high porosity compared to conventional HD. The effect of silica nanoparticle contents on cure characteristics, mechanical properties, and morphology of natural rubber (NR) composites was studied. Scorch time of NR composites was increased with an increase in silica nanoparticle content due to the disturbance of vulcanization process by silica surface. FD-silica/NR composites provided longer scorch time and cure time compared to HD-silica/NR composites due to higher active surface area of FD-silica. Modulus and hardness of NR composites were increased while elongation at break was decreased with an increase in silica nanoparticle content. Tensile strength of the composites increased with silica nanoparticle content and tended to reduce at high silica nanoparticle content. FD-silica/NR composites exhibited better mechanical properties than HD-silica/NR composites due to better filler-rubber interaction.

Effect of halloysite nanotubes and organically modified bentonite clay hybrid filler system on the properties of natural rubber

The versatility and potential have framed natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites as the focal point in the polymer research field and industry. Currently, NR nanocomposites filled with hybrid nanostructures is an interesting area than single filler or conventional filler systems. Halloysite nanotube (HNT) and bentonite clay are well-studied potential fillers of polymers. This work is an attempt to study the effect of hybrid filler system of HNT and organically modified bentonite nanoclay (NC) in the properties of NR. NR/HNT-NC systems with varied filler concentrations were prepared in a two-roll mixing mill. Properties such as cure characteristics, morphology, mechanical, thermal, and transport behavior were analyzed in detail. The prepared composites had better wear properties than gum vulcanizates. Improvement in physical properties was observed due to the increased contact surface area between the filler and the matrix. The nanocomposite with 2 wt% hybrid filler shows a 31% decrease in abrasion loss compared to neat NR composite. Apparently, 4 wt% of hybrid filler could improve modulus at 300% strain and tear by approximately 57% and 14%, respectively. The ability to withstand high strain was evident from the improved crack growth resistance as observed in micrographs. Lorenz–Park plots were employed to analyze the rubber–filler interaction. The activation energy of thermal degradation was calculated using Coats–Redfern equation.

Promoted dispersion of silica and interfacial strength in rubber/silica composites by grafting with oniums

ABSTRACTThe dispersion of filler and interfacial interaction are crucial in determining the properties of rubber composites. Aiming to improve the dispersion and filler–rubber interaction, we introduce rubber graft bearing oniums in a rubber/silica composite. To fulfill this goal, the graft, which is prepared via thio‐ene click reaction between 1‐methylimidazolium mercaptopropionate (MMP) and the pendent vinyl groups of a solution‐polymerized styrene‐butadiene rubber (SSBR), is introduced into the silica‐filled styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) composite. The dispersion of silica and interfacial interaction are improved via hydrogen bonding interaction. Moreover, the graft exhibits catalytic effect toward the silanization, which can improve interfacial interaction in the composites with bis [3‐(triethoxysilyl) propyl] tetrasulfide. With 2 phr of the graft, the tensile modulus (stress at 300% strain) is increased by 18% and the abrasion loss is decreased by 31%. This study opens a new attempt to improve the filler dispersion and filler–rubber interaction in the composites with onium‐bearing polymers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48243.

Enhanced tensile strength and thermal conductivity of natural rubber graphene composite properties via rubber-graphene interaction

Rubber-filler interaction is one of the important factors that determine final properties of a composite materials. However, the process of making a homogeneous and stable dispersion of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) or graphene in the natural rubber latex matrix remains a major challenge. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was reduced in-situ during the latex mixing in the absence of strong reducing agent. The composite with only 0.1 phr of rGO has successfully improved the stress elongation at 700% (M700) and retention up to 14% and 13%, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have suggested that these improvements were attributed to rubber-filler interactions between rGO and rubber particles. It is interesting to observe that the thermal conductivity has also increased to 0.236 W/m·K or a 36% of increment after addition of rGO.

Natural Rubber/High Cis Butadiene Rubber-Filler Interactions And Rheological Properties In Rubber Airbag Compounding Formulation

The rheological properties of rubber compound in general application and especially rubber airbag compounding is very important to predict the mechanical properties of rubber products, as well as useful for obtaining optimum formulations in the research and development of a product. The viscoelastic properties of the rubber compound are strongly influenced by the type of rubber and the filler used. The purpose of this research is to investigate the rheological properties of rubber airbag compounding using natural rubber (NR) and high cis butadiene rubber (BR) materials with various compositions of carbon black N220 filler. The mixing of NR and BR with 90/10 phr ratio was performed in a kneader, with carbon black N220 filler variation: 35, 45, 50 phr, named as BD1, BD2 and BD3, respectively. Rheology and viscosity properties were tested using Rubber Process Analyser (RPA) 2000 Alpha Technology. The test was performed with strain sweep at 70 C and comparing 1% strain and 10% strain to indicate dispersion and homogenity. Frequency sweep was performed at 100 C at 6 cpm and 7% strain. High strain sweep was also done as well as strain sweep after cure (ASTM D6601) which material were cured at 1800 C and strain sweep was applied at 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% and 20% to determine the mechanical properties of compound. The result showed that 35 phr of carbon black N220 (BD1) was the optimum formulation since compounds BD3 and BD2 have higher elastic torque (S’) peaks and may be harder to process as a result. The results for Tan (Delta) from all compounds in the high strain sweep verify that compounds BD3 and BD2 have lower Tan(Delta) values and therefore will probably have more difficulty in processing. The highest peak of modulus values at low strain indicates the carbon black with the highest reinforcement or the worst dispersion. BD3 and BD2 have high peak modulus value which is show the worse dispersion compared to BD1. Keywords: rheology, rubber airbag, filler, RPA

Investigation of Crude Palm Oil as an Alternative Processing Oils in Natural Rubber : Effect of the Unsaturated Fatty Acid

Petroleum based processing oils is the hydrocarbon oils derived from petroleum refining process and commonly used as extender or processing oils to improve the rubber processability. Hydrocarbon oils can be classified as paraffins, aromatics, naphthene and olefins oil based on their molecular structure. The studies on replacement of hydrocarbon oils with natural processing oils had been studied by vast number of researchers due to finite resources and the toxicity of the hydrocarbon oils which enhanced awareness in using natural based oils. These natural processing oils are from vegetable or animal. The vegetable oils contain mainly unsaturated fatty acids. Studies showed that the unsaturated fatty acids affect the cure characteristics and the mechanical properties of the filled vulcanizates as these fatty acids took part during the vulcanization and promote the filler-rubber interaction. In this study, natural rubber (NR) of grade Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) with the loadings of paraffin oil (PO) and crude palm oil (CPO) between 1 to 5 phr was investigated. Within the loadings of PO and CPO studied, the unsaturated fatty acid in CPOs were reported to results in plasticizing effect which results in lower minimum and maximum torques. Though that the unsaturated fatty acid which took part during the vulcanization prolonged the cure time, it resulted in higher CB-SMR 20 interaction. The tensile properties, tear strength, hardness and abrasion resistance of the CPO recipes were affected by combination of plasticizing effect and better CB-SMR 20 interaction.

THE Effect of Azido-Starch as Filler on Tensile and Tear Properties of Natural Rubber Latex Films

The azido starch/Natural Rubber (azo-starch/NR) latex films were prepared with control (0), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 phr of azido-starch loadings. The azido starch functional groups were characterized by Fourier Transform Infra- Red (FTIR) analysis to observe the presence of significant peaks of azide (N3).The control and azido starch-filled NR films were subjected to tensile test and tear test in order to investigate the effect of the addition of azido-starch on the mechanical properties of azo-starch/NR latex films. The tensile strength of azo-starch/NR latex films was increased with increasing azido-starch loading and slightly decreased after 1.0 phr loading. The optimum tensile strength of azo-starch/NR latex films is obtained at 1.0 phr loading. The moduli (M100 and M300) and tear strength also increased with increasing azido-starch loading. However, the elongation at break (EB) was almost similar with increasing azido-starch loading. The swelling test was done to determine the swelling index, crosslink density and rubber-filler interaction of azo-starch/NR films. The swelling index was decreased but the crosslink density increased with increasing azido-starch loading indicating the formation of crosslinks between azido-starch and rubber macromolecules.

The different reinforcing behavior between siliceous earth nanoparticles and silica on natural rubber

The reinforcing behaviors of siliceous earth (SE) nanoparticles and silica on natural rubber (NR) were compared. SE employed in this work was formed by volcanic eruptions 100 million years ago and mainly consists of SiO2 (∼80%), Al2O3 (∼14%), and K2O (∼4%) and is composed of low quartz and illite in crystal structure and with a special flaky and laminated morphology. The effects of SE slurry with different filler loading of 30, 40, 50 per hundred parts of rubber (phr), and 40 phr silica(S-40) were investigated. Mechanical properties were measured, and the results show that 300% modulus, elongation at break, tensile, and tear strength of SE/NR are all higher than those of S-40. Combination results of tensile properties and rubber process analyzer (RPA), the rubber–filler interaction parameter (I) was calculated and the results show the value of I increase slightly with SE loading, while obviously higher than that of S-40. But the results of dynamic mechanical analysis and bound rubber content show that S-40 has obviously lower tan δ and higher bound rubber content, which indicate that there exists stronger rubber–filler interaction between silica and NR. The seemingly conflicting results imply that the effect of the two fillers on the NR network structure should be different. The special morphology of SE can help them to distribute more evenly in the NR matrix, making it less likely to form particle networks and providing very strong filler–rubber interaction, while showing higher average rubber–filler interaction and results in better mechanical properties of SE/NR composites.

Effect of carbon black loading on mechanical and rheological properties of natural rubber/styrene-butadiene rubber/nitrile butadiene rubber blends

This study investigated the effect of carbon black (CB) filler loading on mechanical and rheological properties of natural rubber (NR)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) ternary rubber nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were prepared using a melt mixing method. Four different samples with different filler loadings namely S2 (15 phr), S3 (30 phr), S4 (45 phr), and S5 (60 phr) were prepared in this work. The mechanical properties of these samples were investigated such as tensile strength, stress at 100, 200, and 300% elongations, elongation at break %, tear strength, compression set, compression stress, and crosslink density. Results indicate that minimum torque, maximum torque, tensile strength, stress at 100, 200, and 300% elongations, elongation at break %, tear strength, compression set, compression stress, and crosslink density were increased while the scorch time, cure time, cure rate index, elongation at break %, swelling coefficient, and filler–rubber interaction decrease with increasing CB loading. The higher value of tensile strength for these samples was S4 (loading with 45-phr CB). Therefore, had higher stiffness compared to the other content ratio. Additionally, S4 showed 233.58% increment in tensile strength. These results showed that the optimum filler loading can increase the compatibility between CB and NR/SBR/NBR. These results were confirmed by scanning electron microscope micrography.

The degree of filler dispersion, rheometric and mechanical properties of carbon black-filled styrene-butadiene rubber composites in the presence of alkanolamide

The degree of filler dispersion, rheometric and mechanical properties of carbon black (CB)-filled styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) composites in the presence of alkanolamide (ALK) were investigated using a semi-efficient sulphur accelerated vulcanisation system. The ALK was prepared from Refined Bleached Deodorized Palm Stearin and diethanolamine and added into the CB-filled SBR composites at1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 7.0 parts per hundred rubber (phr). It was found that ALK decreased the scorch time, cure time and minimum torque of the CB-filled SBR composites. The ALK also increased the torque difference, tensile modulus, hardness, resilience and tensile strength; especially up to a 5.0 phr of loading. Due to its plasticising effect, ALK improved the degree of CB dispersion and increased the elongation at break of the CB-filled SBR composites. The crosslink density was increased by improving the degree of CB dispersion and rubber-filler interaction, respectively. The 5.0 phr of ALK was the optimum loading for CB-filled SBR composites which exhibited the highest values in tensile modulus, hardness, resilience and tensile strength.

Enhancing interfacial and mechanical properties of NR/montmorillonite composites using butadiene-styrene-vinylpyridine rubber as compatilizer

The montmorillonite (MMT) functionalized by butadiene-styrene-vinylpyridine rubber (VPR) latex was prepared in aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the interactions between MMT layer and VPR to be hydrogen bond and electrovalent bond. Then, influences of VPR on the structure and properties of NR/MMT composites were investigated through swelling property representation, dynamical mechanic analysis (DMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results indicated the exfoliation or dispersion of MMT in NR matrix was improved significantly by adding VPR, as well as the enhanced constrained regions and rubber-filler interaction. Finally, the mechanical properties as tensile stress, tear strength of composites were promoted by 45.2%, 51.6% respectively at 8 wt% VPR loading compared to unfunctionalized composite, where the tanδ at 60 °C was decreased by 42.7% simultaneously that is beneficial to the development of low rolling resistance tyre.

Preparation of dispersible nanosilica surface‐capped by hexamethyl disilazane via anin situsurface‐modification method and investigation of its effects on the mechanical properties of styrene–butadiene/butadiene rubber

ABSTRACTSilica has been established as one of the most promising materials in green tires. The filler–rubber interactions can increase the comprehensive performance of rubber composites. In this study, sodium silicate was used as the silicon source and hexamethyl disilazane (HMDS; molecular formula: C6H19NSi2) was used as a modifier to synthesize dispersible silica (DNS) via anin situsurface‐modification method. The effects of the HMDS‐capped silica on the properties of rubber–matrix composites made of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) and high‐cis‐polybutadiene rubber (BR9000 or BR) were investigated with Zeosil 1165MP (Z1165‐MP; a commercial highly dispersible silica produced by Rhodia for the production of green tires in the rubber industry) as a reference. The results show that the SBR–BR–DNS composite was before the SBR–BR–Z1165‐MP composite in increasing the tear strength and elongation at break and reducing the compression heat buildup. On the basis of the resulting properties, the reinforcing behaviors in the rubber–matrix composites were analyzed. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47763.

NATURAL RUBBER/MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE COMPOSITES WITH EPOXIDIZED NATURAL RUBBER AS COMPATIBILIZER

ABSTRACT An exploration of the effect of epoxidized NR with 50 mole% epoxide groups (ENR-50) as compatibilizer on the rubber–filler interaction of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)-filled NR composites was conducted. The compatibilizing efficiency of ENR-50 was systematically examined in terms of cure and mechanical and thermal properties of NR/MCC composites. ENR-50 compatibilized NR/MCC composites showed moderate enhancement in the maximum rheometric torque and tensile properties compared to either uncompatibilized NR/MCC composite or unfilled NR system. The solvent uptake measurements indicated improved interfacial interaction between NR matrix and MCC in presence of ENR-50 as compatibilizer. A thermogravimetric analysis confirmed excellent improvement in the thermal stability of NR/MCC composite in the presence of ENR-50 as compatibilizer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to explain the probable mechanism of interaction between NR matrix and MCC in the presence of ENR-50.

Hybrid Interface in Sepiolite Rubber Nanocomposites: Role of Self-Assembled Nanostructure in Controlling Dissipative Phenomena.

Sepiolite (Sep)–styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites were prepared by using nano-sized sepiolite (NS-SepS9) fibers, obtained by applying a controlled surface acid treatment, also in the presence of a silane coupling agent (NS-SilSepS9). Sep/SBR nanocomposites were used as a model to study the influence of the modified sepiolite filler on the formation of immobilized rubber at the clay-rubber interface and the role of a self-assembled nanostructure in tuning the mechanical properties. A detailed investigation at the macro and nanoscale of such self-assembled structures was performed in terms of the organization and networking of Sep fibers in the rubber matrix, the nature of both the filler–filler and filler–rubber interactions, and the impact of these features on the reduced dissipative phenomena. An integrated multi-technique approach, based on dynamic measurements, nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, and morphological investigation, assessed that the macroscopic mechanical properties of clay nanocomposites can be remarkably enhanced by self-assembled filler structures, whose formation can be favored by manipulating the chemistry at the hybrid interfaces between the clay particles and the polymers.

Grafting polyisoprene onto surfaces of nanosilica via RAFT polymerization and modification of natural rubber

In this contribution, we reported the investigation of natural rubber (NR) reinforced by silicon dioxide‐graft‐polyisoprene (SiO2‐g‐PIP) core–shell nanoparticle. First, the hydroxyl on the surface of the SiO2 nanoparticles was reacted with 2‐methyl‐2‐[(dodecylsulfanylthiocarbonyl) sulfanyl] propanoic acid to produce trithioester‐capped SiO2 (denoted as SiO2‐CTA). SiO2‐CTA was used as a nanoparticle chain transfer agent, and SiO2‐g‐PIP core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). The results of FTIR spectroscopy and TGA showed that the grafting weight of the PIP block in SiO2‐g‐PIP was 2.1 wt%. SiO2‐g‐PIP and SiO2 were simultaneously incorporated into NR. The curing properties of the NR compounds showed that the vulcanization rates of the NR/SiO2‐g‐PIP compounds were much higher than those of NR/silica compounds. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that SiO2 microdomains in the NR/SiO2‐g‐PIP vulcanizate were much better disperse and distribute than SiO2 microdomains in the NR/SiO2 composite. The filler–rubber interaction of the NR/SiO2‐g‐PIP composite endowed the composite with improved mechanical properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1167–1174 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers

A critical review on the utilization of various reinforcement modifiers in filled rubber composites

Presently, the development of high-performance filled rubber composites offers a new era in the industrial field of polymer research. This article reviews the utilization of various reinforcement modifiers on the successive property enhancement of rubber composites containing different commonly used fillers like silica, nanoclay, carbon nanotube, natural fibers, and so on. The practical importance of reinforcement modifiers in rubber technology is systematically described in the light of filler dispersion, processing, and mechanical properties of filled rubber compounds. A special emphasis is given on the mechanism of interaction between reinforcement modifiers and filler surface in filled rubber composites. Filler dispersion in the rubber matrix is the key parameter that controls the ultimate performance and rubber–filler interaction of filled rubber system. The use of some fixed reinforcement modifiers is an innovative way not only to solve the dispersion problem of filler particles but also to increase the reinforcing ability of most of the fillers in filled rubber products. Thus, the concept of reinforcement modifiers has the potential to facilitate further development of filler reinforcement technology for rubber-based composite materials.

Investigation of Silane Coupling Agents on the Filler-Filler and Filler-Rubber Interaction and Mechanical Properties of EVM/ATH Composites

Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVM)/aluminium trihydrate (ATH) composites were prepared. Vinyl-trimethoxysilane (VTMO), triethoxyvinylsilane (VTEO), ethyltrimethoxysilane (ETMO), amino-propyl-trimethoxysilane (AMMO) four kinds of silanes were used in this research. The effects of silane amount and different kinds of silane on the dispersion and adhesion of the ATH in EVM composites were characterized through RPA, electron microscopy, bound rubber. It was found that the addition of VTMO/AMMO/VTEO led to a dramatic increase in Payne effect and tensile property of the composites. Filler dispersion increased with silane adding, and the interaction of ATH and EVM was found in silane treated composites, in which silane had effective functional groups.

Tensile Properties and Dynamic Mechanical Behaviour of Natural Rubber Compound Filled with Rice Husk Silica Produced via Solvent-Thermal Extraction Method

This study highlighted the effect of incorporation of rice husk silica (RHS) on the tensile properties and dynamic mechanical behaviour of natural rubber (NR) compounds. High purity RHS was synthesised by solvent-thermal extraction method, which was inspired by TAPPI T204 cm-97 and TAPPI T264 cm-97 standards with some modifications. The extraction method had successfully produced RHS with 99.9% of silica content and surface area of 234.25 m2/g. The incorporation of RHS in NR showed increment in tensile properties compared to unfilled NR. Further improvement was recorded by surface modification of RHS with 1 wt. % bis (triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT). The modification of RHS with TESPT increased the rubber-filler interaction between RHS and NR matrix, hence enhancing the strength-related properties. The modified RHS-NR also recorded highest storage modulus, and the presence of RHS in the NR compound had slightly shifted the glass transition temperature (Tg) to a higher value. This confirmed that the strong rubber-filler interaction had increased the rigidity of the compounds and restricted the mobility of the rubber chains.