Reduce Rolling Resistance Research Articles

I-80- PDR, Concrete Overlay, and Sustainable Concrete Mix Design

Constructing, maintaining and reconstructing interstate highways can be accomplished in a sustainable, cost effective manner. Sustainability is an increasingly important element in the design and construction of transportation infrastructure because of limited dollars and natural resources. Construction materials and methods can contribute greatly to the overall sustainability of a pavement. Concrete, as the most widely used construction material on the planet, has been proven time and again as one of the most sustainable and longest lasting pavement media. Other intrinsic benefits of concrete include light reflectance and reduced rolling resistance which results in improved fuel economy for the traveling public. In this paper these attributes will be explored through the experience gained during the reconstruction of a section of Interstate 80 near Park City, Utah. This section of highway was originally constructed with asphalt but after years of repair work the section has been repaved with concrete pavement. This project utilized multiple sustainable practices including partial depth recycling of the existing asphalt which was treated with cement, and a concrete overlay. I-80 proved that many pavement challenges can be solved with concrete overlays, while economizing taxpayer dollars, saving natural resources, recycling existing materials, and providing a long design life.

Investigating the Influence of Heat-Insulated Wheelhouses on Truck Tyre Temperature and Rolling Resistance

Due to legislations introduced to prevent global warming, vehicle manufacturers must find new ways to reduce CO2 emissions. This paper explores a way to reduce rolling resistance by heat-insulating and covering a truck’s wheelhouse. Truck tyre rolling resistance was measured at +5 °C ambient temperature for consecutive speed steps in a climate wind chamber with and without heat insulation. The study showed that by encapsulating and insulating the wheelhouse, already generated strain-induced heat could be kept in the tyre, consequently leading to reduced rolling resistance. The tyre shoulder temperature was monitored during the experiments along with the tyre pressure. When the wheelhouses were encapsulated, a significant reduction in rolling resistance and an increase in tyre pressure and temperature were measured at all evaluated speed levels.

RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF ALUMINUM SOAP: A NEW PROSPECT FOR TREAD RUBBER APPLICATION

ABSTRACT Aluminum soaps are notable for their enormous power of thickening many organic hydrocarbon solvents. We investigated the rheological behavior of aluminum dioleate, an aluminum soap, in squalane. Intriguingly, its linear rheological properties resembled those of entangled polymer melts, whereas its nonlinear behavior exhibited similarities to the Payne effect observed in particle-suspended systems. Using high-resolution microscopy, we discovered that its thickening power arises from the formation of spherical nanoparticles from the aluminum soap molecules that then aggregate into highly fractal networks in the dispersion medium. Remarkably, this nanoparticle formation occurs not only in small-molecule organic media but also in long-chain macromolecular rubber matrices, such as SBR. This discovery suggests that the aluminum soap may reinforce the polymer matrices and offer some rheological benefits in resulting rubber compounds. We then incorporated 10 phr of the aluminum soap into a silica-filled tread rubber formulation. The results revealed significant enhancements in tensile strength, accompanied by reduced rolling resistance. These promising outcomes highlight the practical application potential of aluminum soaps in tread formulations.

Synergistic enhancement of magic triangle properties of PC tread stocks modified by amine-capped trans-1,4-poly (butadiene-co-isoprene)

The development of high-performance “green tires” with synergistically improved “magic triangle” properties like lower rolling resistance, higher wet-skid resistance and higher abrasion resistance has always been a hot issue. In this work, an effective strategy for developing high-performance “green tires” with simultaneously improved “magic triangle” properties of solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR)/cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber (BR) nanocomposites modified by amine-capped trans-1,4-poly(butadiene-co-isoprene) copolymers (F-TBIR) was proposed. A series of F-TBIR with 10–60 mol% amine-capped efficiency (CE) and 30-90 × 104 weight-average molecular weight (Mw) were synthesized by using heterogeneous TiCl4/MgCl2–Al(i-Bu)3 Ziegler-Natta catalyst with dicyclohexylamine (DCHA) as chain transfer agent (CTA). With the increase in CE of F-TBIR, the silica-filled SSBR/BR/F-TBIR compounds exhibited improved green strength, modulus at 100 % elongation and bound rubber, and their vulcanizates showed synergistically improved “magic triangle” properties like obviously reduced rolling resistance and abrasion loss, and increased wet-skid resistance. It was found that the incorporation of 10 phr F-TBIR3 with CE of 60 mol% and Mw of 32 × 104 resulted in highly expected properties of the SSBR/BR/F-TBIR3 nanocomposite. The contribution mechanism of F-TBIR3 was discussed based on the improvements of polymer network structures and filler network structures. This work is expected to provide an effective strategy to construct the desired network structures for high-performance rubber composites.

Optimizing the Honeycomb Spoke Structure of a Non-Pneumatic Wheel to Reduce Rolling Resistance

Traditional pneumatic tyres are prone to puncture or blowout and other safety hazards. Non-pneumatic tyres use a high-strength, high-toughness support structure to replace the “airbag body” structure of pneumatic tyres, which is made of fibre skeleton materials and rubber laminated layers, thus effectively avoiding the problems of blowout and air leakage. However, discontinuous spokes undergo repeated bending deformation when carrying loads, which leads to energy loss, of which the rolling resistance of non-pneumatic tyres is one of the main sources of energy loss. This paper focuses on the study of gradient honeycomb non-pneumatic tyres. Firstly, a finite element model was established, and the accuracy of the model was verified by numerical simulation and stiffness tests. Secondly, the order of the effect of different spoke thicknesses on rolling resistance was obtained through orthogonal test analysis of four-layer honeycomb spoke thicknesses. Then, four optimized design variables were selected in combination with the spoke angles, and the effects of the design variables on rolling resistance were analyzed in detail by means of the Latin hypercube experimental design. Finally, the response surface model was established, and the non-linear optimization model was solved by the EVOL optimization algorithm considering the tyre stiffness limitations so that the rolling resistance was minimized. The results of the study laid down theoretical and methodological guidance for the design concept and technological innovation of low rolling resistance comfort non-pneumatic tyres.

Controlled Traffic Farm: Fuel Demand and Carbon Emissions in Soybean Sowing

Soil compaction between crop rows can increase a machine’s performance by reducing rolling resistance and fuel demand. Controlled Traffic Farm (CTF) stands out among modern techniques for increasing agricultural sustainability because the machines continuously travel along the same path in the field, reducing plant crush and compacting the soil in the traffic line. This study evaluated fuel consumption and CO2 emissions at different CTF intensities in different soil management strategies for soybean crop. The experimental design involved randomized blocks in a split-plot scheme with four replications. The plots constituted the three types of soil management: conventional tillage, no-tillage with straw millet cover, and no-tillage with brachiária straw cover. The subplots constituted for agricultural tractors were passed over in traffic lines (2, 4, and 8 times). We evaluated agricultural tractor fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and soybean productivity. The straw cover and tractor-pass significantly affected the fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of the soybean cultivation. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions were reduced due to the machine-pass increase, regardless of soil management. Thus, a CTF reduces rolling resistance and increases crop environmental efficiency. Bare-soil areas increased by 20.8% and 27.9% with respect to fuel consumption, compared to straw-cover systems. Brachiária straw and millet reduce CO2 emissions per hectare by 20% and 28% compared to bare soil. Lower traffic intensities (two passes) showed (13.72%) higher soybean yields (of 4.04 Mg ha−1). Investigating these effects in other types of soil and mechanized operations then becomes essential.

Synergistic effects of silane‐modified carbon black and nano‐silica hybrid fillers on the performance of natural rubber compounds

AbstractThis study investigates the efficiency of already developed surface‐modified carbon black (CB), both independently and in conjunction with nano‐silica, as a hybrid filler, to the properties of natural rubber (NR) compounds. The modification process, followed by coupling agent treatment, enhanced cross‐link density and curing characteristics, though the inclusion of nano‐silica alone negatively affected curing due to its inherent polarity and tendency to agglomerate. The filled compounds with modified CB exhibited significant improvements in mechanical properties, notably tear resistance. Moreover, the combination of nano‐silica with modified CB yielded compounds with superior tear resistance, attributed to synergistic effects. CB surface modification exhibited varying effects on the glass transition temperature, with enhancements observed in tan δ at lower temperatures, indicating improved ice and wet grip potential. Also, it reduced rolling resistance after treatment with a coupling agent. While thermal stability remained consistent across the studied compounds, swelling resistance varies with filler type and ratio. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed the positive impact of CB surface modification on the elasticity and chain mobility of the investigated rubber compounds. It was concluded that the strategic selection of fillers and modification approaches were essential for achieving optimal results in the rubber compound's performance and application.

Metamodeling on uncertainty quantification in the behavior of the tire/road interaction of vehicles

In recent years, the automotive industry has been developing applied research to meet customer’s needs; considering safety, vehicle comfort and energetic efficiency. In particular, automotive tires have a prominent position in this research area, ensuring good vehicle handling, comfort and safety. In the vehicle dynamics performance, excellent gripping and reduced rolling resistance in the tires are crucial to maximize the energetic efficiency in a reliable way. However, to ensure such a level of reliability in vehicle operation, the inherent uncertainties of tires, as well as other factors subject to variability must be taken into account in the vehicle design. In this way, the present paper analyzes in detail the effect of variations in some parameters such as ambient temperature, ground conditions, vertical load, speed and tire inflation on the analysis of vehicle dynamics. A Metamodeling approach associated with the Monte Carlo Simulation was employed to develop the mathematical models to analyze the effect of uncertain parameters on the tire rolling resistance; traction, centripetal and lateral forces, using experimental data from the literature, in the longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics. Therefore, the present research brings as an innovation an integrated approach to the input parameters of the system with the rolling resistance through the developed metamodels. There was a substantial variability of up to 15% both up and down in the Maximum Traction Force of a vehicle in response to variations in the vehicle’s weight and the coefficient of tire rolling resistance. In contrast, the Lateral Force exhibited a greater variability, with a 25 downward and 10% upward variation associated with the weight and friction coefficient variability of the vehicle. Further investigations into the sensitivity analysis highlight the significant influence of the friction coefficient and temperature on the Traction Forces of the vehicle.

CFD simulation of silica dispersion/natural rubber latex mixing for high silica content rubber composite production.

High silica contents rubber composites are favored in the green tire industry for their ability to reduce rolling resistance. However, achieving effective silica dispersion in natural rubber, particularly at high silica content, poses a challenge. In addition, the choice of impeller configuration significantly influences mixing performance, especially in commercial production, which requires large mixing tanks. Therefore, understanding the scaling-up process for this mixing system is essential. This research aims to investigate the mixing of silica dispersion in natural latex, specifically focusing on a high silica content regime. The flow characteristics of each liquid phase were simulated by employing the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach, with a two-fluid model serving as the model based. Analyses were conducted on two variants of stirred tank reactors including four baffles and flat bottoms. Four configurations of Rushton turbine impellers were considered: four 90° blades (RT4-90), four 45° blades (RT4-45), six 90° blades (RT6-90), and six 45° blades (RT6-45). The simulations revealed that the 90° blade promoted the radial flow, while the 45° blades enhanced axial flow, through the process of diverting a significant proportion of the fluid above impeller, this regime effectively increases the liquid's velocity. Increasing the number of blades led to a more homogeneous velocity profile within the impeller region. Additionally, higher fluid velocity was observed in a larger mixing tank. In a smaller tank, the impact of impeller design (number and angle of the impeller) on mixing time was less pronounced. However, the mixing time decreased with the increasing blade number in a larger tank. In addition, the 45° blade angle tends to decrease the mixing time. The optimum design is the Ruston turbine with six blades set at a 45° angle. Furthermore, the upscaling criteria that were proposed by Norwood and Metzner were used into this inquiry. The suggested scaling criterion was consistently applied to the mixing of high silica natural latex, with no deviation exceeding 10%.

Hexagonal Boron Nitride as Filler for Silica-Based Elastomer Nanocomposites.

Two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has attracted tremendous attention over the last few years, thanks to its stable structure and its outstanding properties, such as mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and lubricant behavior. This work demonstrates that hBN can also improve the rheological and mechanical properties of elastomer composites when used to partially replace silica. In this work, commercially available pristine hBN (hBN-p) was exfoliated and ball-mill treated in air for different durations (2.5, 5, and 10 h milling). Functionalization occurred with the -NH and -OH groups (hBN-OH). The functional groups were detected using Fourier-Transform Infrared pectroscopy (FT-IR) and were estimated to be up to about 7% through thermogravimetric analysis. The presence of an increased amount of oxygen in hBN-OH was confirmed using Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. (SEM-EDS). The number of stacked layers, estimated using WAXD analysis, decreased to 8-9 in hBN-OH (10 h milling) from about 130 in hBN-p. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and SEM-EDS revealed the increase in disorder in hBN-OH. hBN-p and hBN-OH were used to partially replace silica by 15% and 30%, respectively, by volume, in elastomer composites based on poly(styrene-co-butadiene) from solution anionic polymerization (S-SBR) and poly(1,4-cis-isoprene) from Hevea Brasiliensis (natural rubber, NR) as the elastomers (volume (mm3) of composites released by the instrument). The use of both hBNs in substitution of 30% of silica led to a lower Payne effect, a higher dynamic rigidity, and an increase in E' of up to about 15% at 70 °C, with similar/lower hysteresis. Indeed, the composites with hBN-OH revealed a better balance of tan delta (higher at low temperatures and lower at high temperatures) and better ultimate properties. The functional groups reasonably promote the interaction of hBN with silica and with the silica's coupling agent, sulfur-based silane, and thus promoted the interaction with the elastomer chains. The volume of the composite, measured using a high-pressure capillary viscometer, increased by about 500% and 400% after one week of storage in the presence of hBN-p and hBN-OH. Hence, both hBNs improved the processability and the shelf life of the composites. Composites obtained using hBN-OH had even filler dispersion without the detachments of the filler from the elastomer matrix, as shown through TEM micrographs. These results pave the way for substantial improvements in the important properties of silica-based composites for tire compounds, used to reduce rolling resistance and thus the improve environmental impacts.

Study of tire radiation noise focusing on structural vibration and tread pattern

Tires are the only parts in contact with the road surface and have four major functions: supporting the weight of the vehicle, transmitting driving and braking forces, changing and maintaining the direction of travel, and mitigating road impacts. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of a sustainable society, there is a need to reduce rolling resistance and weight. In addition, the noise generated by the interaction between the tire and the road is becoming one of the main causes of traffic noise, so reducing both rolling resistance and tire noise is an important issue. This paper introduces a study of the causes of tire road noise and efforts to reduce that. One is study the vibration radiation sound that contradict low rolling resistance. Moreover, a study of reducing noise caused by tread pattern, and a study of a method to reduce acoustic resonance generated in the space between the grooves and the road surface using a resonator are described.

Use of vegetable oils as an alternate to naphthenic oil for extension of emulsion styrene butadiene rubber

Various petroleum based mineral oils like Distillate Aromatic Extract (DAE), Treated Distillate Aromatic Extract (TDAE), Residual Aromatic Extract (RAE) and Naphthenic oils are used for extension of emulsion polymerized Styrene Butadiene Rubber (E-SBR). Vegetable oils are alternate to these petroleum oil from sustainability point of view as vegetable oils have no Polycyclic Aromatic (PCA) content. They improve abrasion resistance leads to less rubber particulates spread in the environment and reduce rolling resistance leads to lower fuel consumption. However, introduction of few vegetable oils leads to slow down the cure reaction due to high unsaturation to saturation ratio. Presence of high fatty acid content in vegetable oils help in better rubber-filler interaction. In the present research, vegetable origin oils as such without any modification (Decas, Palmolein, Groundnut, Soybean, Mustard and Coconut) extended Styrene Butadiene Rubber (OE-SBR) were characterized in standard American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) compound recipe for various processing, different vulcanizate and other performance properties. Curative’s dosages were adjusted in the recipe of vegetable oil extended SBR’s to achieve the 300% modulus value like naphthenic oil. Vegetable oil extended Emulsion Styrene Butadiene Rubber (E-SBR) grades (Prepared with Palmolein and Coconut oils) were showing comparable rheometric and stress-strain properties, high reinforcement index (around 5%), better rubber-filler interaction parameter (around 12%), better abrasion resistance (around 23%) and comparable tanδ value @0°, 30° and 60°C as compared to naphthenic oil extended SBR based compound.

Rubber Comprehensive Constitutive Equation and the Prediction of Tire Temperature and Rolling Resistance

ABSTRACT Cooler running tires with a reduced rolling resistance is a consideration for both tire makers and automotive original equipment manufacturers. To investigate the mechanics of energy loss and temperature rise, a nonlinear viscoelastic model suitable for numerical analysis of rolling tires is developed and demonstrated. The rubber compounds are represented as nonlinear viscoelastic materials with temperature and frequency, strain, and strain history–dependent response. Several applications to different tire designs are provided to demonstrate the impact of this new material constitutive law in improving the quality of the numerical predictions over other methods. One application is a rolling tire model that was used to delineate the tire temperature distribution and the resultant rolling resistance for different three-dimensional tread patterns.

Optimized End Functionality of Silane-Terminated Liquid Butadiene Rubber for Silica-Filled Rubber Compounds.

As the world is shifting from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles in response to environmental pollution, the tire industry has been conducting research on tire performance to meet the requirements of electric vehicles. In this experiment, functionalized liquid butadiene rubber (F-LqBR) with triethoxysilyl groups at both ends was introduced into a silica-filled rubber compound as a substitute for treated distillate aromatic extract (TDAE) oil, and comparative evaluation was conducted according to the number of triethoxysilyl groups. The results showed that F-LqBRs improved silica dispersion in the rubber matrix through the formation of chemical bonds between silanol groups and the base rubber, and reduced rolling resistance by limiting chain end mobility and improving filler-rubber interaction. However, when the number of triethoxysilyl groups in F-LqBR was increased from two to four, self-condensation increased, the reactivity of the silanol groups decreased, and the improvement of properties was reduced. As a result, the optimized end functionality of triethoxysilyl groups for F-LqBR in silica-filled rubber compound was two. The 2-Azo-LqBR with the optimized functionality showed an improvement of 10% in rolling resistance, 16% in snow traction, and 17% in abrasion resistance when 10 phr of TDAE oil was substituted.

Design, properties, and applications of non-pneumatic tires: A review

The interest in airless or non-pneumatic tire (NPT) structures emerges due to potential performance and environmental advantages, such as reduced rolling resistance and improved recyclability, when compared with traditional rubber-based pneumatic tires. NPTs can already be found in commercial applications such as forklifts, electric scooters, and wheelchairs. Even so, up to the knowledge of authors, there is no known established large-scale production of NPTs for most applications. This work presents a systematic literature review regarding the mechanical design and development of NPTs. A summary of structural characteristics and mechanical behaviour analysis is provided. Relevant standards, analysis strategies, materials, production techniques, and the end-of-life of tires are addressed. In the end, the authors debate the current challenges and prospects of these emergent products. Furthermore, this research aims at being used as a tool, potentiating the development of innovative and efficient, airless tire solutions. The review presented clarifies that many academic efforts are focused on finding optimal functional designs, which are frequently complex and physically demanding. These geometrically complex design proposals are, in most cases, composed of intricate cellular structures and spokes arrangements. Based on the current lack of knowledge, authors identify key research areas to be further developed such as the production, performance, and reliability of NPTs. It is debatable whether there will ever be a shortcoming of the rubber tire, or a time when fully recyclable tires are a societal obligation. Nevertheless, the number of reasons to promote the development of a reliable replacement to the traditional tire is far from scarce.

The influence of crystalline component with varied chain sequence structure and crystallinity on properties of NR based nanocomposites

The influences of polymer network structures on the properties of natural rubber (NR) based products were investigated in this work through blending NR with trans-1,4-poly(butadiene-co-isoprene) (TBIR) copolymers with varied crystallinity. Series of TBIR copolymers with varied chain sequence structure and crystallinity were synthesized. Blending 10 phr TBIR-1 (crystallinity 9.4%) with NR, the vulcanized NR/TBIR-1 composite presented the highest fatigue resistance, reduced rolling resistance and abrasion, reduced tear strength when compared with NR composite. While NR/TBIR-3 (crystallinity 4.1%) vulcanizate presented satisfied dynamic properties, like much lower rolling resistance and abrasion, excellent fatigue resistance and tear strength. The chain sequence structures of TBIR had significant effects on the dynamic properties of NR composites by constructing polymer ternary-network structures. This work is dedicated to understand the key parameters determining the dynamic properties of rubber composites and proposed the ideal polymer network structure for high performance rubber composites.

Assessment of Energy Consumption Characteristics of Ultra-Heavy-Duty Vehicles under Real Driving Conditions

Passenger cars account for the largest share of GHG emissions in the road sector. However, given that the number of heavy-duty vehicles registered is lower but accounts for about a quarter of GHG emissions in the road sector, it is necessary to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by improving the fuel efficiency of heavy-duty vehicles. However, experiments using dynamometers during the vehicle development process consume a lot of time and cost. Conversely, simulations can quantitatively analyze the sensitivity of parameters and accelerate optimization. Therefore, in this study, we modeled a heavy-duty vehicle using an AVL Cruise simulation and analyzed the effects of payload, air drag coefficient, and rolling resistance on fuel economy, CO2 emission, and the valid window ratio among the moving average window (MAW) for three driving routes. When the average vehicle speed was higher, the effect of the air drag coefficient on fuel economy was high. Additionally, when the average vehicle speed was lowered, the effect of the reduced rolling resistance on improving fuel efficiency was higher than that of the reducing air drag. Thus, the fuel efficiency improvement rate according to each 10% decrease in rolling resistance was higher by 2.2%, on average, in the low average speed route. Additionally, it was confirmed that the valid window ratio was high when driving in a section with a high vehicle speed first. Thus, the valid window ratio was almost 100% in the test of the route conditions starting from the highway section.

Study on lignin amination for lignin/SiO2 nano-hybrids towards sustainable natural rubber composites

Lignin-based hybrid fillers are of increasing importance with regards to the valorization of low-value biomass and the requirement of sustainability in rubber industry, however, a facile lignin modification approach tuning the supramolecular interactions to favor the assembly of the hybrids is in demand. This study aimed to design a lignin/SiO2 nano-hybrid via an in-situ assembly of diethylamine grafted lignin (DL) and SiO2, and investigate its reinforcing effect on natural rubber (NR). DL was prepared through Mannich modification of lignin, and the grafted diethylamine can be clearly identified by FTIR, NMR and elemental analysis. The resultant hybrid (DLSi) displays as homogeneous nanospheres with well integrated DL and SiO2 components as shown in the TEM images, and the hybrid (DLSi1) prepared with weight ratio of DL/SiO2 = 1/2 shows a minimum particle size of 101.8 nm and significantly reduced polarity. Compared to the reference composite filled only with carbon black (CB), NR composites filled with DLSi/CB of 10/40 phr shows comparable mechanical properties and reduced rolling resistance, which is due to the low particle size, homogenous dispersion and strong rubber-filler interfacial affinity. Such remarkable performance suggests that the DLSi hybrid can be a promising versatile biobased filler for the application in gasoline-saving “green” tires.

Optimization of mixing parameters on the degree of silanization using Taguchi and response surface method for fuel‐efficient tire tread compound

AbstractRecently, in the tire industry, carbon black has been replaced by silica as a reinforcing filler for the development of “green tires”. The “green” claim comes from the fact that silica‐reinforced materials help further reduce rolling resistance, save vehicle fuel and reduce CO2 emissions to the environment. Silica‐silane technology dramatically contributes to the field tire industries by saving fuel. However, unlike carbon black mixing, silica mixing is complicated as it involves several reactions inside an internal mixer. In this paper, we have evaluated the effects of mixing parameters and optimized the silica‐filled elastomer compound using the design of experiments (Taguchi and Response surface method). Silanization temperature and time are found to be crucial parameters for silanization. Compounds mixed using optimized mixing parameters show superior performance properties compared to the control. Filler dispersion in the optimized batch was better and characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Tan δ @60°C as an indication of rolling resistance is improved by 23% indicating the better fuel economy of this system.

In-situ preparation of TBIR/CB nanocomposites and its regulation in structure and properties of NR based composites

In order to construct the rubber nanocomposites with desired dual network structures, the trans -1,4-poly (butadiene-co-isoprene) copolymers (TBIR)/carbon black (CB) nanocomposites were prepared by in-situ polymerization in the presence of large amounts of CB using TiCl 4 -type Ziegler-Natta catalysts. It was found that the addition of CB had no obvious negative effects on the catalytic behaviors. Further, the TBIRCB were used to modify NR and the NR/TBIRCB vulcanizates were investigated. Compared with the NR compound, the NR/TBIRCB compounds presented weakened Payne effects and increased bound rubber contents with the increase in CB filling in TBIRCB. Compared with NR and NR/TBIR vulcanizates, the NR/TBIRCB46 vulcanizate with features like excellent filler dispersion and high CB in-situ filling, enhanced interaction between CB and rubber matrix and special polymer network structure constructed from NR/TBIR matrix, showed outstanding comprehensive properties, including greatly reduced rolling resistance, much lower heat built-up and increased abrasion resistance. • Synthesis of new synthetic rubber composites by in-situ polymerization. • NR/TBIRCB46 vulcanizate improve the dispersion of filler in natural rubber. • The rolling resistance, heat build-up and wear of NR/TBIRCB composites are significantly reduced.