Solution Styrene Butadiene Rubber Research Articles

The Influence of Styrene Content in Solution Styrene Butadiene Rubber on Silica-Filled Tire Tread Compounds

In tire tread applications, achieving enhanced abrasion resistance, wet grip, and rolling resistance is crucial for optimizing overall performance. To realize improvements in these attributes for silica-filled tire tread compounds, it becomes imperative to improve the dispersity of silica filler by investigating the effect of each component in the tire tread compound. In this work, we study the effect of styrene content within solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) on the properties of tire tread compounds. A higher styrene segment within SSBR contributes to increased silica dispersion and crosslink density. Thus, tire tread compounds featuring SSBR with increased styrene content not only improve physical and mechanical properties, but also enhance major characteristics tailored for tire tread applications. These findings provide valuable insights into advancing the reinforced performance of tire tread compounds through the strategic utilization of SSBR enriched in styrene content.

Utilization of biosilica for energy-saving tire compounds: Enhancing performance and efficiency

Abstract Energy-saving tires have been developed by researchers in the industry in order to minimize hysteresis loss. In general, this is achieved by combining precipitated silica sourced from silica sand with a silane coupling agent. This strategic reaction serves to elevate the performance characteristics of tread tire, effectively enhancing their properties. Therefore, this research is aimed to investigate the utilization of commercially available biosilica compared to high dispersed (HD) silica, examining their potential as reinforcing agents in the composition of passenger tread tire compound. This compound was formulated using a blend of solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR) and butadiene rubber (BR). A comprehensive analysis was conducted to assess the impact of varying ratios between biosilica and HD silica on the mechanical and dynamic properties of tread tire compound composed of SSBR and BR blend. The results showed that the incorporation of biosilica could effectively reduce the filler network resulting in better dispersion of biosilica in the SSBR/BR blend matrix. As a result, it improved wet grip (44%) and rolling resistance (26%) while maintaining abrasion resistance compared with HD silica in passenger tread tire compound. The application of biosilica as an eco-friendly reinforcement material exhibited its potential for elevating the performance of energy-efficient tread tire.

Synthesis of sonochemical chloroacetated natural rubber and its potential use in passenger car tire tread

This article describes the preparation of chloroacetated natural rubber (CNR) through the epoxidation of natural rubber (NR) latex with performic acid, followed by the reaction with chloroacetic acid. Ultrasound waves were utilized to accelerate the epoxidation reaction. The CNR samples obtained at various epoxidation durations were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. Results showed that the chloroacetate content in CNR increased with increasing epoxidation time, i.e., the chloroacetate contents were 17.4, 18.5, and 19.7% at epoxidation times of 30, 45, and 60 min, respectively. The prepared CNR samples were then employed to replace NR in silica-filled tire tread compounds based on a 70/30 solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR)/NR blend. It was found that, compared with NR, CNR provided significantly higher rubber-silica interaction, leading to improved mechanical and dynamic properties. Such replacement not only reduced heat build-up and rolling resistance, but also increased the wet grip index, which is highly beneficial for the production of high-performance passenger car tires. It could be observed that the improvements in rubber properties and tread performance were more obvious when the chloroacetate content of CNR was increased, probably due to the enhanced rubber-filler interaction, as demonstrated by the increased bound rubber content.

Effect of SiO2 surface modification on the filler‐reinforced interfaces in SiO2‐filled functional styrene butadiene rubber composites

AbstractSilicon dioxide (SiO2), commonly known as silica, the surface is modified using bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, also known as (Si69) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). A series of composites are prepared by mixing general solution styrene butadiene rubber (GSSBR) and polyethylene oxide‐functionalized solution styrene butadiene rubber (FSSBR) with unmodified and modified SiO2. A comparative analysis is conducted using various characterization techniques to evaluate the performance of different composites regarding rubber‐filler dispersion, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties. Field emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrates that FSSBR/SiO2@Si69 facilitates a more uniform and well‐dispersed distribution of silica particles, improving the compatibility between the rubber‐filler matrix and reducing the size of particle aggregates. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that composites GSSBR/SiO2@PEG and GSSBR/SiO2@Si69 + PEG and FSSBR/SiO2@Si69 possess superior thermal stability with minimal weight loss. According to the rubber process analyzer (RPA) analysis, FSSBR/SiO2@Si69 results in significantly reduced Payne effect values, indicating improved dispersion of the rubber‐filler mixture. These findings suggest that the simultaneous functionalization of SSBR and surface modification of SiO2 effectively enhance the interaction between filler and rubber.

Hydrothermally Treated Lignin as a Sustainable Biobased Filler for Rubber Compounds

Increasing emphasis in the rubber world on the production of environmentally friendly products has created a demand for alternative reinforcing fillers. Industrial lignin side-stream of lignocellulosic biomass has gained significant interest in this respect due to its abundancy and eco-friendly nature. In the present study, a recently developed, biobased hydrothermally treated (HTT) lignin was investigated as a potential functional filler for a solution styrene butadiene and butadiene rubber blend. Commercial reinforcing fillers N330 carbon black and ULTRASIL 7000 precipitated silica were used as references. Bis(triethoxy silylpropyl)tetrasulfide silane was used as a coupling agent for in situ surface compatibilization of this hydrothermally treated lignin with the hydrophobic rubber, as is commonly done for hydrophilic silica. The influence of unmodified and silane-modified lignin on the vulcanization, morphological, static and dynamic mechanical properties was investigated and examined with the reference fillers. The overall in-rubber properties exhibited by the silane-modified hydrothermally treated lignin are superior in comparison with those of the unmodified version. In comparison with reference fillers, this modified lignin shows semireinforcing behavior. The reinforcing properties are primarily due to networking of HTT lignin particles with rubber trapped-in or formation of sponge-like HTT lignin textures in the presence of silane, as observed with atomic force microscopy. The present work describes the complex reinforcement phenomena of using a silane as coupling agent for hydrothermally treated lignin and outlines its potential as an alternative rubber reinforcing filler.

Effect of TESPT on viscoelastic and mechanical properties with the morphology of SSBR/BR hybrid nanocomposites

AbstractIn this study, the various properties of hybrid nanocomposite based on solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR)/butadiene rubber (BR) have been investigated. For this purpose, SSBR/BR rubber blend with nano‐silica and carbon black (CB) in constant filler content (60 phr) with and without Bis (triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT) silane coupling agent was fabricated. The various properties, including curing behavior, morphology, dynamic–mechanical, and dissipation characteristics, were studied. For this objective, rheometry, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), tensile test, and Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were used. The results of rheometry illustrated that the addition of nano‐silica increased the optimum cure time (t90) and declined the cure rate index (CRI). However, the addition of surface‐modified silica improved the t90 and CRI. Replacing nano‐silica with CB also reduced the scorch and optimum cure time. TEM and SEM micrographs showed the good dispersion state of nano‐silica in the SSBR/BR/nano‐silica/TESPT matrix. According to the mechanical test data, including tensile, hardness, and abrasion, the addition of hybrid filler containing 40 phr modified nano‐silica and 20 phr CB improved properties. The results of DMTA illustrated the appropriate compatibility between blend phases, also an increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) and storage modulus (E′) for the samples containing higher amounts of CB. Considering the importance of the damping factor at temperatures of −20, 0, and 60°C, which is related to ice grip, wet grip, and rolling resistance, respectively, the TSi40CB20 sample showed the essential properties of the magic triangle better than other samples. Dissipative properties also revealed that by increasing the filler content and replacing nano‐silica with CB, the dissipation of the compound increases significantly. According to the results, the optimum amount of nano‐silica and CB in the SSBR/BR/TESPT was 40 and 20 phr, respectively.

Reduction of filler-filler interaction and hysteresis loss of carbon black filled rubber compound by using modified carbon Black

The carbon black, used in rubber compound as reinforcing filler, improves the strength, durability, and wear resistance of the rubber compound. However, it causes filler-filler interaction and results in extensive hysteresis energy losses on deformation. This research aims to reduce hysteresis energy loss of rubber compound by reducing filler-filler interaction and by improving the filler dispersion in rubber matrix. In this study, the effect of carbon black treated with benzyl tri-ethyl ammonium chloride (BTEAC) on solution styrene butadiene rubber and butadiene rubber (SSBR-BR) system was studied. Microscopic study of dispersion and distribution of carbon black in rubber matrix was performed and a significant improvement in dispersion of BTEAC treated carbon black in SSBR-BR rubber matrix was observed. As a result of increased interaction of BTEAC treated carbon black with rubber, the filler - filler interaction was significantly reduced, resulting lower hysteresis energy loss of the compound as expressed by loss tangent (tanδ) value and it has been observed that an extent of around 15% reduction in tanδ value was achieved in rubber compound consisting of BTEAC treated carbon black. In this research, the carbon black was treated with different concentration of BTEAC, such as 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% and the best balance of rubber properties was observed for 1% and 1.5% BTEAC treated carbon black.

Performance Enhancement of Polymerized, Functionalized Solution Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Composites Using Oligomeric Resin towards Extremely Safe and Energy-Saving Tires

Polymerized, functionalized solution styrene–butadiene rubber (F-SSBR) is a new type of polymerized styrene–butadiene rubber solution containing specific terminal groups, which can be used in treads for high performances. However, the wet skid resistance related to safety, the rolling resistance to energy consumption, and the wear resistance to service life are often contradictory and form the performance “magic triangle”. In this work, oligomeric resins, including Coumarone resin, C9 resin, C5/C9 resin and a styrene-α-methyl styrene copolymer (SSC), were used as tire functional additives and selected to replace treated distillate aromatic extract (TDAE) to improve the performances of silica-filled F-SSBR composites. The C9 resin, C5/C9 resin and SSC could enhance the modulus at 300% and tensile strength of the F-SSBR composite. The four resins could improve the wet skid resistance and wear resistance of the composites. However, Coumarone resin caused poor silica dispersion in the F-SSBR matrix and eventually, the lower modulus, higher loss factor at 60 °C and the higher heat buildup in the composite were comparative to the composite with TDAE. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the C5/C9 resin and SSC was found to improve the mechanical performance of the composites and it resulted in higher tensile strength and modulus, and a lower heat buildup, compared to the case when only TDAE was used. It is noted that the properties “magic triangle” was broken by the C5/C9 resin and SSC, and the C5/C910T15 increased the wet skid resistance by 21.7%, fuel-saving rate by 2.3%, and wear resistance by 8.3%, while S20T5 increased the wet skid resistance by 30.4%, fuel-saving rate by 7%, and wear resistance by 25% compared with CG.

Impact of Placement of Aminopropyl Triethoxy Silane and Tetraethoxy Silicate on SSBR Chains: Analysis of Rolling Resistance, Wet Grip, and Abrasion Resistance

Solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and silica filler have attracted a significant attention because of their superior properties in cured rubber mixtures used in automobile tire industry. One of the challenges ahead of using these materials is the hard dispersion of silica with its polar surface in SBR nonpolar rubber. In the present study, the synthesis of styrene-butadiene rubber by solution polymerization method with polymer chain modification using copolymer functionalization was performed. For this purpose, two materials, namely, aminopropyl triethoxy silane (APTES) and tetraethoxy silicate (TEOS), were employed to improve the silica dispersion in the mixture. The results of postsynthesis structural tests show the successful placement of functional groups on the polymer chain. The results of mechanical, dynamic, and imaging analyses of the cured mixtures showed an improvement in the APTES-containing samples rolling resistance, wet surface grip, and abrasion resistance by 39%, 18%, and 17%, respectively, due to having stronger physical and chemical bonds with silica and also the usage of end agents in the polymer chain. The samples containing TEOS had also better results than the conventional SBR rubber. In addition, a sample containing emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber was prepared to compare its properties with those of the solution SBR. Another SBR sample containing silane coupling agent was also prepared to investigate its performance compared to that of the agents placed on the polymer chain. The abrasion resistance, rolling resistance, and wet grip of the coupling agent containing sample showed 2%, 10%, and 30% improvement, respectively, which were very close to those of the sample containing the TEOS agent. In this work, various techniques including, rheometry, wear, rolling, hardness, bound rubber content, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were employed to analyze the synthesized rubber.

Enhanced cross-linking performances and carbon black (CB) dispersion in solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) filled with triazine-based graphdiyne (TGDY)

The cross-linking density and filler dispersion have decisive impacts on the mechanical properties of rubber products. Developing nanofillers with dual functions of both cross-linking agent and filler dispersant is highly demanded yet challenging. Here we prepare triazine-based graphdiyne (TGDY), and incorporate it into the solution polymerized styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) matrix filled with carbon black (CB). The results show that the TGDY can simultaneously promote the curing rate and cross-linking density of the rubber composites. The interactions between TGDY and sulfur (S) are confirmed by DSC and FTIR measurements. It reveals that the TGDY can accelerate the curing rate of SSBR composites by facilitating the S fission at lower temperature. Moreover, the cross-linking density of the SSBR composites can be further increased through interactions between sulfur and TGDY. In addition, thanks to the sheet structure of TGDY, the dispersion of CB in the SSBR matrix is improved. Finally, we find that the rubber composites filled with CB/TGDY demonstrate excellent mechanical properties, such as 300% modulus and low rolling resistance. In summary, this work provides broad prospects and new paths for the application of TGDY in fabricating rubber products with high performances.

Synergistic effects of silica and nanoclay on curing characteristics, processing behaviour and mechanical properties of solution styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)–based tire tread compounds

Synergistic effects of silica and nanoclay on curing characteristics, processing behaviour and mechanical properties of solution styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)–based tire tread compounds

Improved tire tread compounds using functionalized styrene butadiene rubber‐silica filler/hybrid filler systems

AbstractAutomotive industry is currently looking for an eco‐friendly tire with low rolling resistance coefficient (RRc), better traction, wear resistance, and fatigue properties. Presently, solution styrene‐butadiene rubber (SSBR)‐silica systems are pursued for balancing between traction and RRc. However, the interaction between SSBR and silica is not enough to give satisfactory results. Functionalized‐SSBR (FSSBR) leads to better rubber‐silica interaction due to introduction of polar groups in the polymer chain. The present study investigates the influence of FSSBR, highly dispersible (HD) silica, and its hybrid filler systems with organically modified nanoclay (ONC) and exfoliated graphene nanoplatelet (xGnP). Both MH, and Δtorque were higher for the FSSBR‐HD silica compound (S1) with the lowest change in storage modulus (∆G') value, due to higher polymer‐filler interaction. S1 exhibited 16% ice traction and 12% wet traction improvement with 29% lower rolling resistance over SSBR‐silica compound. S1 showed the best wet traction rating and wear resistance. Replacing small portion of silica by ONC and xGnP improved the properties further. At 5 phr of nanofiller, TEM images revealed well‐dispersed nanofillers in the FSSBR matrix. The xGnP compound showed the least crack growth. For both the cases, abradability decreased with higher nanofiller amount, due to better reinforcement of the rubber.

Influence of molecular properties of SSBR and BR types on composite performance

Modern passenger car tire tread compounds usually consist of a polymer blend of Solution Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SSBR) and Butadiene Rubber (BR) in combination with a silica/silane system. To further enhance the compatibility between the nonpolar polymer and the polar silica, different functional groups can be introduced at the end or along the polymer chains. The influence of such a polymer functionalization of SSBR and BR on the processing behavior as well as on mechanical and dynamic properties was investigated for silica-filled tire tread model compounds. Silica-filled functionalized SPRINTAN™ SLR 4602 was blended with non-functionalized SPRINTAN™ 363H and functionalized SPRINTAN™ 884 L in three ratios: 90/10, 80/20 and 70/30. The two BRs differ in five analytical properties: molecular weight, vinyl content, cis-content, glass transition temperature (Tg) and functionalization. All five properties influence the composite properties in a different way. The functionalization is the dominating influencing parameter in this study. The presence of the functionalization improves the rubber-filler-interaction. This leads to better dynamic and mechanical properties of the model tread compound: The reinforcement index is increased and the tan δ at 60 °C, as lab predictor for the tire rolling resistance, is reduced while the tan δ at 0 °C, as lab predictor for wet grip, is similar to the non-functionalized BR. Furthermore, the Tg of the whole blend compound dominates the dynamic-mechanical behavior, as expected. In the case of BR, the functionalization has the dominating influence on the tan δ, the effect of Tg plays a minor role. These new insights support the development of new functionalized polymers to improve the overall tire performance.

Влияние различных типов электронодонорных добавок и условий полимеризации на температуру стеклования растворных бутадиен-стирольных каучуков

Влияние различных типов электронодонорных добавок и условий полимеризации на температуру стеклования растворных бутадиен-стирольных каучуков

Effect of Sulfur Variation on the Vulcanizate Structure of Silica-Filled Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Compounds with a Sulfide-Silane Coupling Agent.

The vulcanizate structure of filled compounds is affected by filler–rubber interactions (FRI) and the chemical crosslink density (CCD) of the matrix rubber. In particular, in filled compounds using a silica–silane system, FRIs due to silica–rubber coupling are a major influencing factor for the vulcanizate structure and physical properties. In this study, the effect of sulfur variation on the vulcanizate structure of silica-filled solution styrene–butadiene rubber compounds using a sulfide–silane coupling agent was studied. The vulcanizate structure according to sulfur variation was quantitatively analyzed using the swelling test and Flory–Rehner and Kraus equations. As the sulfur content increased, both FRI and the CCD increased, and it was confirmed that sulfur variation influenced the silica–rubber coupling efficiency through increased FRI. In addition, field emission scanning electron microscope images showed that increased FRI contributed to improvements in silica dispersion, abrasion resistance, and energy loss characteristics.

Study on silica-based rubber composites with epoxidized natural rubber and solution styrene butadiene rubber

Carbon black has been replaced with silica as a reinforcing filler in tire tread compounds. This change has led to lower rolling resistance and improved hysteretic losses of so-called “green tires.” However, the dispersion of silica in the rubber matrix is an important issue due to the poor compatibility of hydrophilic silica with a hydrophobic rubber matrix. Recently, some rubbers with polar functional groups that can interact with silica have been studied to improve the interaction in silica-filled rubber composites. In this work, we fabricated the silica-filled rubber composites with solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and evaluated their properties in a silica-containing rubber formulation compared to conventional SBR and NR. The silica-embedded polar rubber matrix exhibits remarkable enhancement in the modulus, tensile strength, and abrasion properties due to an efficient dispersion of the silica and improvement of interfacial interactions with the rubber matrix. The polar rubber composite exhibits an enhanced dry and wet braking and improved rolling resistance due to the improved dispersion of the silica in the rubber matrix. These results show that rubber composites prepared with polar rubbers have great potential for tire engineering applications.

IMPROVEMENT OF SILICA-REINFORCED NATURAL RUBBER TIRE TREAD COMPOUNDS BY JOINT HYBRIDIZATION WITH SMALL AMOUNTS OF SECONDARY FILLERS AND POLYMERS

ABSTRACTTo improve the properties of silica-reinforced truck tire tread compounds, especially abrasion resistance, the effect of vinyl contents in butadiene rubber (BR) or solution styrene–butadiene rubber (SSBR) as secondary polymers in silica-filled natural rubber (NR) compounds at a ratio of 80/20 phr is investigated in the first part of this study. By increasing the levels of vinyl contents in BR in combination with NR, a better Payne effect, 300% modulus, reinforcement index, and tan delta at −20 and 0 ° C are obtained, whereas the tensile strength, elongation at break, and DIN abrasion resistance index decrease with increasing vinyl contents. Higher vinyl contents in SSBR result in improvements in Payne effect, 300% modulus, tan delta at −20 and 0 °C but only a small improvement in DIN abrasion resistance index. Combinations of secondary fillers and polymers in silica-filled NR are covered in the second part of present study. Silica/carbon black–filled NR/BR and NR/SSBR, respectively, and silica/organoclay–filled NR/BR and NR/SSBR show positive effects on scorch time and optimum cure time, with only slight changes in Payne effect, tensile properties, tan delta at −20 and 0 ° C and DIN abrasion resistance as compared with compounds with carbon black N134. The use of organoclay results in an enhanced Payne effect and tan delta at 60 °C, indicative of reduced filler–filler networking and consequently a lower rolling resistance of tire tread compounds as compared with the compound without organoclay. The specific combination of a small amount of organoclay replacing the same amount of silica, together with some of the NR replaced by high-vinyl BR, promises a substantial overall boost in wet and ice traction, abrasion, and wear resistance as compared with straight NR/silica tire treads. This new observation helps to overcome one of the main shortcomings of NR/silica compounds: their generally low wear resistance.

Cavitation in thermoplastic-reinforced rubber composites upon cyclic testing: Multiscale characterization and modelling

During their application, rubber composites exhibited cavitation upon deformation, being at the origin of the material breakdown. In this paper, a multiscale approach was proposed to study cavitation mechanisms in a solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) composite reinforced with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) micro-particles. Cavitation was characterized upon tension by 3D digital image correlation (3D-DIC), micro-computed X-ray tomography (μCT), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main results indicate that cavitation resulted from UHMWPE particles-SBR matrix debonding at UHMWPE poles, this mechanism being enhanced between neighboring UHMWPE particles. The cavities formed, grew and coalesced, resulting in cracks propagating perpendicular to the loading direction. The estimated volume strain was linked to mixing and curing conditions dictating the UHMWPE-SBR interfacial adhesion (the higher the adhesion, the lower was the volume strain). Besides, the ageing of materials conducted to a deterioration of the interfacial adhesion enhancing volume strain. An empirical model was proposed to predict the volume strain of the materials, exhibiting a good correlation with the experimental measurements.

The Effects of Various Ratios of Hybrid Filler to Rubber Vulcanisates Properties Based on Passenger Car Tyre Tread Compounds

Solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR) reinforced by hybrid fillers of carbon black (CB) and silica (PSi) was prepared with various CB/PSi ratios. Rheological and mechanical properties of rubber compounds and vulcanisates were investigated. Results of compounds demonstrate that, with increasing CB fraction, increases in the magnitude of the Payne effect and Mooney viscosity were found. On the contrary, with increased loading of PSi, increases in optimum cure time (tc90) and cure torque difference were evidenced. The results suggest superiority in filler dispersion level and cure efficiency in the systems filled with high PSi fraction due to the presence of Bis [3-(triethoxysilyl) propyl] tetrasulphide (TESPT or Si-69) as a silane coupling agent. As for vulcanisate properties, the systems with increased PSi fraction exhibit enhancement in mechanical strength and elastic contribution, which are in good agreement with rubber compound properties. Also, the decrease in loss factor at 60 °C was observed with increasing PSi fraction, suggesting the desirable reduction in rolling resistance of tyre tread.

Graphene-Silica Hybrids Fillers for Multifunctional Solution Styrene Butadiene Rubber

A nanohybrid filler of functionalized graphene created with eco-friendly coupling agents (ECAs) and silica was fabricated by decorating silica onto graphene through a sol-gel process. To do this, relatively large high-quality graphene flakes with an extremely low oxygen content were fabricated using a ternary graphite intercalation compound method. The ECAs with hydrophobic and the hydrophilic groups mitigate graphene aggregation while also acting as an interfacial or bridging material. Furthermore, graphene-silica nanohybrids (GSNs) were incorporated by compounding to solution-styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR) through mechanical mixing. The GSN-embedded SSBR matrix shows remarkable enhancements in the mechanical properties, thermal and electrical conductivities, and the gas barrier properties, even at a low loading rate, due to the efficient dispersion of GSNs, which enhances the interaction with the rubber matrix. The incorporation of GSNs improved the storage modulus considerably upon evolution of the filler network and with the creation of a crosslinking network of the composites.