Effectively reinforcing roles of the networked silica prepared using 3,3′-bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide in the physical properties of SBR compounds

The networked silica having pre-fabricated networks among silica particles is a new concept for the reinforcement of rubber compounds. The networked silica was designed to improve the fuel efficiency of tires while eliminating the disadvantages such as precure and ethanol production that arise in the conventional reinforcing system using coupling reagents. The networked silica was prepared using bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide (TESPT) as a connecting chemical at various loading levels. The styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds reinforced with the networked silica exhibited low filler–filler interaction and high rubber–filler interaction due to the entanglements between the rubber molecules and the connecting chains of the networked silica. The increased physical interaction improved the elastic properties and wear resistance, while lowering the rolling resistance of the rubber compounds, resulting in long tire service life and high automobile fuel efficiency. The enhanced physical properties of the SBR compounds reinforced with the networked silica supported their promising potential as reinforcing fillers for tire manufacture. The networked silica can readily replace the conventional silica-reinforced system, without requiring major modification of the processing conditions.