Synergistic effect of hybrid filler networks on morphology and properties of hydrogenated styrene butadiene rubber for tyre tread application

The article investigates the synergistic effects of hybrid filler networks on the morphology and properties of hydrogenated styrene butadiene rubber (HSBR) for tyre tread applications. It highlights the critical role of tyre tread in protecting the inner body of a tyre and contributing to vehicle propulsion and braking. The study focuses on the 'Magic Triangle' of tyre tread performance, which includes rolling resistance, traction, and abrasion resistance. These properties are influenced by the selection of tread materials, with elastomers and fillers being the foremost factors. The article explores the use of various reinforcing fillers, such as carbon black, silica, clay, graphene, and carbon nanotubes, and their impact on the mechanical, dynamic mechanical, abrasion, and fatigue resistance properties of SBR-based tread compounds. The research delves into the benefits of hybrid filler systems, which combine different types of fillers to achieve optimum properties. It presents a comparative study of different hybrid filler systems, including silica/carbon black, silica/clay, silica/lignin, and silica/graphene, and their effects on the performance properties of HSBR composites. The article also discusses the experimental methods used to prepare and characterize the rubber-filler composites, including cure characteristics, Payne effect, bound rubber content, crosslink density, and morphological analysis. The results indicate that hybrid filler systems, particularly those incorporating carbon nanotubes, exhibit superior mechanical, dynamic mechanical, abrasion resistance, and fatigue resistance properties. The study concludes that the synergistic effects of hybrid filler networks significantly enhance the performance properties of HSBR composites, making them promising candidates for tyre tread applications.