Abstract
The properties of precipitated silica modified with hexadecylamine, dodecanol, 9-decen-1-ol and γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane have been characterised and related to elastomer reinforcement capability. Extensive modification with these agents decreased the specific surface area and the critical surface energy of silica, rendering filler with a reduced tendency to agglomerate. These changes in silica surface properties facilitated filler incorporation and dispersion in a tyre rubber compound, but diminished its reinforcement capacity as measured by bound rubber and stress-strain analysis. The data suggest that losses in surface energy support filler dispersion by reducing silica agglomeration, but reduce reinforcement capacity by weakening adhesion between filler and elastomer. However, optimisation of the extent of silica modification is feasible, given that the decline of silica agglomeration with respect to surface energy is more intense than the loss of elastomer reinforcement potential.
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