Optimization of Epoxidation Degree and Silane Coupling Agent Content for Silica-Filled Epoxidized Natural Rubber Tire Tread Compounds

摘要

Parallel studies on the influence of epoxide contents in epoxidized natural rubbers (ENRs) in the absence of bis-(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT) coupling agent, as well as a combination of ENRs with different loadings of TESPT on the properties of ENR compounds, are carried out in this work. The results suggests that the best possible combination to optimize processability and to improve reinforcement efficiency is to utilize ENR with an epoxide content in the range of 20 - 30 mol%, together with 2 - 4 wt% relative to the silica content of TESPT. This leads to a reduction of TESPT when compared to the conventional natural rubber compounds.