The Use of a Surface-Modified Carbon Black with an In-Chain Functionalized Solution SSBR as an Alternative to Higher Cost Green Tire Technology

摘要

This paper demonstrates the preparation of a surface treated carbon black and the reactive in-situ mixing with an in-chain functionalized solution styrene-butadiene copolymer to form a tire tread compound. Subsequent testing of the treated carbon black and functionalized SSBR compound showed rolling resistance on par with a silica based green tire technology compound as seen by the Payne effect with indications of improved abrasion wear, while maintaining wet traction. Advantages include the absence of costly silane additive and reduced wear on mixing equipment inherent with silica use. This breakthrough technology shifts the Tire Performance Triangle to the Quadrangle concept with improvement in mixing costs and treadwear on par with carbon black, but with the benefit of "silica like" rolling resistance and wet traction behavior.