Sepiolite nanoclay: A reinforcing filler in the natural rubber/butadiene rubber(NR/BR)matrix for tire tread compound application

摘要

Due to increasing demand from vehicle manufacturers,as well as continuously changing stringent regulation norms,tire manufacturers are facing many challenges in optimizing tire performance properties.The major challenge in the tire industry during the current century is to optimize the so-called magic triangle,which is a balance between three contradictory properties,i.e.,rolling resistance(RR),wet skid resistance and abrasion resistance.Optimizing ride(comfort and handling),along with the properties mentioned above,is also another big concern for the tire industry.Sustainability,as well as future disruptive technologies like electric vehicles(EV)and durable ultra-low rolling resistance,are some of the most critical requirements for tires.There are various ways of optimizing tire compound properties,which ultimately influences the tire performance.One of the approaches is to select the right type of reinforcing filler and dosage in the rubber compound.Due to its high reinforcing ability,carbon black(CB)is a commonly used filler in the tire industries.CB reinforced compounds provide better abrasion resistance and mechanical properties,but some further optimization in dynamic properties(rolling resistance,traction,ride and handling)is always a demand from the tire industry.Silica is another commonly used reinforcing filler in rubber compounds to achieve better dynamic properties for tire applications.However,a need remains to optimize the dynamic properties of tires further.Therefore,new generation fillers are required which can provide lower hysteresis while maintaining the desired level of reinforcement.