Abstract

Silica-styrene butadiene rubber (Silica-SBR) compounds have been used in the preparation of tire treads. The silica dispersibility of silica-SBR compounds is related to the processability, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of tires. Recently, in order to improve the silica dispersibility of the silica-SBR compounds, the wet masterbatch (WMB) process was introduced, which is a method of mixing rubber in the water phase. We aimed to improve the silica dispersibility of the silica-SBR compounds by preparing a silica dispersant applicable to the WMB process. For this purpose, cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose, and cellulose acetate were employed as a silica dispersant. The silica dispersibility of the compounds was measured by a moving die rheometer. Improvement in the processability of silica-SBR compounds was evaluated by the Mooney viscometer. The wear resistance of silica-SBR compounds using a cellulose dispersant was improved by up to 29%.

Keywords: Cellulose;Silica;SBR;Dispersant;Wet masterbatch