Enhanced interfacial and mechanical performance of styrene-butadiene rubber/silica composites compatibilized by soybean oil derived silanized plasticization

Silanized plasticizer (SP) was chemically derived and synthesized from soybean oil (SBO) co-vulcanized with bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT) by using the sulfur-accelerated curing system. SP extended styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/silica composites have been studied for their improved filler dispersion through coupling interaction at the SBR/silica interface. The effect of SP on cross-link density, thermal, static and dynamic mechanical properties of SBR composites related to the tire performance, were investigated. The results revealed that SP enhanced tensile strength, modulus, and hardness of the composites due to an improved matrix filler interaction together with an excellent control over oil migration. Further improvement was observed for SP with increasing TESPT content, what was related to the increase in cross-linking density, and bound rubber content of the composite materials. Morphology and reduced Payne effect confirmed the silica particles have an even dispersion throughout the SBR matrix. The dynamic curves indicated the highest efficacy for wet and dry traction performances of SP extended SBR composites comparing to unmodified reference sample. This research provided the effect of SP as a novel reactive bio-plasticizer to improve the performance of SBR/silica composites for green tire manufacture, while being eco-friendly.