The use of inverse vulcanised polysulfide as an intelligent interfacial modifier in rubber/carbon black composites

We reported the use of an inverse vulcanised polysulfide (SP) as an intelligent interfacial modifier in the NR/CB composites to remarkably decrease the hysteresis loss by enhancing the interfacial adhesion and improving CB dispersion. Specifically, SP synthesized by the bulk copolymerization of sulfur and styrene was grafted onto CB surface by trapping the sulfur radicals generated from SP, and the grafted poly-sulfides can participate in the crosslinking reaction with NR, which greatly improves CB dispersion and strengthens interfacial adhesion in the composites. As a consequence, the rolling resistance and heat build-up of the modified composites are remarkably decreased, showing great advantages in tire application in term of reducing fuel consumption and extending service life. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.