Surface Energetic Characterization of Nanoscale Fillers and Elastomers

Almost any technically used rubber material is filled with particles in nanometer size, by which the properties of the material can be specific controlled. In modern car tires the used fillers have crucial influence on driving security (wet grip and ice grip), on fuel consumption (rolling resistance) and on the cost-effectiveness (life time of the tire) [1]. The first fillers used in rubber application were carbon blacks; actually in passenger car tires mostly surface modified silica is applied. The implementation of novel filler systems like organophilic modified layered silicates (organo-clays) or carbon nanotubes is subject of intense research [2,3]. Surface energy and - polarity of the filler surface is a crucial, but often underestimated determining factor. All surface properties of rubber and filler have to be well balanced to get the nanoscale filler particles finely dispersed in the rubber matrix and also to obtain a good adhesion between polymer and filler surface.