Synergistic effect of hybrid filler networks on morphology and properties of hydrogenated styrene butadiene rubber for tyre tread application
摘要
The influence of hybrid filler systems on performance properties of regular tyre tread rubbers is well-explored. However, their effects on modified styrene butadiene rubbers, such as hydrogenated styrene butadiene rubber (HSBR), remain largely unexplored. In this work, the synergistic effect of hybrid filler systems viz. graphene oxide/silica (GO/SiO2), carbon nanotube/silica (CNT/SiO2) and graphene oxide/carbon nanotube/silica (GO/CNT/SiO2) on HSBR compound in the context of modulus, rolling resistance, dry and wet traction, abrasion resistance and fatigue resistance properties were extensively investigated with particular reference to tyre tread compound. From the study, it was revealed that CNT/SiO2 based HSBR composite exhibited superior performance properties as compared to the other hybrid filler based compounds. The modulus at 100% and 300% elongations (M100 and M300) of the CNT/SiO2 filled composite improved by ~72% and ~17%, respectively as compared to the only silica filled compound. Whereas, the enhancement in abrasion resistance was found to be, ~ 75%. However, the fatigue crack growth rates of the experimental compounds were slightly inferior to the reference one. The observed trends in mechanical, dynamic mechanical and fatigue properties were correlated with morphology, filler dispersion and nature of rubber-filler and filler-filler interactions.