NITROGEN-CONTAINING SILANE COUPLING AGENTS: SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURE EFFECT ON TIRE PERFORMANCE OF SILICA/SSBR/BR COMPOSITES

ABSTRACT We report synthesis of nitrogen-containing silane coupling agents ( N -SCAs) and their use in a 1:1 mixture by weight with bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide in preparation of silica/solution SBR (SSBR)/BR composites. These N -SCAs contain in their structures, inter alia, a tertiary amine center ( N1 , N2 ), a carbamate ( N3 ), or a urea ( N4 ) group. In addition, N1 , N3 , and N4 were equipped with allyl side arms to increase the hydrophobization effect of silica particle as well as to achieve a balance between the filler–filler and filler–matrix networks being formed. By contrast, N2 consists of glycidyl side arms that contribute to the filler–filler interaction even more. The silica/SSBR/BR blends and subsequent vulcanizates were prepared and then thoroughly investigated via dynamic mechanical analysis, rubber process analysis, and tensile testing. The composite based on N1 ( V/N1 ) exhibited exceptionally great tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and winter traction, accompanied by soft hysteresis. Therefore, N1 has potential applications in preparation of winter tire tread materials.