The Impact of Novel Renewable Dihydrazide Compounds on the Improvement of Tire Low Rolling Resistance Performance

ABSTRACT This study employed a novel hydrazide compound (N‐TDH) to improve the rolling resistance of natural rubber (NR), aiming to reduce the rolling resistance of NR composites for the preparation of low‐rolling‐resistance rubber products. Notably, this compound can be synthesized from chemically recycled waste polyester materials (such as fibers and packaging materials), offering significant environmental and resource utilization benefits. The morphology of NR was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to analyze changes in surface functional groups before and after the incorporation of N‐TDH. Compared to the FTIR spectrum of pure NR, the spectrum of N‐TDH‐modified NR (G‐NR) exhibited new absorption peaks corresponding to hydrazone bonds and amino groups, along with an enhanced carbonyl peak. Two types of rubber composites were prepared and tested. The experimental results demonstrated that N‐TDH reacts stably with rubber macromolecular chains, effectively improving the low‐rolling‐resistance performance of the composites. Compared to unmodified NR composites, the tear strength of N‐TDH‐reinforced NR increased by 19.14%, while the rolling resistance decreased by 11.23% without compromising wear resistance, which improved by 8.25%. Additionally, enhancements were observed in tensile strength, tear strength, and rebound resilience. This study presents a novel renewable dihydrazide compound as an effective additive for reducing tire rolling resistance; demonstrating promising potential for applications in high‐performance rubber products and low‐rolling‐resistance rubber materials.