Effect of Silane‐Modified Basalt Fiber on the Properties of Basalt Fiber/Natural Rubber Composites

ABSTRACT The low surface activity of basalt fiber (BF) hinders its capacity to establish an effective interfacial bond with natural rubber (NR). In this study, the surface of BF was modified with a silane coupling agent, KH172, to investigate the effect of different concentrations of KH172‐modified BF on the properties of BF/NR composites. The findings of the physical and mechanical properties tests demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the composites were optimal at a concentration of KH172 of 1%, and the 300% constant tensile stress of the composites exhibited a 21.5% increase, the tensile strength exhibited a 13.3% increase, and the DIN abrasion and cutting quality exhibited a 7.7% and 8.4% decrease, respectively. The rheological properties test results demonstrated that the difference in energy storage modulus of the composites was generally reduced after the BF was modified by KH172, which effectively suppressed the aggregation of BF. The results of the dynamic mechanical properties test demonstrated that after BF was modified by KH172, the composites exhibited a decrease in resistance to wet sliding, while concurrently exhibiting enhanced vibration damping performance and reduced rolling resistance. This study offers a straightforward and expeditious approach to implementing BF in high‐performance tires.