Microwave‐Assisted Fabrication of Low‐Rolling‐Resistance Natural Rubber Composites via <scp>TDH</scp> Interfacial Modification

ABSTRACT Poor rubber‐filler interfacial compatibility, filler aggregation, and the long duration of conventional drying processes remain key challenges in developing natural rubber (NR) composites with low rolling resistance and high mechanical performance. To address these issues, a green and efficient fabrication strategy based on the synergistic integration of terephthalic dihydrazide (TDH) interfacial modification and microwave drying is proposed in this study. TDH serves as an efficient interfacial modifier by enhancing rubber‐filler interactions, while microwave drying enables rapid dehydration and promotes uniform filler dispersion through volumetric heating. The effects of different TDH loadings on filler dispersion, curing behavior, mechanical properties, and dynamic mechanical performance were systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that microwave drying markedly improves carbon black dispersion and significantly shortens the vulcanization time. The composite exhibits optimal comprehensive performance at a TDH loading of 0.75 phr. Compared with the unmodified control sample, the tan δ at 60°C is reduced by 46.53%, the tensile strength increases by 17.3%, the abrasion volume decreases by 22.6%, and the 300% modulus was significantly enhanced. By integrating microwave drying with TDH interfacial modification, high‐performance NR composites were successfully developed, demonstrating the promising potential of TDH in low‐rolling‐resistance rubber products.