Optimization of highly dispersible silica/carbon black hybrid filler ratio for tire tread based on solution- and emulsion-styrene butadiene rubber

In this study, the effects of hybrid filler ratio and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) type on tire tread performance that is, wet grip (WG), fuel-saving efficiency (FSE), and abrasion resistance, were focused. Two types of SBR that is solution-SBR (S-SBR) and emulsion-SBR (E-SBR) were selected and reinforced by various ratios of highly dispersible silica (HDSi) to carbon black (CB). Although increasing the CB ratio had negative effects on WG, FSE, heat build-up, and dynamic set, it improved abrasion resistance. Results revealed a good balance of tire performance at a CB ratio of 40 wt%. Clearly, S-SBR provided better overall tire performance than E-SBR, particularly in the silica-filled system. This is possibly due to the higher glass transition temperature (T-g) and the greater magnitudes of rubber-filler interaction and crosslink density of S-SBR. Surprisingly, the HDSi/CB hybrid ratio and the SBR type had little influence on the degree of filler dispersion, probably because of the sufficiently long mixing time employed in this experiment.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the effects of hybrid filler ratio and SBR type on tire tread performance. Results show that a CB ratio of 40 wt% achieves a good balance of tire performance, and S-SBR provides better overall tire performance than E-SBR, especially in the silica-filled system.