Synergistic Enhancement of Bio‐Based Eucommia Ulmoides Gum Nanocomposites Through Epoxidized Natural Rubber and Silane Coupling Agent Integration: Advancements in High‐Performance Engineering Tires

ABSTRACT As the global transportation industry evolves, there is a rapid surge in the market demand for engineering tires. Nevertheless, the working environment is becoming increasingly complex and challenging, and engineering tires are now subject to more stringent performance requirements, including reduced rolling resistance, decreased heat generation, and enhanced wear and cut resistance. In this work, a type of Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG)/natural rubber (NR)/styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposite was effectively prepared with silica as a nanofiller. Subsequently, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was introduced into EUG/NR/SBR nanocomposites to address the issue of silica agglomeration within the nanocomposites and to enhance the comprehensive performance of the nanocomposites. The relationship between ENR content and the comprehensive performance of the nanocomposite was further investigated. The results demonstrate that ENR reduces the surface activity of silica via the hydrogen bond effect and grafting reaction, thus enhancing the silica dispersion. Moreover, at an ENR content of 9 phr, the dynamic temperature rise of the nanocomposite was 25.2°C and the volume of abrasion was 0.135 cm 3 ·1.61 km −1 , representing a 12.2% reduction and a 21.1% decrease compared to the EUG/NR/SBR nanocomposite without ENR. This work develops an innovative approach to enhancing the dispersion of fillers in EUG‐based multifunctional systems and a strategy to fabricate high‐performance engineering tires.