Processing characteristics and mechanical properties of styrene butadiene rubber filled with varying amounts of silica

Abstract The study investigates the influence of varying amounts of silica on the processing characteristics and mechanical properties of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) compounds. The silica was recovered from fly ash, the solid waste of the coal-burning process. SBR, widely applied as raw rubber in rubber manufacturers for its favourable balance of properties, was compounded with varying silica amounts to determine the optimal formulation for enhanced performance. The research examines the effects on processing and mechanical including cure time, scorch time, elongation at break, tensile strength, and hardness. Results indicate that the incorporation of fly ash-based silica significantly improves the properties of SBR compounds. Increased silica amount enhances tensile strength and shore A hardness, though it also leads to a lowering in elongation at break. The study also finds that silica affects the processing characteristics, with higher silica amounts resulting in longer cure and scorch times. Furthermore, the distribution quality of silica within the SBR molecule was a critical feature influencing the overall performance of the compounds. The comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the optimal silica content for achieving desired mechanical properties and processing characteristics in SBR compounds, offering practical guidelines for the rubber industry in developing high-performance materials.