Enhancing Silica Dispersion and Properties of SSBR Composites via a Novel Surfactant Strategy

ABSTRACT A facile strategy to improve silica dispersion and enhance the dynamic performance of silica–filled green tire treads is herein proposed. In this study, sulfurized (Z)‐sorbitan mono‐9‐octadecenoate (SS80) was synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), and elemental analysis. It was confirmed that (Z)‐sorbitan mono‐9‐octadecenoate (S80) can react with sulfur to form larger molecular weight SS80 with di‐sulfur or poly‐sulfur bonds. SS80 was subsequently used in conjunction with bis ‐(γ‐triethoxysilylpropyl)‐disulfide (TESPD) to modify silica and prepare silica/SSBR composites. Particle size analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that incorporating SS80 reduced the particle size of the modified silica and enhanced its dispersion in the composite. Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), rubber process analyzer (RPA), and mechanical performance tests demonstrated that the rubber composites incorporating SS80 exhibit reduced dynamic loss, enhanced rubber modulus, improved wear resistance, and maintained mechanical properties—primarily due to improved silica dispersion. Overall, this study provides a universal and cost‐effective strategy for enhancing the dispersibility of silica in a hydrophobic rubber matrix.