Silane Coupling Agent for Rubber Usage

Silane coupling agent (CA), as an additive for rubber, plays an important role in the silica-filled rubber. In the case of the application to tire tread rubber, CA improves physical properties, not only rolling resistance but also wet grip properties. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is used as an activator for the vulcanization of rubber containing white carbon, such as silica, by serving as a masking agent for silanol. On the other hand, bis(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide forms chemical bonding between rubber and silica, which gives better rubber properties than PEG. However, rubber properties, such as viscosity, cure speed, physical properties, etc., are changed with kneading temperature and other additives that affect the reaction between CA and silica. Hence, controlling this reaction is very important in silica-filled rubber systems.In this article, the effects of chemical structure of CA, kneading temperature and addition procedure of other additives on rubber properties are reported. In addition, novel CAs are introduced.