Multiscale modeling of hyperviscoelastic behavior of particulate rubber composites based on hybrid silica/carbon black filler system

Abstract The present research outlines the novel finite element analysis of green tire tread compounds based on solution styrene‐butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber (SSBR/BR) reinforced with a hybrid silica/carbon black filler system. For this purpose, a series of micromodels using representative volume elements (RVEs) were developed. The silica/carbon black ratio with a constant value of the reinforcement and considering periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) were established. The distribution of the reinforcing fillers in the matrix was inspired by transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs. A nonlinear hyperviscoelastic model was considered for the matrix and interphase zones and a linear elastic model for the reinforcement phase to predict the dissipation behavior at a moderate to high strain regime. To confirm the accuracy of the proposed model, the RVEs of hybrid systems were simulated and then compared with experimental data. The results showed that the proposed model is capable to predict the mechanical properties of rubber compounds. The presence of agglomerated fillers resulted in an increase in the dissipation behavior. This was confirmed by rubber process analyzer (RPA) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) results. Highlights Rubber compounds based on SSBR/BR reinforced with silica and/or carbon black were prepared by the melt mixing method. A multi‐scale finite element analysis of the particulate composites was developed using RVE. The distribution of reinforcing fillers in the matrix was inspired by TEM. The prediction of the stress–strain behavior of the hybrid composites was confirmed by the results of tensile tests. The simulated dissipation behavior of the composites was compared with RPA and DMTA analyses.