Properties of Silica Filled SBR Processed through an Ultrasonic Twin Screw Extruder

Silica filler has become widely used in the rubber industry and many efforts have been made to improve its dispersion and compatibility in non-polar rubber compounds. These efforts include surface modification of silica and/or rubber as well as different mixing schemes in order to better incorporate the silica filler. In this study, silica filled S-SBR was processed through an ultrasonic twin screw extruder in an effort to improve dispersion and subsequently the performance and material properties of the mixed rubber stock. Rheological, mechanical, and chemical properties were measured. Comparisons were made between the untreated compound and compounds treated with different levels of ultrasonic energy. Comparisons were also made between different grades of silica of varying surface area.