The Effect of Silane Loading on the Tear Strength and Abrasion Resistance of a Silica Filled SBR Model Tread Compound

The effect of silane loading in a silica-filled tread compound was studied to better understand how the silane coupling agent effects tear and abrasion. A series of silica filled tread compounds were prepared in which the silane varied from 0% to 10% by weight of silica loading. The silane was bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)polysulfide (Struktol SCA985). The abrasion resistance was tested on an Akron Abrader. The tear properties were obtained from molded groove trouser tear specimens. The effect of silane on the tear strength and abrasion resistance was significant. The tear strength decreased and the abrasion resistance increased as a function of silane loading. The molecular structures governing tear and abrasion were studied. DMA analysis and crosslink density (with and without ammonia) were used to try to understand the tear and abrasion results.