Preparation of novel bio-elastomers with enhanced interaction with silica filler for low rolling resistance and improved wet grip

Abstract This study reports the impact and subsequent interactions of silica filler to the elastomer blend of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) with natural rubber (NR) or epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and bio-based epoxidized soyabean oil (ESO) modified SBR (bio-SBR) with NR or ENR. The structural analysis of bio-SBR by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicates successful interaction between SBR and ESO. Tensile properties of the composite samples were found to be reduced with increased amount of epoxidation reaction of ENR. Composite sample blended with bio-SBR and ENR displays maximum storage modulus and thermal stability compared to SBR/NR, SBR/ENR, and bio-SBR/NR as confirmed from the Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) respectively. These improvements were exhibited possibly due to stable bond formation between dispersed silica particles and epoxy groups of bio-SBR/ENR. Such bio-based elastomer composites can be useful to fabricate inexpensive silica based tire with least rolling resistance and improved wet grip applications.