Polymer–filler interactions in a tire compound reinforced with silica

Elastomers, usually, are reinforced with reinforcing filler in order to improve their mechanical properties like tensile strength and abrasion resistance. The efficiency of this reinforcement is correlated with different factors like filler structure, surface area, and polymer–filler interactions. This study presents a methodology to quantify the bound rubber attached to the reinforcing filler silica using the thermogravimetric analyzer. Three typical rubber compounds used in tread tire were studied. In the samples tested, the silica content was kept constant, varying only the percentage of the coupling agents. Considering the results of the thermal analysis, physical, mechanical, and rheological tests, the thermogravimetric analysis has proved to be a very useful technique in evaluating the interaction of filler and polymer.