Silica dispersion and properties of silica filled ESBR/BR/NR ternary blend composites by applying wet masterbatch technology

Silica is used as a reinforcing filler in the rubber product such as a tire. When silica contents increased in the composite, deterioration of the processability and silica dispersion in silica-rubber composites cannot be overcome only by adding a silane coupling agent. Therefore, silica wet-masterbatch (WMB) technology is considered for manufacturing highly silica filled composites. Herein, we investigated silica dispersion, cure behavior, mechanical properties, abrasion characteristics, and viscoelastic properties of 3 types of WMB blend composites. Up to 82% improvement in silica dispersion was determined by the Payne effect and confirmed by atomic-force microscopy. The tensile strength and elongation at break increased and tan δ at 60 °C decreased by improving silica dispersion. The silica WMB is suitable for manufacturing highly silica filled composites. •Payne effect analysis revealed 82% improved silica dispersion in T-2 WMB blend compound.•Three type WMB applied blend compounds exhibited relaxed filler flocculation and low compound Mooney viscosity.•Three type WMB applied blend compounds showed good elongation, tensile strength, and abrasion properties.•Excellent fuel efficiency of ESBR/BR/NR WMB blend compounds was confirmed by good silica dispersion.•Silica WMB is suitable for manufacturing highly silica filled compounds.