Influence of bis(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide amount on the properties of silica-filled epoxidized natural rubber-based composites

The aim of the present article is to investigate the influence of the amount of bis(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide on the curing characteristics and mechanical and dynamic properties of rubber composites based on epoxidized natural rubber (Epoxyprene 50) filled with 70 phr silica. The obtained results showed that although the interaction between the epoxy groups of epoxidized natural rubber and the silanol groups of silica through hydrogen bonds improves the dispersion of filler in the rubber matrix, the presence of silane coupling agents is necessary to obtain rubber compounds and vulcanizates with good vulcanization characteristics and mechanical and dynamic properties.