Effect of elastomeric nanoparticles as co‐reinforcing agent on rubber composites

Elastomeric nanoparticles (ENPs) are rubber nanoparticles that have different effects than carbon black (CB) when added to rubber composites. To further understand the effects of ENPs on rubber composites, the morphologies, viscoelasticity, mechanical properties, and interactions with rubber were carefully studied. The results revealed that ENPs and CB differed in terms of their dispersion states and reinforcing effects on rubber. The addition of ENPs can reduce the free chain ends of rubber composites, which helps reduce the rolling resistance, making it a possible way to develop energy‐saving tires. Compared with current techniques for lowering the free chain ends of vulcanisates, it is easier and simpler to add ENPs to rubber composites. The results also show that ENPs and CB had a synergistic effect on rubber reinforcement. The optimal ENP content, considering the vulcanisate characteristics, was approximately 10 phr. Elastomeric nanoparticles (ENPs) and carbon black (CB) had a synergistic effect on rubber reinforcement. The addition of ENPs can reduce the free chain ends of rubber composites, which helps reduce the rolling resistance, making it a possible way to develop energy‐saving tires. The optimal ENP content, considering the vulcanisate characteristics, was approximately 10 phr.