Surface modified alpha zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) reinforced natural rubber composites for tire tread application

The filler-rubber interaction and filler dispersion in natural rubber composites are important factors in determining the properties. Herein, an inorganic–organic hybrid filler was synthesized by attachment of styrene oxide to the surface of alpha zirconium phosphate nanoplatelets, and then it was incorporated in natural rubber/carbon black composites. The effect of surface modified zirconium phosphate on the morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated using the scanning electron microscope, thermal gravimetric analysis, tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis. The scanning electron microscope analysis indicates that surface modified zirconium phosphate greatly improved the dispersion of carbon black in the composites. The addition of surface modified zirconium phosphate leads to the improvement of the abrasion resistance, tensile strength, elongation at break and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites. Furthermore, the low content of surface modified zirconium phosphate significantly improved the abrasion resistance, wet grip resistance and decreased rolling resistance of the composites.