Electron Beam Modification of Dual Phase Filler: Surface Characteristics and its Influence on the Properties of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Vulcanizates

The present work describes modification of dual phase filler by electron beam irradiation in presence of multifunctional acrylates like trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA) or silane coupling agent like bis (3-triethoxysilylpropyltetrasulphide) and in-fluence of the modified fillers on the physical properties of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) vulcanizates. Modulus at 300 % elongation increases whereas the tensile strength decreases with increase in radiation dose for the dual phase filler loaded styrene-butadiene rubber vulcanizates (SBR). However, modulus and tensile strength significantly increase, which is more, pronounced at higher filler loadings for TMPTA modified dual phase filler loaded SBR. These changes in properties are explained by the equilibrium swelling data and Kraus plot interpreting the polymer-filler interaction. Electron beam modification of the filler results in a reduction of tan ${\delta}$ at $70^{\circ}C$, a parameter for rolling resistance and increase in tan ${\delta}$ at $0^{\circ}C$, a parameter for wet skid resistance of the SBR vulcanizates. Finally, the influence of modified fillers on the properties like abrasion resistance, tear strength and fatigue failure and the improvement in the properties have been explained in terms of polymer-filler interaction.