Influence of Process Oil Content on Properties of Silica-SBR Rubber Compounds

In the wet master batch process, process oil is used to improve the workability of silica-SBR. The process oil expands the polymer and provides lubrication to soften the stiff rubber chain. However, addition of excess process oil can interfere in the crosslinking reaction between rubber molecules and reduce the crosslinking density of silica-SBR. Controlling the amount of process oil is an important aspect for properly controlling the workability and crosslinking density of silica-SBR. In this study, silica-SBR was prepared by adjusting the amount of process oil to confirm its effect on silica-SBR. Vulcanization characteristics of silica-SBR were examined using a moving die rheometer. Dynamic viscoelasticity was measured using a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer, and the mechanical properties were investigated using the universal testing machine according to ASTM D412. As a result, all silica-SBR compounds with 10 to 40 phr of process oil have effects of improving the processability and the silica dispersibility. Also, the optimum condition was determined when 10 phr of processed oil was added because the abrasion resistance was improved 65% compared to that at 40 phr.