Effect of oleyl amine on SBR compounds filled with silane modified silica

The effect of oleyl amine on processing and physical properties of SBR compounds filled with silane-silica particles has been evaluated. Two different types of silane molecules have been used as coupling agents to minimize the silica-silica interactions and reduce the formation of secondary structures of silica, in addition with an increment in the filler-rubber interactions. Significant differences between those compounds have been found according with the silane structure. However, in both cases, the dynamic, rheological, and mechanical properties of the filled rubber compounds were improved after the incorporation of oleyl amine molecules. This fact could be related with the capacity of the amine molecules to interact with the free silanol groups of silane-modified silica forming an amine-modified silica complex, which reduces the hydrophilic nature of the silica surface. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.