Effect of poly(isoprene‐random‐3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) random copolymer on the properties of kaolin‐reinforced styrene‐butadiene rubber. Issue 3 (22nd January 2022) - Hua, Yu
Abstract: In this article, we report the effect of poly (isoprene‐random‐3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) random copolymer (PIPMSI) on the properties of kaolin‐reinforced styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR). First, PIPMSI was prepared via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization as a modifier of kaolin. Then, the PIPMSI solution in dichloromethane was sprayed onto the surface of kaolin and dried to obtain kaolin grafted with polyisoprene (MSi‐Kaol). Fourier transform infrared spectral studies indicated that the MSi‐Kaol surface was covered with a layer of PIPMSI. The storage modulus (G′) of SBR/MSi‐Kaol compounds at low strains was significantly higher than that of SBR/kaolin blends, and the vulcanization rate of SBR/MSi‐Kaol compounds was significantly lower than that of SBR/kaolin. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that kaolin domains in SBR/MSi‐Kaol vulcanizates were much better dispersed and distributed than in SBR/kaolin composites. Compared with SBR/kaolin composites, tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear strength of SBR/MSi‐Kaol composites were significantly improved.