Nitrogen-containing silane coupling agents: Synthesis and structure effect on the tire performance of silica/SSBR/BR composites

Herein we report synthesis of nitrogen-containing silane coupling agents (N-SCAs) and their use in the 1:1 mixture by weight with bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide (TESPT) preparation of silica/solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR)/butadiene rubber (BR) composites. The obtained N-SCAs contain in their structures, inter alia a tertiary amine centre (N1, N2), a carbamate (N3) or urea (N4) group. Additionally, N1, N3 and N4 were equipped with allyl side arms in order to increase the hydrophobization effect of silica particle as well as to achieve a balance between filler-filler and filler-matrix networks being formed. On the other hand, N2 consists of glycidyl side arms which contributes to the filler-filler interaction even more. The silica/SSBR/BR blends and subsequent vulcanizates were prepared, and then thoroughly investigated, including Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, Rubber Process Analysis and tensile testing. The composite based on N1 (V/N1) exhibited exceptionally great tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and winter traction accompanied by soft hysteresis. Therefore, N1 could find a potential application in preparation of winter tire tread materials.