Filler Aggregates and Their Effect on Reinforcement

Abstract The most highly reinforcing fillers, namely carbon blacks and silicas, consist of aggregates of quasi-spherical particles fused together. In the absence of direct experimental studies with single-particle carbon blacks or silicas of high surface area, we cannot be sure if aggregated structure is essential for good reinforcement, or whether aggregation and fusion just happen to accompany the formation of fine particles at practical concentrations. In any case, there is no doubt that the aggregate nature of the filler plays a major role in determining the properties of the rubber compound. Here I would like to review what we know about filler aggregates, especially of carbon black, and suggest some mechanisms for their effects on rubber; and also indicate where our knowledge seems inadequate at the present time.