Filler-elastomer interactions 5. Effect of silane surface treatment on interfacial adhesion of silica/rubber composites

In this work, the adsorption characteristics and mechanical interfacial properties of treated silicas by silane coupling agents, such as, γ-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxy silane (MPS), γ-glycidoxy propyl trimethoxy silane (GPS), and γ-mercapto propyl trimethoxy silane (MCPS), were investigated. The equilibrium spreading pressure (π_e), surface free energy (γ_S), and specific surface area (S _BET) were studied by the BET method with N₂/77 K adsorption. The developments of nonpolar functional groups of the silica surfaces treated by silane coupling agents led to the increase in the S _BET, π_e, and γ_S, resulting in the improved tearing energy (G_IIIC) of the silica/rubber composites. The composites treated by MPS showed the superior mechanical interfacial properties in these systems. These results explained by changing of crystalline size, dispersion, agglomerate, and surface functional group of silica/rubber composites.