Investigation of the Reinforcing Effect of Natural Mineral Fillers Containing Silicon Oxides in Elastomeric Materials Based on non-Polar Hydrocarbon Rubbers

Abstract

The characteristics of natural mineral fillers containing silicon oxides and their reinforcing effect in model rubbers based on butadiene-styrene rubber, obtained using the coupling agent bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide (TESPT), have been investigated. In the fillers, specific surface area, relative content of hydroxyl groups, and crystallite sizes were determined. The kinetics of rubber compound vulcanization and the Payne effect were studied using the MonTech Dynamic Rubber Process Analyzer D-RPA 3000 instrument. The degree of cross-linking of the vulcanizates was evaluated based on the equilibrium swelling of the rubbers in toluene. The physical and mechanical testing of the vulcanizates was performed using the Monsanto T10 universal testing machine. The results obtained showed that the use of the coupling agent in the rubber formulations based on non-polar rubber natural mineral fillers containing hydroxyl groups on the surface of the particles increases the degree of cross-linking of the vulcanizates through the formation of interfacial chemical bonds, enhances the modulus of the rubber during stretching, and increases their tensile strength by 30–45 %. This expands the potential applications of such rubbers.