The contribution of carbon black (CB) on changes in cross-link density and physical entanglement has been quantified by swelling and uniaxial stress–strain measurements considering Mooney–Rivlin parameters. Solution SBR (SSBR) vulcanizates with varying content of high abrasion furnace (HAF) CB were studied. Rubber–filler networks increase the cross-link density values, which were determined by using Flory–Rehner and modified Guth–Gold equations by equilibrium swelling study. The Mooney–Rivlin parameter C1 was quantified using cross-link density, whereas parameter C2, representing physical entanglement, was determined for filled rubber by correlating with tensile results. The parameter C2 is monitored to be decreased with increasing CB (HAF) loading. A simple parabolic trend for physical entanglement parameter with increasing CB loading is proposed, and it shows a correlation coefficient of 0.99595. Atomic force microscopy study confirms the generation of filler networking in the rubber matrix. The current findings elucidate a way for quantifying physical network changes due to fillers in an unfilled rubber system.

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