Effect of nano-silica surface-capped by bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl] tetrasulfide on the cure behaviors, mechanical properties, swelling resistance and microstructure of styrene-butadiene rubber/acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber nanocomposites

Abstract

In an in-situ surface modi cation method, nano-silica (NS) was treated with bis [3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasul de (Si69, often referred to as TESPT), a commercially available SCA (silane coupling agent). This produced surface-functionalized NS, also known as modi ed nanosilica (mNS). The in uence of using this mNS as a ller in acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR/NBR) composites was examined in this study. The results show that the silanol groups in TESPT form chemical connections with the surface of the NS, which signi cantly increases the rubber-matrix nanocomposite's curing e ciency and improves its mechanical properties. The reason for this enhancement is the in-situ surface modi cation of the NS by the SCA, which signi cantly raises the ller's miscibility and compatibility with the rubber matrix.