The effect of filler-filler and filler-elastomer interaction on rubber reinforcement

The role of active fillers like carbon black and silica has been studied in the rubber matrix for a better understanding of the rubber performance and the mechanism of reinforcement. In particular the influence of basic properties of carbon blacks, such as specific surface area, structure and surface activity on the Payne-effect, was investigated with the Rubber-Process-Analyzer (RPA) which allows a testing of the strength of the filler network and the filler-polymer interaction in the green compound as well as in the vulcanizate in a wide range of shear amplitudes. A comparison between carbon black and the silica-silane system leads to further scientific findings for the understanding of the dynamic behavior of filled rubber compounds.