Elucidation of filler-to-filler and filler-to-rubber interactions in silica-reinforced natural rubber by TEM Network Visualization

•Filler-to-rubber interactions in silica-reinforced natural rubber.•Morphological study using special technique of TEM Network Visualization.•Weak filler–rubber interactions lead to vacuoles formation around silica particles.•Silica surface modification by silane results in strong filler-to-rubber bonding.

Filler-to-rubber interaction is a key parameter in the reinforcement of rubber. This paper presents an investigation into filler-to-filler and filler-to-rubber interactions in silica-reinforced natural rubber (NR) in the presence and absence of a silane coupling agent. Using a special network visualization technique based on Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), insight into the silica and rubber interaction in NR is gained. In absence of silane, vacuoles around the silica particles are formed as a result of a weak filler-to-rubber interaction, while the presence of silane leads to strong filler-to-rubber bonding, which prevents formation of vacuoles. Further, the relationship between the filler-to-rubber interaction as seen from TEM images and bound rubber and Payne effect is discussed.

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