Silica reinforcement systems containing

In silica reinforcement systems containing TESPT, Wolff has suggested that the reaction is similar when the TESPT/silica intermediate is present instead of sulfur, in which case the crosslinking agent is the polysulfidic sulfur chain. Wolff showed that mercaptobenzothiazyl disulfide (MBTS) reacts with the tetrasulfane group, thus forming 2 mol of the polysulfide ... 

Silica (silicon dioxide) particles, synthetic or natural based, have commonly been used in various polymer systems. Silica has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and high stiffness, translating into increased modulus of the compounded polymer. However, silica filler particles are not flake or plate like as talc or mica particles are, and typically have low aspect ratios. This means that unless the particles are very small, a silica filler addition provides a relatively low surface area for contacting the polymer, and thus it reinforces the resin system less than platy fillers. Researchers have also noted that mica-filled PP, for instance, contains fewer voids than silica-filled PP, which helps explain the higher strengths of mica compounds at 20% filler loadings. This tendency to form voids or cavities increases as silica filler content increases [7-20, 7-21). 

While most of the literature cited above deals with composites containing nanoclays, nanosilica has also been used as a reinforcing agent, especially in polyolefin-based systems. Yang et al. [40] studied PP/EPDM/silica composites at various compositions, up to 40 wt%... 

Reinforcing fillers used are carbon black and non-black fillers such as silica, clay, and calcium carbonate although the latter two are used more in lower cost industrial applications and not in tires. Protectant systems consist of antioxidants, antiozo-nants, and waxes. The vulcanization system essentially ensures that the optimum mechanical properties of the polymer system are achieved. Finally, the tire compound can contain various miscellaneous materials such as processing aids and resins. The materials scientist when designing a tire compound formulation has a range of objectives and restrictions within which to operate. Product performance objectives define the initial selection of materials. These materials must not raise environmental concerns, be processable in tire production plants, and be cost effective for the end user [4]. 

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