Synergistic Effect of Hybrid Filler Networks on Morphology and Enhanced Properties of Hydrogenated Styrene Butadiene Rubber for Tyre Tread Application

The influence of hybrid filler systems on performance properties of regular tyre tread rubbers is well-explored by the researchers, but is quite new for the case of modified styrene butadiene rubbers like hydrogenated styrene butadiene rubber (HSBR). In this work, the synergistic effect of hybrid filler systems viz. Graphene Oxide/Silica (GO/SiO ₂ ), Carbon Nanotube/Silica (CNT/SiO ₂ ) and Graphene Oxide/ Carbon Nanotube/Silica (GO/CNT/SiO ₂ ) on (HSBR) compound in the context of modulus, rolling resistance, dry and wet traction, abrasion resistance and fatigue resistance properties were extensively investigated with particular reference to tyre tread compound. From the study, it was revealed that CNT/SiO ₂ based HSBR composites exhibited superior performance properties as compared to the other hybrid filler systems. The modulus at 100% and 300% modulus of the CNT/SiO2 filled composites improved by 72% and 17% respectively as compared to the only silica filled compound. Whereas; the enhancement in dynamic stiffness at 0 ^° C (wet traction indicator) and 30 ⁰ C (dry traction indicator) as well as abrasion resistance property were found to be 57%, 45% and 75% respectively. However, the fatigue crack growth rates of the experimental compounds were slightly inferior to the reference one. Thus, it can be a potential candidate for application in high performance tyre tread compound and this research may open up enormous opportunities in the field of advanced tyre composites.