Effect of surface oxidation of filler and silane coupling agent on the chemorheological behavior of epoxidized natural rubber filled with ISAF carbonblack

On the basis of results of measurements of physical properties and solvent swelling of the extrudates, it has been observed that epoxidized natural ru bber (ENR) interacts chemically with intermediate super abrasion furnace (I SAF) carbon black when the mix of the two was extruded at 130-160 degrees C in a Monsanto Processability Tester (MPT). The extent of interaction betwe en the rubber and filler depends on the following factors: extrusion time, carbon black loading, shear rate, and the extent of oxidation on the carbon black surface. Addition of the silane coupling agent, namely, N-3-(-N-viny l benzyl amino) ethyl-gamma-amino propyl trimethoxy silane monohydrochlorid e, enhances the rate of the interaction. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.