Bonding between precipitated silica and epoxidized natural rubber in the presence of silane coupling agent

Results of Monsanto rheometic studies and measurements of physical properties reveal that precipitated silica interacts chemically with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) during high temperature (180°C) molding and the extent of chemical interaction increases in the presence of silane coupling agent, namely N-3(N-vinyl benzyl amino) ethyl-γ-amino propyl trimethoxy silane monohydrogen chloride. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies show that silica is bonded to ENR through formation of Si—O—C bond, whereas in the presence of silane coupling agent, silica is bonded to the coupling agent through Si—O—Si bond, and ENR is bonded to the coupling agent through C—N—C bond formation. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 389–398, 1999