Conclusions
In the present article, we have found the temperature effect on
the surface modification of silica. The modification of silica was
achieved by the condensation between the silanol of hydrolyzed
TESPT and hydroxyl groups on the surface of silica. The introduced
–CH2 group and surface thermal weight loss showed the successful
grafting reaction after the modification of silica. The particle size of
MSaDT was lower and its distribution was narrower than that of
pure silica. Characterization results of the silica powder showed
that the optimum temperature for the modification of silica was
50 C. For the MSaDT/SSBR composites of 50 C, the static and
dynamic mechanical properties and the dispersion of the modified
silica in the rubber composite could achieve better status than
those of the others. The MSaDT of 50 C could decrease the filler
network structure and give a better balance of high wet skid resistance
and low rolling resistance than that of the others. The surface modification study is crucial to the application of nanosilica in the
rubber industry as a kind of oil-independent filler. The modification
is of great importance in the development of new approaches
for the surface modification of silica, and the modified silica has
bright prospects in green tire applications.