Elastomer nanocomposites with superior dynamic mechanical properties via trans-1, 4-poly (butadiene-co-isoprene) incorporation

A new strategy for high performance tire tread stocks is proposed by incorporating novel synthetic crystalline trans-1, 4-poly (butadiene-co-isoprene) rubber (TBIR) into the traditional amorphous SSBR/BR blends. The silica filled SSBR/BR/TBIR composites after chemical crosslinking exhibited significantly improved dynamical properties compared with filled SSBR/BR composites, such as 2–3 times higher tensile fatigue resistance, improved wet-skid resistance and abrasion resistance, lower rolling resistance and heat built-up, etc. Further discussions revealed that crystalline TBIR components improved silica dispersion by increasing the strength and modulus of SSBR/BR/TBIR rubber matrix, and modulated network structures of the rubber matrix in the form of TBIR lamellar fibrils, both of which were expected to contribute to the greatly improved tensile fatigue resistance and other properties. The incorporation of TBIR in tire tread stocks will provide a solution for high performance tire production without changing the present processing technology and formulations.