Interaction between Carboxylated Nitrile Rubber and Precipitated Silica: Role of (3-Aminopropyl)Triethoxysilane

Abstract

Abstract On the basis of measurements of bound rubber and physical properties and the results of Monsanto rheometer, dynamic mechanical and infrared spectroscopic studies, it is observed that strong rubber-filler interaction occurs between XNBR and precipitated silica filler. During molding, XNBR was found to be crosslinked by the filler surface through the formation of primary bonds. The coupling agent, namely (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane facilitates the formation of rubber-filler bonds at the expense of filler-filler networks, leading to improved dispersion and enhanced degree of crosslinking.