Elastomeric compounds with silica. Lower hysteresis in the presence of functionalised isoprene oligomers

Silica as reinforcing filler brings about a low hysteresis in elastomeric compounds. Aim of this work was to promote a better silica-elastomer interaction by using, as minor ingredients of a compound, isoprene oligomers having a functional group as the chain end. The effect of the functionality was investigated by analysing the complex viscosity of silica-oligomers binary mixtures as well as the morphological and rheological properties of masterbatches and compounds based on isoprene rubbers. A better silica dispersion and a lower Payne effect were clearly observed in the presence of functionalized oligomers.