Effect of Carbon Black/Organoclay Hybrid Filler System on Tire Tread Compound Properties

The enhanced dispersion of organophilic layered silicates improves the mechanical properties of polymer/ silicate composites. In this work, a hybrid filler system consisting of Cloisite 15A organoclay (OC) and carbon black (CB) was used to improve the properties of the tire tread compounds. The physical and mechanical properties of compounds were assessed by measurement of their cure properties, tensile, crack growth resistance and abrasion tests. The dispersion of organoclay layers was investigated by XRD analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The results have indicated that increases in tensile strength, elongation-at-break and rupture resistance were obtained by replacement of 5 phr CB with OC. However, increases in modulus and abrasion resistance were obtained by replacement of 3 phr CB with OC. Therefore replacement of 3 phr CB with OC was an optimum formulation for tread compound. The results have also indicated that with changing the mixing conditions to enhance the dispersion of clay layers, the mechanical and abrasion properties have improved. The XRD patterns and transmission electron micrographs have revealed that the distances between the layers are increased from 5.5 nm to 13.5 nm.