1-Aminopropyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride-Modified Graphene Oxide/Rubber Composites Exhibiting High Wear and Low Rolling Resistances

High wear-resistance and fuel-saving tires play an important role in reducing the environmental pollution caused by automobiles. The filler dispersion and interfacial interactions are both crucial for affecting the wear and rolling resistances of rubber composites. In this study, the ionic liquid 1-aminopropyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (IL–NH2) was specially selected to tune the surface characteristics of graphene oxide (GO), and then the modified GO (IL–NH2–GO) was further introduced to a natural rubber/solution-polymerized styrene–butadiene rubber (NR/SSBR) matrix to investigate the effects of the IL–NH2 dosage on the microstructure and properties of the IL–NH2–GO/NR/SSBR composites. The results showed that the filler dispersion and interface between the fillers and rubber macromolecules were enhanced by introducing an appropriate IL–NH2 content. Owing to the change in the chemical structure of the GO-surface and lubrication effect of the IL–NH2, the filler dispersion was obviously improved, and the friction was reduced between the GO and rubber macromolecules. When the IL–NH2-to-GO mass ratio was 1:1, the 100% modulus and tensile strength of the IL–NH2–GO/NR/SSBR increased by 18.5 and 7.8%, respectively, compared with those of the GO/NR/SSBR composites. Meanwhile, the wear and rolling resistances improved by 8.6% and decreased by 10.4%, respectively. This research indicates that the facile strategy developed for modifying GO with ionic liquids has promising potential for preparing eco-friendly tires exhibiting high wear and low rolling resistances.