Preparation of silica/natural rubber composites by foaming predispersion combined with gas‐phase‐assisted spray technology

Abstract This study proposes that the foaming pre‐dispersion technology is combined with the gas‐phase‐assisted spray technology, and a foaming agent potassium oleate is introduced. The volume expansion power generated by the bubbles promotes the dispersion of the filler. The uniformity of foaming promotes the chemical bridging of potassium oleate between rubber and silica. Then, with a large velocity difference between the compressed air and the emulsion, the gas‐phase‐assisted spray gun refines the emulsion and breaks the filler aggregates. Next, the atomized droplets splash on the surface of the high‐temperature roller, and then deposit on it to achieve instant drying, which reduces the loss of non‐rubber components, thereby improving the preparation efficiency and comprehensive properties of masterbatch. The Payne effect of the composite prepared by the FGS technology is weaker. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile product of the vulcanizate prepared by the FGS technology with 7 phr PO have increased by 9%, 5%, and 15%, respectively, and the aging coefficient is 23% higher than that of the dry mixing.