Synthesis of multifunctional rubber chemicals 2‐propanol, 1‐(2‐benzothiazolylthio)‐3‐[3‐(triethoxysilyl) propoxy] silane and its application in natural rubber/silica composites

Abstract In order to inhibit the agglomeration of silica in the rubber matrix, a new multifunctional rubber chemicals 2‐propanol, 1‐(2‐benzothiazolylthio)‐3‐[3‐(triethoxysilyl) propoxy] silane (Si‐GM) was synthesized by (3‐glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (A‐1871) and 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT). Natural rubber (NR)/silica composites were prepared with different Si‐GM contents and its application in silica/NR composites obtained were researched. Experimental results show that the maximum and minimum torques of silica‐filled NR decrease with increasing the content of Si‐GM. With the addition of Si‐GM, the rubber compound has excellent characteristics of both fast vulcanization rate and high processing safety. Si‐GM can effectively improve the dispersion of precipitated silica in composites and strengthen the interaction between silica particles and NR matrix. It was found that Si‐GM considerably enhanced the mechanical properties such as the tensile and tear strength, dynamic compression property, and abrasion resistance of silica/NR composites, and the enhancements reached the maximum at the 5‐phr content of Si‐GM. In addition, by adding 4‐phr Si‐GM into the system, silica/NR composites acquired the superior comprehensive dynamic performances.