Preparation of low‐rolling resistance natural rubber composites from pyrolysis carbon black by plasma treatment

Abstract In this study, the surface of pyrolysis carbon black (CBp) is modified by integrating the ball milling process with plasma treatment. High‐energy mechanical ball milling enabled more uniform contact and sufficient reaction temperature for the silane coupling agent and CBp. In addition, the impact of plasma activated the ash and surface deposits of CBp, reducing its inertness. Herein, the filler dispersion grade, Payne effect, vulcanization characteristics, and mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties are investigated by considering modified CBp/natural rubber (NR) composites. The ball milling plasma process can reduce the polarity of CBp. Compared with untreated CBp/NR composites, the plasma‐treated SCA‐CBp/NR composites exhibited increased CBp dispersion grades, higher processing safety, better processing fluidity, and improved mechanical properties. The reduced Payne effect ensured more filler‐rubber network structure, resulting in a reduction in rolling resistance. Highlights The coupling agent and CBp are treated by low‐temperature plasma and ball milling. The process promotes the formation of the filler‐rubber network. The dispersion grade of composites increased by 26.29%. The tensile strength increased by 5.57%, and the rolling resistance decreased by 19.44%.