Studies on the Properties of SBR - Fly Ash Composites using Si69 Silane Coupling Agent for Surface Treatment

Abstract

This article studied the properties of SBR compound with untreated and silane-treated fly ashparticles using different silane concentrations of 2%, 4% and 6% by weight. The work alsoinvestigated the effect of silica content (0-75 phr) in the fly ash particles on the properties of the SBRcompound. The rubber compound with the silane-treated fly ash had less cure time than that with theuntreated fly ash. The use of silane coupling agent for surface treatment increased the mechanicalproperties, especially for 4%wt silane coupling agent. It was found that using the silane couplingagent increased the tensile modulus of about 160%, tensile strength of 125%, tear strength of 85%,surface hardness of 25%. From morphological studies, the silane coupling agent in fly ash particlescould improve the physical interfacial interactions between rubber and fly ash phases, thus enhancingthe overall mechanical properties.

Keywords : Styrene Butadiene Rubber / Fly Ash / Surface Treatment / Silane Coupling Agent