A new strategy for tire tread stocks with high performances*

The desire tire tread stocks require satisfied comprehensive performances including good wet-skid resistance, low rolling resistance, good abrasion resistance and excellent anti-fatigue propertie. In our work, trans-1, 4-poly (butadiene-co-isoprene) copolymer rubber (TBIR) as novel reactive functional rubber is introduced into traditional SSBR and SSBR/BR recipes. Owing to the reinforcement effect of TBIR on the blended polymer matrix, TBIR inclusion could not only inhibit the aggregation of silica during ageing process, but also improve the filler dispersion in the rubber matrix. Furthermore, the TBIR in the form of lamellar fibrils could inhibit crack initiation and deviate crack propagation direction. Consequently, the vulcanized elastomer nanocomposites exhibit significantly improved comprehensive properties, such as enhanced mechanical strengths, outstanding fatigue resistance, improved abrasion resistance and lower rolling resistance with other properties remaining unchanged.