Effect of Crosslink Density and Mechanical Properties on the Wear of Silica-Filled Styrene-Butadiene Rubbers

In this study the effects of silica size (or specific surface area), mechanical properties and crosslink density on the wear of silica-filled SBRs (styrene butadiene rubbers) were examined. The modulus of each silica-filled SBR examined was proportional to crosslink density. The wear rate of silica-filled SBRs was reduced as the modulus and crosslink density increased. The wear rates increased as the specific surface area of the silica fill particles decreased, when the content of silane coupling agent was constant. As a result, the wear rate was shown to be lower as the modulus and crosslink density increased.