Impact of Silicas with Different Surface Areas on Tire Performance

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the surface area of silica used in rubber compounds and tire performance. As efforts to improve safety and fuel efficiency continue, optimizing the reinforcing fillers, particularly the BET surface area of silica, has become a crucial strategy. This paper examines the influence of silicas with varying surface areas on physico-mechanical properties, tan δ behavior in DMA analysis, rolling resistance, and traction performance on wet and snowy surfaces, based on literature review and experimental data. Although numerous studies have been conducted on the performance of tire tread compounds, information regarding the effect of silica reinforcing fillers on wet traction and rolling resistance remains limited. It is well known that the transition from carbon black to silica as a filler improves tire tread performance. In addition to reducing rolling resistance, improving wet grip of the tread is a critical safety and performance factor. The friction, traction, and slip resistance of tire treads on various surfaces under dry and wet conditions have been the subject of extensive experimentation and modeling. In this study, three different types of highly dispersible silica were compared to investigate the influence of specific silica surface area on tire performance. Among the structural parameters of silica, specific surface area (measured by BET and CTAB methods) plays a key role in determining its interaction with the rubber matrix.

Keywords

• Braking performance
• Rolling resistance
• Silica
• Surface area

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