Low-molecular-weight styrene–butadiene copolymers (L-SSBR) as processing aids used for silica-filled rubber: Synthesis, functionalization and application

Three different types of low-molecular-weight solution styrene-butadiene rubbers (L-SSBRs) were synthesized by anionic polymerization. Two of them were end-capped with methoxy (M-L-SSBR) and ethoxy (E-L-SSBR) functional groups, respectively, while the other was terminated with alcohol (L-SSBR). The content of functional groups was estimated on the basis of gel permeation chromatography and proton nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. The influence of L-SSBR on the properties of silica-filled SSBR as an alternative for the plasticizing oil was investigated in tyre tread formulation. L-SSBRs of high vinyl content were used in place of part of oil for preparation of compound K1 enriched with linear (L-SSBR) and compound K2 and K3 enriched with two star-like liquid rubbers modified, respectively, with methoxy (M-L-SSBR) and ethoxy (E-L-SSBR) functional groups. Although particular attention was paid to the effect of polar groups on the silica dispersions, cure characteristic, compound viscosity and mechanical properties were also analyzed. Rubber with only treated distillate aromatic extract was used (K5) as the reference.