Entschlüsselung des Kieselsäure/Silan-Reaktionsmechanismus zur Entwicklung von Reifen mit geringem Rollwiderstand: Teil 1 – Charakterisierung durch In-situ-IR-Spektroskopie

By use of suitable organic silanes and controlled mixing conditions, silica/silane systems have proven to be well suited for tire tread formulations with reduced rolling resistance. The bifunctional organosilane is able to react with the silica surface as well as with the polymer. However, silica compounds still present considerable difficulties in processing. The kneader is not only a mixing aggregate but has to fulfill the role of a chemical reactor. It is known from former studies, that the reaction between the silica and the silane is complex. It is up to now not sufficiently understood. Therefore, a better understanding would help many tire producers to control the mixing process more efficiently. Operando IR spectroscopy carried out in-situ during the reaction is the technique of choice to decipher the reaction.