Velcro-inspired silica-rubber coupling

This thesis addresses the challenge of poor compatibility between hydrophilic silica particles and hydrophobic rubber matrices in elastomeric composites. The primary goal of the project is to design an innovative, Velcro‑inspired hook‑and‑loop molecular system to overcome the limitations of the stiff, irreversible covalent bonds typically formed by silane coupling agents. The research focuses on synthesising various silicas modified with polymers - acting as supramolecular hooks - covalently attached to the silica surface. These hybrid particles are then used as fillers in a model tyre tread compound, where the crosslinked rubber matrix acts as the supramolecular loops. A key objective of this study is to determine the optimal molecular weights and grafting densities of the polymers required to form reversible interactions between the hybrid filler and the rubber matrix. The results indicate that the Velcro-inspired hybrid filler concept offers a novel strategy for enhancing performance of next generation tyre tread compounds. This principle requires further development.