Yeast as Coupling Agent for Corn Filler in Tyre Tread Compound

Tyre manufacturers are continually developing energy efficient, low rolling resistance tyres, using more and more naturally occurring materials, with minimum depletion of petroleum/natural resources. Of all the components of a typical tyre, the tread component contributes most to rolling resistance properties. So continuous efforts are in progress around the globe to develop suitable tread compounds in order to fulfil the above criteria with different filler combinations, including treated fillers. In the present study, the effect of a naturally occurring coupling agent, yeast, was investigated in the context of a corn – carbon black filler system, and the results were compared with those for corn powder treated with a silane coupling agent – carbon black system in a radial passenger tyre tread compound. The yeast increased polymer-filler interaction significantly by modifying the corn surface, giving rise to optimum properties for the tread compound.