Enhancement of mechanical properties of styrene‐butadiene rubber composites by carbon black/silicone carbide hybrid filler networking

Abstract In this study, the effects of silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles as a secondary filler on the filler networking in carbon black (CB)/SiC hybrid filled styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) were investigated in detail. It was shown that there was a critical loading in the low‐loading range of SiC, which can significantly improve the final dispersion state in the hybrid composite. It was discussed that in the critical loading of SiC due to the surface energy mismatch between CB and SiC the kinetics and the extent of filler networking in the SBR matrix were decreased. It was demonstrated how CB/SiC hybrid filler networking results in synergistic effects in dynamic, and tribological properties of SBR composites. Obtained results demonstrated that the use of nano SiC as a secondary filler in CB filled rubber composites can open up new opportunities to manufacture rubber composites with integrated dynamic‐mechanical and tribological performance.