Effect of 1‐ethylpyridinium bromide on enhancing the dispersion of silica and interfacial strength in rubber‐silica composite

Abstract Improving the interfacial interaction between silica and rubber is always a key issue to be solved for silica‐filled rubbers. In this paper, composites are prepared by an in‐situ modification method using 1‐ethylpyridinium bromide ([EPy]Br) as the raw material, and the effect of its dosage on the interfacial interactions and macroscopic properties of silica‐filled natural rubber (NR) composites is investigated. The effect of [EPy]Br on silica dispersion and interfacial interaction between silica and NR is verified through rheological tests and calculations of glass layers. Compared with the original samples, composite performance is optimized when the usage amount is at 1phr which increases tensile strength by 5 MPa, enhances abrasion resistance by 24%, and shortens optimum curing time in half. This study is expected to provide a new strategy for improving the processability of silica‐containing composites while reducing energy consumption. Highlights [EPy]Br enhances the interaction between rubber and filler while modifying the surface of silica. Increasing the dosage of [EPy]Br leads to a reduction in the Payne effect. The addition of [EPy]Br enhances the dispersion of silica in natural rubber. [EPy]Br significantly reduces the duration of the induction period for vulcanization. The dosage of [EPy]Br allows for controlling the mechanical properties of NR/SiO₂.