gamma-Radiation induced functional modification of silica and radiation vulcanization of SBR-silica composites

The gamma-ray induced "grafting" of polybutadiene olygomers onto precipitated silica and the radiation induced crosslinking of the blends prepared with the modified silica in SBR matrices have been investigated in the dose range up to 290 kGy. Enhanced mechanical properties have been detected for the SBR blends containing the modified silica after gamma-ray induced crosslinking. The comparison with the analogue mixtures containing pristine silica, supported by EPR measurements, suggests that the PB coating is effective in enhancing the mechanism of formation of filler-rubber chemical links.