Maleimide functionalities in silane coupling agents used in silica reinforced natural rubber systems

ORGN 12

Ben P. Patel, patelbp@crd.ge.com, Brennan Smith, Norberto Silvi, Greg Bradtke, and Benjamin H. Winkler. Global Research Center, General Electric Company, 1 Research Circle, CEB 142, Niskayuna, NY 12309
This presentation deals with a class of alkoxysilane heterocyclic molecules which contain a maleimide functionality, and are highly effective at dispersing and grafting micron sized precipitated silica aggregates into natural rubber (cis-polyisoprene) formulations. The talk will focus on the design and synthesis of this new class of silane coupling agents, and their performance in silica reinforced natural rubber formulations, as characterized by standard rheoligical and dynamic mechanical analyses.