Elastomers containing surface metalated siliceous fillers

摘要

This invention is based upon the concept of modifying the surface of silica with a metal, such as titanium or zirconium, which will catalyze silanol condensation reactions on the surface of the silica. In other words, modifying the surface of silica with titanium or zirconium provides a catalyst for the silanol condensation reaction between the silica surface and silane coupling agents used in silica filled compounds. The utilization of such metalated silica as a filler in rubber compositions results in improved polymer filler interaction and in turn improved physical properties. For instance, such surface metalated siliceous fillers can be used in tire tread compounds. The present invention more specifically discloses an elastomeric composition which comprises a rubbery polymer, a silica coupling agent, and a surface metalated siliceous filler.