Tire with silica-rich rubber tread for winter performance

摘要

This invention relates to a tire having a tread intended for winter performance comprising cis 1,4-polybutadiene rubber (BR) and specialized solution polymerization prepared high vinyl styrene/butadiene rubber (HVS-SBR). Such tire tread further comprises a compatible rubber blend of at least 40 phr of the BR in combination the HVS-SBR together with reinforcing filler composed of precipitated silica with a low BET nitrogen surface area and, optionally, rubber reinforcing carbon black. Compatibility of the combination of the BR with a relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) of -100°C or lower and the HVS-SBR with a relatively high Tg of at least 30°C or higher, and therefore spaced apart Tg's of at least 70°C is promoted by the high vinyl content of the HVS-SBR in a range of from 40 to 50 percent based upon its polybutadiene portion.