Tire with component of rubber composition comprised of silanol and/or siloxy functionalized elastomer and silica

摘要

The invention relates to a tire having at least one component (e.g. tread) of a rubber composition comprised of a composite of styrene/butadiene elastomer and functionalized styrene/butadiene elastomer containing an intemal silanol and/or siloxy group therein with pendent silanol and/or alkoxy groups of a polymodal (e.g. bimodal) molecular weight distribution and a dispersion therein of silica aggregates of which a portion thereof contain a plurality of hydroxyl groups on their surface in a form of geminal hydroxyl groups. In one aspect, said silica aggregates may be pre-treated to reduce said hydroxyl groups on their surface prior to blending with said silanol and/or siloxy functionalized elastomer.