Effect of plasma-polymerised acetylene-coated silica on the compound properties of natural rubber composites.

Silica-filled natural rubber (NR) encounters incompatibility problems, owing to the strong particle-particle interaction arising from the hydrogen bonds of hydroxyl groups, which generally leads to the formation of agglomerates. The addition of coupling agents, especially silane coupling agents, reduces the agglomeration. However, this has some disadvantages, such as toxicity, a risk of pre-curing, and the generation of ethanol during mixing.