mechanical and
dynamic properties of the masterbatches were compared
with the corresponding samples prepared by a conventional
method in which the precipitated silica was directly
added into NR on the two-roll mill. The morphology of
silica in both uncompounded silica/NR masterbatches and
silica/NR vulcanizates was examined using scanning electron
microscopy. Furthermore, the influence of bis-(3-
triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (Si-69) on the properties
of silica/NR composites was evaluated