Investigation polymer-filler interphase dynamics of reinforced elastomers: experiments, modelling and theory

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Structure and properties of reinforced filler networks in elastomers are strongly influenced by the polymer-filler interphase dynamics. So far this is not fully understood though filler networking is the main factor for designing technical properties of rubber goods, e.g. wet traction and wear of tires. The behavior of the polymers close to adsorbing interface is largely determined by the interplay between the loss of configuration entropy due to presence of the solid surface and interactions of the chain with the filler and other chains in the bulk. This will be analyzed in detail by experimental, theoretical and numerical methods. Special emphasize lies in a better understanding of the microscopic mechanisms affecting filler flocculation and the dynamics of filler-filler bonds at elevated temperature. At moderate temperature, these bonds consist of glassy-like polymer bridges between adjacent filler particles representing a specific filler-polymer-filler interphase with significantly increased glass transition temperature. By referring to the interphase dynamics on a micro- and mesoscale, the linear and non-linear viscoelastic properties of filled elastomers will be described on a broad temperature- and frequency scale.