Effects of coupling agents on the properties of an NR/SBR matrix and its adhesion to continuous basalt fiber cords

The effects of various coupling agents on the characteristics and properties of a natural rubber (NR)/styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) matrix and its adhesion to continuous basalt fiber (CBF) cords were studied. Four types of silane-based and two types of titanate-based coupling agents were added separately to the rubber matrix during the mixing process. The processability of the rubber compounds and the mechanical and tension fatigue properties of the vulcanizates were evaluated. The static and dynamic adhesion between the CBF cord/rubber matrices were investigated using the H pull-out test and an elastomer testing system, respectively. The results showed that the effects of the coupling agent were controlled by its chemical structure, and it was found that the addition of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane was the most effective for enhancing the interfacial fatigue properties, due to the combined improvements of the initial adhesion, interfacial stress states, and the fatigue property of the rubber matrix. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47098.