Structure Optimization of Pyrolysis Carbon Black from Waste Tire and its Application in Natural Rubber Composites

With the development of the rubber industry and raising of the environmental awareness, the pyrolysis carbon black from waste tire (CBp) has received more and more attention. However, CBp's application is limited because of the poor surface activity. Thus, modification the CBp's surface is an urgent research topic. In this work, a high-efficiency and clean plasma modification technology with Ar, NH 3 and H 2 O atmospheres is used to treat the CBp's surface; with which method the CBp's surface can be not only significantly etched, but also effectively activated. It is noted that the mechanical properties of m-CBp filling natural rubber (NR) composites have been improved with different levels, depending on the plasma atmospheres. Enhanced mechanical property is attributed to the strong filler-polymer interaction, which is promoted by both of the active components on m-CBp surface, produced during plasma modification process and the active components, arising from molecular chains scission of NR matrix during mixing process. This work not only provides a simple, high-efficiency and eco-friendly method for CBp modification and addresses the commercialization challenges of CBp-based technology, but also makes the CBp had a great potential application with high-value in rubber composites