A silane coupling agent was obtained by reaction of (3-glycidyloxy-propyl)trimethoxysilane (A187) and N-phenyl-1

4-phenylenedi-amine (PPDA). Its structure was characterized by 1H-NMR

IR and MS. After that

different amounts of the silane coupling agent were used to in situ modify the silica to prepare antioxidant functionalized silica/NR composites. The processing ability

mechanical properties and antioxidation effect of the composites were compared with those of the carbon black/NR

neat silica/NR and bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfane (Si69) modified silica/NR composites. Cure characteristics and RPA results showed that the viscosity

the highest torque

optimum cure time and dispersion of filler of the antioxidant functionalized silica/NR were improved. The mechanical properties of the composites increased with increasing amount of silane coupling agent first

and then reached a plateau. When the amount of silane coupling agent was more than or equal to 10.8% (wt% to silica)

the tensile strength of the composites was as high as that of carbon black/NR and Si69 modified silica/NR

which was much higher than that of neat silica/NR. Moreover

the tear strength of the composites was higher than that of all references. After air ageing at 100℃ for different days

the mechanical property retention of the antioxidant functionalized silica/NR was better than that of all references with antioxidant 4020

which illustrates that the new silane coupling agent has better ageing resistance than antioxidant 4020.