| abstract |
The present invention includes a process for producing treated filler that includes (a) treating a slurry that includes untreated filler where the untreated filler has not been previously dried, with a treating composition that includes a treating agent, thereby forming a treated filler slurry, and (b) drying the treated filler slurry to produce treated filler. The treating agent can include a polymer having (i) at least one first group that interacts with the untreated filler and (ii) at least one second group that interacts with a rubber matrix into which the treated filler is incorporated. The present invention also is directed to treated filler prepared by the process, as well as rubber compounding compositions and tires including the treated filler. |