Organic plant derived precipitated silica aggregates, elastomers reinforced therewith and articles such as tires with component thereof

The invention relates to preparation of plant-derived synthetic silica aggregates from organic plant sources, (e.g. rice husks), reinforcement of rubber compositions therewith and preparation of articles of manufacture, such as tires, having at least one component, (e.g. treads), as a rubber composition which contains said plant-derived precipitated silica aggregates. The invention further relates to such plant-derived silica aggregates having been pre-treated with an alkylsilane and/or organomercaptosilane. The invention additionally relates to the preparation of rubber compositions therewith with an addition of a starch/plasticizer composite. The invention further relates to preparation of articles of manufacture, including tires, having at least one component comprised of such prepared rubber composition such as, for example, tires having such components as treads, sidewalls and/or innerliners.