RUBBER COMPOUNDS FOR USE IN PRODUCING VEHICLE TIRES

The invention provides diene rubber-silica compounds comprising a diene rubber matrix having dispersed therein a silica filler, wherein said silica filler is surface-modified by attachment of a π system-containing moiety which forms a π-π interaction with the diene rubber matrix. In particular, it provides such compounds in which the diene rubber is styrene-butadiene rubber. Such compounds can be vulcanized and are suitable for producing vehicle tire components, such as tire treads.