This invention relates to a tire having at least one component (e.g. tread)
of a rubber composition comprised of a carbon black and precipitated silica reinforced
elastomer blend comprised of a combination of hydroxyl functionalized aqueous emulsion
polymerization prepared styrene/butadiene copolymer elastomer (E-SBR) and tin coupled
organic solvent solution polymerization prepared styrene/butadiene copolymer elastomer
(S-SBR) and/or isoprene/butadiene copolymer elastomer. Preferably, said E-SBR is
exclusive of functional groups reactive with alkoxy groups other than said hydroxyl
functional groups. A coupling agent as bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)polysulfide having
an average of from only 2 to 2.6 connecting sulfur atoms in its polysulfidic bridge
is used. The invention further relates to an article of manufacture, such as for
example a tire, having at least one component of a rubber composition comprised
of said elastomer blend.
