the present invention relates to a technique to efficiently and effectively disperse silica throughout a rubbery polymer . by utilizing this technique mechanical mixing procedures that are energy intensive and require large capital investments in mixing equipment can be significantly reduced . by reducing the amount of shearing forces to which the rubber is subjected polymer degradation is also significantly reduced . the utilization of the technique of this invention also results in a uniform blend of the silica throughout the rubber and consequently better interaction between the silica and the rubber . this results in better physical properties , such as higher modulus . the subject invention more specifically discloses a process for preparing a silica / rubber blend which comprises dispersing silica , a silica coupling agent , and a low molecular weight end - group functionalized diene rubber throughout a cement of a conventional rubbery polymer , and subsequently recovering the silica / rubber blend from the organic solvent . the present invention further reveals a tire which is comprised of a generally toroidal - shaped carcass with an outer circumferential tread , two spaced beads , at least one ply extending from bead to bead and sidewalls extending radially from and connecting said tread to said beads , wherein said tread is adapted to be ground - contacting , and wherein said tread is comprised of the silica / rubber blend made by dispersing silica , a silica coupling agent , and a low molecular weight end - group functionalized diene rubber throughout a cement of a conventional rubbery polymer , and subsequently recovering the silica / rubber blend from the organic solvent .