The disclosure, in one aspect, relates to a method for preparing a masterbatch comprising natural rubber or another rubber and silica. In one aspect, the silica undergoes chemical treatment or another treatment to reduce the ability of silica particles to form hydrogen bonds. In a further aspect, the silica is then mixed with water and ultrasonically vibrated to generate a milk-like silica solution. In a still further aspect, the milk-like silica solution can then be mixed with a natural rubber latex or other rubber latex, achieving effective dispersion of the silica in the rubber matrix. Dewatering and/or drying the silica solution and rubber matrix creates a masterbatch material that can be used immediately in the production of cured rubber articles or that can be stored for future use without degradation or separation. Also disclosed are masterbatch materials and rubber articles such as, for example, tires, made using the masterbatch materials.
