Elastomer composition comprising a filler at least partially covered by silica

A process for preparing a composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler predominantly comprising a filler covered at least partially by silica and a crosslinking system, the dispersion of the filler in the elastomeric matrix being a Z score greater than or equal to 70 and the composition being devoid of agent for coupling the filler with the elastomer:

• preparing a masterbatch comprising the diene elastomer and the filler covered at least partially by silica, this first masterbatch exhibiting a dispersion of the filler in the elastomeric matrix having a Z score of greater than or equal to 70,
• incorporating the other constituents of the composition, with the exception of the crosslinking system, into the first masterbatch in a mixer, everything being kneaded thermomechanically until a maximum temperature of between 130° C. and 200° C. is reached,
• cooling the combined mixture to a temperature of less than 100° C.,
• subsequently incorporating the crosslinking system, and
• kneading everything up to a maximum temperature of less than 120° C.