Precipitated silica for synthetic rubber applications
PERKASIL® precipitated silicas are widely used in a variety of synthetic rubber applications, including tires, technical rubber, footwear, and silicone rubber. They act as reinforcing agents to achieve the desired properties for the finished product.
Primary rubber reinforcing agents are carbon black otherwise referred to as "black filler” while precipitated amorphous silicas are "white filler.” Reinforcing "white" fillers such as PERKASIL® silicas are effective in rubber formulations to add tear strength, abrasion resistance, and aging resistance.
Tires
Initiatives to reduce waste and pollutants from discarded tires have motivated the tire industry to improve wear, performance, and longevity to help minimize tire waste. Use of PERKASIL® precipitated silicas reduces tread rolling resistance and improves dry/wet grip properties and tread wear.
In OTR tire tread formulations, PERKASIL® silicas improve cut, chip, and chunk resistance. In addition, PERKASIL® silicas improve steel cord adhesion to rubber in the steel belt layer of the tire.
Technical Rubber
PERKASIL® silicas improve the mechanical properties of the vulcanized rubber, resulting in improved tensile strength, tear strength, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance. Typical applications for PERKASIL® silicas include:
- Roll coverings (NRB, EPDM, SBR)
- Conveyor belts (NR)
- Transmission belts
- Gaskets, seals (Q)
- Cables
- Sheathing (CR, CM)
- Flooring
- Footwear
Reinforcing "white fillers,” such as PERKASIL® precipitated silicas, has advantages in footwear applications compared to "black fillers,” including improved abrasion properties, reduced flex cracking, and fatigue. White-filled shoe soles also do not leave black marks on flooring. Grace's PERKASIL® silicas can be used in a variety of footwear applications:
- Shoe soles
- Transparent shoe soles
- Micro-cellular soles
- Thermoplastic rubber soles