Pyrogenic Silica as a Filler for Elastomeric Materials

Abstract

Carbon black has been the most important active filler in rubber technology for decades. In recent years, however, the use of silica to produce rubber compounds has been on the increase. In combination with sulfur-containing silanes (e.g. TESP, bis(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfane, trade name SI69), precipitated silicas now have an established place among the raw materials for the production of abrasion-resistant, elastic and fatigue-resistant elastomeric materials. Less well known, however, is the use of silica products produced by flame hydrolysis, such as Aerosil, which can significantly improve the mechanical properties of many elastomer formulations.