Introduction to the application of silica in the rubber industry

Compared with carbon black, silica has finer particles and a larger surface area, so the vulcanizate has higher tensile strength, tear strength and wear resistance. However, due to the strong surface polarity and hydrophilicity of silica, the compatibility with hydrocarbon rubber molecules is not as good as that of carbon black. If it is filled in a large amount in rubber, it not only reduces the reinforcing effect, but also the setting of the rubber compound. Stress, compression set, wear and processing properties are not as good as carbon black filled rubber.

In the late 1970s, it was found that the white carbon black modified by the silane coupling agent can not only reduce the Mooney viscosity of the rubber compound, improve the processing performance, but also reduce the heat generation and rolling resistance and improve the wear resistance. The introduction of silane coupling agents has made the application of silica in rubber leaps and bounds.

White carbon black manufacturer Xiaobian introduces the application of white carbon black in rubber products

1, tire

White carbon black was originally used only in white tire side car tire decorative strips, and its use has gradually expanded and is now used in various tire parts. Such as tread rubber, BIIR gas tight layer compound, tire carcass and belt layer, tire sidewall rubber, chafer cloth for truck tires, etc.

2, hose and tape

In the production of hoses and tapes, a large amount of silica is added to improve its wear resistance. The silanol on the surface of the silica plays a role in improving the degree of wetting of the rubber and the fabric, which is beneficial to the diffusion and penetration of the rubber.

3, rubber shoes

As the main reinforcing filler, silica is widely used in the production of rubber shoes, especially in transparent and translucent sole rubber. In the outsole formula, white carbon black can replace carbon black 100%. Therefore, the footwear industry has been the largest user of silica in the rubber industry.

4, wire and cable

Silicone rubber has excellent characteristics such as aging resistance, high temperature resistance and electrical insulation properties, and is mostly used in the production of wire and cable products. Due to its high price and excellent reinforcing properties for silicone rubber, fumed silica is generally used only for silicone rubber and certain special products.

5, daily necessities

The good reinforcing performance of white carbon black and its unique advantages such as pure white and transparency make it widely used in rubber products such as household appliances and cultural and sports articles. Its nitrogen adsorption specific surface area can reach 269 ~ 320 m2 • g-1, added to the rubber compound, which can make the rubber compound have good tensile strength, ozone aging resistance and dye color retention performance.