Your Advantages

Carbon black has the advantage of a wide range of grades with different particle size and structure. This means, the user can select the "right" grade for his particular needs regarding processability and in-rubber properties. Furthermore, carbon black is straightforward to mix and, due to it's black color, it protects rubber articles against UV degradation. What is an advantage on one hand, is an inconvenience on the other: whenever it comes to colored or transparent articles, carbon black is detrimental, - and silica is the reinforcing filler of choice. With available Silica- and Silicate grades of different surface area, particle size and elementary composition, as well as by different production process (conventional or highly dispersible silica), the properties can be varied to achieve the desired in-rubber performance. As a consequence of the hydrophilic nature of silica, activators as co-agents are mostly required. Optimum reinforcement is obtained by using silicas in combination with organosilanes such as Si 69^®, Si 75, Si 266 or VP Si 363^®. The silanes form a chemical bond between filler and polymer and lead to improved reinforcement and, in particular, to optimized dynamic properties.