Filler Silica

This chapter reports the results of studies on the physical, dynamic mechanical, and rheological behavior of zinc oxide neutralized m-EPDM, particularly in the presence of stearic acid and zinc stearate, with special reference to the effects of precipitated silica filler. 

Zinc salt of maleated EPDM rubber in the presence of stearic acid and zinc stearate behaves as a thermoplastic elastomer, which can be reinforced by the incorporation of precipitated silica filler. It is believed that besides the dispersive type of forces operative in the interaction between the backbone chains and the filler particles, the ionic domains in the polymer interact strongly with the polar sites on the filler surface through formation of hydrogen bonded structures. 

Where HO—silica filler, inorganic solids carrying surface OH groups,... 

Mark and his co-workers reported the reinforcement of poly(dimethylsiloxane) networks by silica gel particles [1-6]. For example, bis(silanol)-terminated poly-(dimethylsiloxane) was reacted with tetraethoxysilane in the presence of acid-catalyst to produce the reinforced siloxane networks. The reaction proceeded homogeneously. The content of the silica filler can be controlled by the feed ratio of polysiloxane and tetraethoxysilane. 

Prior to the chemical reaction of the silane with the silanol-groups on the sUica surface, the silane molecule has to make contact with the sUica surface by adsorption. Then the chemical reaction of silica with an alkoxy-silyl moiety of the coupling agent takes place in a two-step, endothermic reaction. The primary step is the reaction of alkoxy-groups with silanol-groups on the silica filler surface [4]. Two possible mechanisms are reported ... 

Carbon black-silica dual phase fillers reduce hysteresis while maintaining or improving abrasion. This system is less expensive as coupling agent requirement is less and produces semicon-ductive product compared to full silica-filler system. Dual phase filler is less abrasive to the processing equipment compared to the usage of silica filler alone, but use of dual phase filler increases cost of compound compared to traditional carbon black. 

The ZOE impression paste is essentially a two-paste ZOE cement. One paste is formed by plasticizing the zinc oxide powder with 13 % of mineral or vegetable oil. The other paste consists of 12% eugenol or oil of cloves, 50% polymerized rosin, 20% silica filler, 10% resinous balsam (to improve flow) and 5 % calcium chloride (accelerator). 

At Goodyear laser-desorption MS has been used for direct analysis of rubber additives (e.g. antioxidants, antiozonants, vulcanising agents, processing oils, silica fillers, etc.), in situ at the surface of an elastomeric vulcanisate [74,75]. 

For silica fillers, hydrolytic stability is best when M = Si for other fillers, e.g., calcium carbonate then titanate- or zirconate-coupling agents are preferred. 

A rubber to fabric bonding system comprising resorcinol, a formaldehyde donor and a hydrated silica filler. Incorporated as dry ingredients in the rubber compound and activated by heat. 

Silica fillers are generally used to reinforce these materials, carbon black being less reinforcing, and its use being somewhat specialised. 

Resorcinol formaldehyde latex (RFL) cord dips have only a limited application within the general rubber goods industry and for adhesion to be achieved with synthetic fibres it is necessary to use the systems developed by Bayer and Degussa. These systems are based upon a combination of resorcinol, a formaldehyde donor and a hydrated silica filler (commonly called the RFK system). This system is incorporated as dry ingredients into the rubber compound and is activated by the application of heat. 

Silica fillers offered to the rubber industry are of three specific types... 

Silica fillers also react with the rubber causing an increase in viscosity and dry and unmanageable processing behaviour. Filler activators need to be added to silica-reinforced compounds to overcome these problems. The usual filler activators used are diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and amines such as triethanolamine. Some of these activators not only overcome the problems of processing and accelerator absorption, but depending on the cure system used, will also act as vulcanisation activators. 

Other additives such as silanes, titanates and zirconates are also used to overcome the processing characteristics of silica fillers. Silanes not only give improved processability of silica-filled compounds, but also provide improved crosslinks between the silica particle surface and the rubber molecular chains giving increased physical properties. The use of silane coupling agents at a... 

The degree of moisture present affects the properties of the silicone rubber vulcanisate. Moisture levels also determine the ease with which the filler is incorporated into the silicone rubber. Low moisture levels improve the final physical properties but definitely detract from the incorporation speed of the silica filler. 

An interesting point is that our original RTV 118 quenching data is due in part to the presence of hydrophobic silica filler in the polymer. 64 We have examined in considerable detail the effect of silica filler in polymer supports. 33 It is noteworthy that the hydrophobic filled polymers give much less hooked results than the hydrophilic silica. Indeed, the hydrophobic silica gives nearly ideal one-site quenching results. 64 ... 

Journal of Applied Polymer Science 83, No.2, 10th Jan.2002, p.357-66 MORPHOLOGY AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CLOSED CELL MICROCELLULAR ETHYLENE-OCTENE COPOLYMER EFFECT OF PRECIPITATED SILICA FILLER AND BLOWING AGENT Nayak N C Tripathy D K Indian Institute of Technology... 

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