Applications of Solvay ZEOSIL 165GR Granular Reinforcing Silica for Tires in Industrial Manufacturing

Solvay ZEOSIL 165GR Granular Reinforcing Silica plays a critical role as a performance additive for the rubber industry, particularly within modern tire production workflows, offering advanced reinforcement, rolling resistance reduction, and optimized wet grip. As the original manufacturer, we support global tire makers in integrating this raw material to meet demanding regulatory and performance standards across diverse tire lines.

1. Passenger Car Radial Tire Compounding

Major automotive tire manufacturers incorporate this silica for superior tread compound reinforcement, enabling significant gains in rolling resistance and wet traction while maintaining treadwear standards. It supports compliance with updated international tire labeling regulations, directly enhancing finished tire performance in volume passenger car production.

Industry compliance standards

• UNECE Regulation No. 117: Rolling resistance and wet grip
• ISO 28580: Measurement of rolling resistance
• EU tire labeling directive 2020/740
• IATF 16949: Automotive quality management

Typical usage ratio

• 35%–45% by weight of total filler in tread formulation; adjusted based on desired balance between rolling resistance and wet grip targets

Downstream process integration

• Added directly to Banbury internal mixer during masterbatch preparation, prior to final mixing with curatives and accelerators

Final product types

• High-performance summer and all-season passenger car tires
• Low rolling resistance eco-tires
• OE fitment tires for electric and hybrid vehicles

2. Truck and Bus Radial Tire Manufacturing

The silica improves tread life and fuel efficiency in heavy-duty commercial tire compounding, meeting the stricter reliability standards for cargo and transport fleets. Manufacturers use it to achieve fleet operator demands for abrasion resistance and consistent performance in both highway and regional applications.

Industry compliance standards

• FMVSS 119: Performance requirements for truck/bus tires (US)
• GB 9743/9744: Truck/bus tire safety standards (China)
• EU Regulation 661/2009 and tire labeling directive 2020/740
• ISO 9001:2015 certified tire production

Typical usage ratio

• 25%–40% of total reinforcing filler in tread compounds; frequently optimized for abrasion balance, especially in steer and drive positions

Downstream process integration

• Added during the initial masterbatch mixing stage, co-dispersed with carbon black and process oils before batch off and final mixing

Final product types

• Long-haul and regional haul truck tires
• Urban and intercity bus radial tires
• Retreadable commercial tire casings

3. Ultra High Performance Tire (UHP) Formulations

ZEOSIL 165GR silica is specified by leading UHP tire manufacturers to deliver the wet and dry grip necessary for premium passenger and sports car applications. It allows formulators to achieve the required balance of stiffness and flexibility for enhanced cornering, braking, and high-speed safety, in line with stringent OEM and motorsport guidelines.

Industry compliance standards

• ECE R30: Tire approval for passenger and sports vehicles
• E-mark certification for Europe
• OE technical specifications (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc.)
• ISO/TS 16949: Automotive quality for performance applications

Typical usage ratio

• 50%–65% of total silica/carbon black system, with ratios tailored to track or street targets and performance test outcomes

Downstream process integration

• Blended with functionalized polymers and resin systems during two-stage mixing to maximize silica-elastomer interaction before extrusion

Final product types

• UHP sports car tires and original equipment run-flats
• Motorsport and racing tire lines
• Ultra high traction all-season and summer tires

4. Low Rolling Resistance “Green Tire” Production

Global tire manufacturers targeting eco-certified tires rely on this silica to substantially lower energy losses from tire rolling, without negatively impacting grip or tread wear. OEMs and aftermarket producers use it to comply with evolving fuel economy and emission targets in passenger and light commercial vehicle tires, particularly for electric mobility platforms.

Industry compliance standards

• EU tire labeling directive (wet grip, rolling resistance, noise: 2020/740)
• UNECE Regulation No. 117 – Class A rolling resistance pass levels
• ISO 14001: Environmental management in tire plants
• OEM global vehicle homologation standards

Typical usage ratio

• 40%–60% of the inorganic filler phase; determined by targeted rolling resistance values and specific OEM requirements for emission reduction

Downstream process integration

• Incorporated into tread and sidewall compounds by sequential mixing, with adjustment of silane coupling agent levels for enhanced silica dispersion

Final product types

• “Green” eco-label passenger car tires
• Low emission tires for EVs and hybrids
• Low rolling resistance light truck tires

5. Winter Tire Compounding

For winter and all-weather tire applications, formulators implement ZEOSIL 165GR to increase micro-roughness of tread surfaces and improve cold flexibility, leading to safer braking distances and better snow/ice traction. Manufacturers align compound structure with regional regulatory requirements for seasonal tires and certification marks.

Industry compliance standards

• UNECE Regulation No. 117 (snow performance marking requirements)
• 3PMSF/Alpine symbol performance validation
• SFI 2015 – Snow grip and wet performance testing
• Regional DOT tire safety standards

Typical usage ratio

• 30%–50% by weight of filler content, optimized against polymer blend ratio and traction test feedback

Downstream process integration

• Dispersed into tread masterbatch with softening resins and specialist plasticizers, before final finishing and calendering

Final product types

• Studless winter passenger and SUV tires
• All-weather tires meeting severe winter test criteria
• High-performance snow and ice radial tires

6. Off-the-Road (OTR) and Agricultural Tire Applications

In specialty segments such as mining, earthmoving, and agricultural tire production, manufacturers utilize this silica to deliver enhanced tear and cut resistance, extended tire life, and improved resistance to chunking under extreme use. Product integration focuses on operational safety and long-term performance in challenging field environments.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 4250: Off-road tire specification and testing
• TRA (Tire and Rim Association) standards for OTR/agricultural categories
• ISO 9001 quality compliance
• EU Regulation 2016/1628 for agricultural machinery

Typical usage ratio

• 20%–35% of total reinforcing phase; varied based on operation severity, tread thickness, and specific product lifing expectations

Downstream process integration

• Incorporated within the base and tread layers during batch mixing, with focus on obtaining uniform dispersion in thick section tire production

Final product types

• Radial and bias OTR (earthmoving, mining) tires
• Large agricultural tractor and implement tires
• Construction and forestry vehicle tires