Applications of Solvay ZEOSIL 175 Precipitated Silica Reinforcing Filler in Industrial Manufacturing

We deliver Solvay ZEOSIL 175 directly from our advanced manufacturing facilities to downstream industries that require high-performance reinforcing fillers in critical formulations. Our precipitated silica meets stringent quality controls to support specialized applications across rubber compounding, low rolling resistance tire manufacturing, conveyor belting, footwear technical rubber goods, and industrial hoses. Explore the precise industrial segments below for insights into compliance, formulation, integration in process flows, and typical end-use products.

1. Passenger Car Tire Tread Compounding

Major international tire brands incorporate this silica type in passenger car tread recipes to boost abrasion resistance, wet grip, and fuel efficiency. Large-scale batches are mixed via intensive internal mixers to ensure even silica dispersion, with required physicochemical properties closely monitored for uniform tire quality.

Industry compliance standards

• UN ECE R117 Rolling Resistance and Wet Grip Regulation
• ISO 28580 (Rolling resistance measurement method for passenger car tires)
• REACH Regulation EC No 1907/2006 (restricted substances compliance)
• OEM quality management systems (IATF 16949)

Typical usage ratio

• 20-30 phr (parts per hundred rubber); variation based on balance between silica and carbon black for specific tread targets

Downstream process integration

• Incorporate during primary mixing phase (Banbury or intermeshing mixer) with silane coupling agents, followed by subsequent milling, extrusion, and calendaring prior to tire building and vulcanization

Final product types

• Summer, all-season, and eco-oriented passenger car tire treads requiring low rolling resistance and improved wet traction

2. Conveyor Belt Rubber Reinforcement

Heavy-duty conveyor manufacturers use our precipitated silica to reinforce base rubber matrices, seeking extended flex-life and cut resistance for mining and industrial handling environments, under continuous dynamic stress and exposure to sharp loads. Compounding strictly controls filler-fiber-rubber ratio to realize enhanced operational life.

Industry compliance standards

• DIN 22102 and DIN 22131 (Requirements for conveyor belts with textile and steel carcasses)
• ISO 340 (Flame retardance of conveyor belts)
• ISO 2023 (Determination of the strength of conveyor belt covers)

Typical usage ratio

• 15-25 phr, increased if compounded for exceptional cut and gouge resistance in cover layers

Downstream process integration

• Blend into rubber base compounds alongside carbon black and antioxidants in open mill or closed mixer prior to extrusion or calendering over belt carcass substrates

Final product types

• Mining and bulk material handling conveyor belts with enhanced tear, abrasion, and dynamic flex performance

3. Technical Rubber Footwear and Athletic Outsoles

Leading manufacturers of athletic shoes and industrial safety boots require precise filler materials to achieve specific abrasion resistance, slip prevention, and wear longevity. They introduce our product into rubber outsole formulations to fine-tune physical properties in both compression and injection molding production lines.

Industry compliance standards

• EN ISO 20345/20347 (Personal protective equipment, safety footwear)
• GB/T 3903.2 (Physical and mechanical properties of footwear - outsoles)
• REACH Regulation Annex XVII (Restrictions on use of PAHs in footwear)

Typical usage ratio

• 10-25 phr, selected according to targeted hardness, weight, and grip test parameters across different shoe categories

Downstream process integration

• Combine with polymer matrices during mastication, followed by granulation, pre-forming, and full curing in compression or injection molds for outsole patterning

Final product types

• Athletic shoe outsoles, protective work boots, specialty non-slip or anti-static rubber footwear

4. Automotive and Industrial Hose Manufacturing

Producers of engine, radiator, and air brake hoses select precipitated silica for its specific particle morphology, improving rubber compound modulus and resistance to oxidative degradation during continuous flex and chemical exposure. Integration into hose extrusion lines must maintain compound flowability and dimensional control.

Industry compliance standards

• SAE J20 (Coolant System Hoses)
• SAE J1402 (Air Brake Hose and Tubing)
• ISO 4632 (Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic – determination of ozone resistance)
• Automotive QS-9000/ISO 9001 (Quality system requirements)

Typical usage ratio

• 10-20 phr, tailored higher for hoses requiring extra reinforcement or specific abrasion benchmarks

Downstream process integration

• Precipitated silica is added during masterbatching stage along with anti-ageing agents, then extruded via multi-layer hose production lines and vulcanized under controlled curing conditions

Final product types

• Automotive radiator hoses, fuel and air brake hoses, industrial flexible tubing exposed to dynamic mechanical and environmental stress

5. Rubber Roll Coverings for Paper and Textile Industries

Paper mills and textile finishing plants require rubber roll coverings with controlled hardness, high wear resistance, and long surface integrity during extended cycles. Integrators use this grade of silica to optimize filler-polymer interaction, preventing roll swelling and surface fatigue under humid, abrasive conditions.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 7267 (Rubber-covered rollers – Determination of hardness)
• ASTM D430 (Methods for testing resilience and abrasion resistance of rubber)
• ISO 9001 and customer-specific process qualification for roll manufacturing

Typical usage ratio

• 5-15 phr, formulated according to required roll hardness (Shore A) and surface wear profiles

Downstream process integration

• Incorporate during compound blending with elastomers and antidegradants, then apply by calendaring or extrusion over roll cores, with finished assemblies vulcanized in autoclaves

Final product types

• Paper machine rolls, textile nip and spreader rollers, industrial rubber-coated processing rolls

6. Silicone Rubber Insulation for Cables and Wires

Silica reinforcement is essential in high-performance silicone cable insulation designed for thermal stability and electrical resistance. Our precipitated silica delivers fine-tuned dielectric properties and mechanical reinforcement for cable sheathing that must comply with international low smoke, halogen-free standards in critical electrical infrastructure projects.

Industry compliance standards

• IEC 60245-1 (Rubber insulated cables)
• UL 62 (Flexible cord and fixture wire safety)
• RoHS 2011/65/EU (Restriction of hazardous substances for electrical components)
• EN 50363 (Insulating, sheathing and bedding materials for cables)

Typical usage ratio

• 20-35 phr, depending on mechanical/tensile property requirements and flame retardancy parameters of end-use cable specification

Downstream process integration

• Integrated into silicone rubber blend during compounding before extrusion onto copper or fiber cores, cured via continuous steam or hot air vulcanization systems

Final product types

• Low-smoke, halogen-free electrical cables, data wire insulation, appliance wire sheathings