Applications of Solvay ZEOSIL 175GR Granular Highly Dispersible Silica in Industrial Manufacturing

Solvay ZEOSIL 175GR granulated, highly dispersible silica serves as a crucial reinforcing agent across multiple high-performance industries. Its specific physical form and chemical properties support advanced production in elastomers, plastics, coatings, adhesives, and animal nutrition premixes, supporting targeted functionality and regulatory compliance in modern manufacturing environments.

1. Tire Manufacturing (Passenger and Truck Radials)

This silica grade functions as a reinforcing filler in the tread and sidewall compounds of low rolling resistance and high-wet-grip tires. With excellent dispersion and low moisture content, it assists formulators to enhance traction, fuel efficiency, and durability without trade-offs in processing behavior. Processing lines incorporate silica during the internal mixing phase, allowing close control of compound rheology and curing profiles.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems – Tires)
• UNECE R117 – Wet Grip, Rolling Resistance, Noise Emissions
• REACH (EC 1907/2006) Substance Registration
• OEM and replacement tire manufacturer QA programs

Typical usage ratio

• 25% – 35% by weight of total filler content, adjusted based on target ride, grip, and label requirements

Downstream process integration

• Direct loading into both Banbury and Intermix internal mixers alongside polymer, carbon black, and oils during the masterbatch preparation
• Key step during initial dry blend to maximize silane coupling agent efficiency

Final product types

• Ultra high performance summer and all-season passenger vehicle tires
• Commercial truck tires for long-haul and regional service
• Eco-friendly tire lines for OEM and aftermarket supply

2. Footwear and Technical Rubber Goods

Highly dispersible silica exhibits significant reinforcing action in soles, seals, anti-vibration mounts, and dynamic rubber parts. It influences hardness, abrasion resistance, and compression set. Technical footwear manufacturers incorporate it into process-safe batch mixes where it enables long-lasting, non-marking compounds for both athletic and safety-critical footwear applications.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 20344/20345/20346 (Footwear Safety and Performance Testing)
• EN 71-3 for restricted substances in consumer rubber products
• REACH Regulation Annex XVII Restricted Substance List
• Manufacturer-specific VOC and PAH limits

Typical usage ratio

• 15% – 30% in formulation, tailored for flame retardancy, anti-static properties, or desired rebound

Downstream process integration

• Incorporation at the polymer/filler pre-mixing stage
• Mixing with plasticizers and pigment dispersions under controlled shear conditions

Final product types

• Performance athletic outsole compounds
• Safety boot and work shoe rubber parts
• Shock-absorbing inserts and molded technical gaskets

3. Silicone Rubber Formulation

This product acts as a structure modifier and reinforcing ingredient in high-consistency rubber (HCR) and liquid silicone rubber (LSR) systems. Its controlled particle size and surface chemistry allow silicone compounders to tailor viscosity, improve tear strength, and optimize extrusion or molding outcomes for electrical, medical, and food-contact applications.

Industry compliance standards

• FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 (Rubber Articles Intended for Repeated Use)
• ISO 10993-5 (Biocompatibility for medical device components)
• RoHS and REACH regulatory status for silicone elastomers
• USP Class VI (where applicable for medical parts)

Typical usage ratio

• 10% – 40% of total silicone content based on designed mechanical and dielectric properties

Downstream process integration

• Dry blending before polymer mill mixing or two-component LSR dosing
• Sequential addition with platinum or peroxide cure systems

Final product types

• Silicone insulation for wires and cables
• Medical device seals, gaskets, and tubing
• High-voltage electrical bushings and weather-resistant covers

4. Animal Feed Premixes

In feed manufacturing, the silica’s high dispersibility stabilizes vitamin and enzyme blends, preventing caking and moisture uptake. Nutrition premix producers use it as a flow aid and anticaking agent, helping ensure homogeneous addition of micronutrients into compound feed, where regulatory authorities closely monitor carrier safety and nutrient release.

Industry compliance standards

• EU Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 (Feed Additives Framework)
• FAMI-QS Code (Feed Additive and Premixture Quality System)
• FDA GRAS status (21 CFR 573.940 – Silicon Dioxide in Animal Feed)
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP+) Certification in feed sector

Typical usage ratio

• 1.0% – 2.5% by weight as a flow agent, adjusted for vitamin, mineral, and enzyme sensitivity and bulk density

Downstream process integration

• Added to dry blending and micronutrient premix steps under low humidity
• Direct feeding into ribbon blenders and rotary granulators

Final product types

• Vitamin-mineral premixes for poultry and swine
• Micro-ingredient concentrates for ruminant diets
• Finished animal compound feed with stabilized additives

5. Adhesives and Sealants (Formulated Industrial Systems)

Within adhesive and sealant manufacturing, this granular silica reinforces polymer matrices and precisely adjusts rheology for gap-filling and sag control. The silica provides high storage and application stability for one- and two-component formulations based on polyurethane, acrylic, or epoxy chemistries, with line operators incorporating it during compounding to ensure consistent product performance in automated and manual dispensing systems.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Systems in Adhesive and Sealant Industry)
• ASTM D3804 (Rheological Additives Evaluation in Sealants)
• REACH (EC 1907/2006) pre-registration of silica for formulated goods
• Construction Products Regulation (CPR) for building applications

Typical usage ratio

• 3% – 10% of total binder content; exact proportion determined by gap-fill requirements, shelf-life targets, and end-use curing conditions

Downstream process integration

• Dispersion in planetary and high-shear mixers post-polymerization
• Staged feeding for controlled viscosity build and air release

Final product types

• One-component and two-component construction sealants
• High-strength panel and automotive bonding adhesives
• Weather-resistant building envelope adhesives

6. Plastics Compounding (Masterbatch and Engineering Resins)

The product improves surface characteristics, scratch resistance, and dimensional stability in masterbatch concentrates and engineering thermoplastic compounds. Material compounders introduce it into polymer blends via twin-screw extrusion, targeting property modifications in transparent, filled, or colored plastic grades, where silica must maintain dispersibility at elevated processing temperatures.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 9001:2015 (Polymer Compounding Enterprises)
• UL Yellow Card programs for electrical and flame-retardant polymer grades
• FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (Indirect Food Contact Polymers)
• EU Regulation No 10/2011 (Plastic Food Contact Materials)

Typical usage ratio

• 2% – 8% in masterbatch, 1% – 5% in engineering polymer blends, varies per polymer matrix and targeted end-use property

Downstream process integration

• Direct addition into volatile vented twin-screw extruders alongside primary polymer and other additives
• Inline blending prior to melt-filtering steps

Final product types

• Antiblock and slip agent masterbatches for film and sheet
• Reinforced polyolefin and polyester automotive parts
• Electronics housings and appliance covers with enhanced scratch resistance