Applications of Solvay ZEOSIL 185GR Performance Granular Silica in Industrial Manufacturing

As a direct manufacturer of advanced granular silica, we serve multiple high-demand industries with specific material integration requirements. Outlined below are real-world downstream uses, illustrated with process-specific details for each sector.

1. Passenger Car and Truck Tire Compounding

Our material integrates into tread and sidewall compounds as a major reinforcing filler. Global tire producers employ this silica to achieve reduced rolling resistance, enhanced wet grip, and extended tread service life. Its granular form ensures precise feed into mixing lines, supporting efficient batch homogeneity. Producers optimize dosage based on speed rating, load class, and target rolling resistance metrics, which directly impact vehicle fuel economy and safety compliance.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949 automotive quality management systems
• UNECE R117 (tyre noise, wet grip, rolling resistance)
• REACH Annex XVII limits for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in elastomers
• US DOT FMVSS 139, ECE/ONU R30, R54 for tire safety and performance

Typical usage ratio

• 15–25 phr (parts per hundred rubber) for tread; up to 30 phr in high-performance winter lines
• Formulators adjust according to compound balance of traction and wear resistance, and intended rolling resistance targets

Downstream process integration

• Direct dosing into internal mixers following initial polymer mastication
• Co-application with organosilanes for processability and silica dispersion during mixing
• Optional coupling agent treatment for performance boost

Final product types

• Passenger vehicle radial tires (summer, all-season, winter)
• Truck/bus tires
• Ultra-high performance and run-flat tire segments

2. Footwear and Industrial Rubber Soles

This material functions as a white reinforcing filler for high-abrasion resistance outsoles and midsoles. Compounders in the footwear industry select our granular silica for precise dosing and consistent batch-to-batch physical properties. Its controlled particle size distribution directly contributes to improved tear resistance and anti-slip parameters, meeting worldwide standards for occupational safety footwear and premium consumer sports shoes.

Industry compliance standards

• EN ISO 20344–20347 requirements for safety and occupational footwear
• ASTM D1646 for rubber compounding viscosities
• REACH SVHC and lead content regulations for consumer products
• GB/T 20991 for protective footwear in major Asian markets

Typical usage ratio

• 20–40 phr in outsoles depending on desired abrasion and slip resistance
• Higher loadings in white and colored compounds to support pigment stabilization

Downstream process integration

• Feed into Banbury or kneader mixing after elastomer plasticization
• Co-dispersion with plasticizers, process oils, and colorants
• Molding and vulcanization proceed after homogeneous distribution

Final product types

• Sports footwear (running, basketball, tennis outsoles)
• Work boots and certified protective shoes
• Industrial safety rubber mats

3. Silicone Rubber Compounds for High-Transparency Applications

Manufacturers of RTV and HTV silicone rubbers rely on our low-impurity granular silica for controlled reinforcement of transparent or translucent elastomer products. The material offers excellent optical clarity and mechanical enhancement for applications where transparency and tensile strength must co-exist, such as medical devices, high-voltage insulation, and automotive seals. Silicone rubber processors leverage the granule stability to ensure dust-free handling and low mixing energy input.

Industry compliance standards

• USP Class VI/Biocompatibility (for medical-grade silicone components)
• IEC 60243-1 and 60811-1 standard tests for dielectric strength
• ISO 10993 chemical characterization where applicable
• RoHS/REACH compliance for electronics and automotive use

Typical usage ratio

• 5–20 phr for transparent silicone compounds
• Ratio tailored for balance between transparency, tear strength, and processability

Downstream process integration

• Incorporation during mill or kneader compounding prior to crosslinker and coloring agent addition
• Precision dosing enables clarity preservation and high filler dispersion
• Post-mixing filtration for critical clarity grades

Final product types

• Medical-grade tubing and catheters
• Automotive and appliance seals
• High-voltage insulators and transparent gaskets

4. Industrial Hose and Belting Reinforcement

Producers of heavy-duty hoses and conveyor belts use our performance silica in rubber matrices to reach tensile, abrasion, and dynamic flexing targets demanded in mining, oil & gas transfer, and food handling applications. The uniform granule size allows for direct scale-up from laboratory batches to full-scale production with minimal rheological adjustment, supporting the high-efficiency calendar and extrusion processes.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 4649 for abrasion loss in rubbers
• EN ISO 6134 (steam hoses for food/industrial)
• 21 CFR 177.2600 (US FDA contact for food handling hoses)
• DIN 22102 for conveyor belt rubber properties

Typical usage ratio

• 10–35 phr according to required balance of tensile, abrasion, and flexibility
• Modifiers and process aids are adjusted in line with filler content

Downstream process integration

• Add to masterbatch in internal mixer post base elastomer charging
• Intensive mixing to achieve uniform silica dispersion supporting mechanical targets
• Feed into calendaring or extrusion followed by vulcanization cycle

Final product types

• Hydraulic and air hoses
• Food-grade transfer hoses
• Multi-ply industrial conveyor belts

5. Adhesives and Sealants for Construction and Automotive Assembly

In structural and elastic adhesive formulations, granular silica acts as a rheology modifier and reinforcing filler. Formulators apply it in single- and two-component systems to achieve sag resistance, non-slump, and improved mechanical integrity. The granular form minimizes dust generation when introduced to premixers, supporting safer plant operation. Adjustments account for curing kinetics, final modulus, and environmental exposure requirements.

Industry compliance standards

• ISO 11600 (building sealants)
• ASTM C920 for elastomeric joint sealants
• EN 15651 for construction joint sealants
• GMP for adhesives in indirect food contact in packaging

Typical usage ratio

• 5–15 wt% in polyurethane/SMP/MS polymer adhesives
• Dosing depends on target viscosity, flow behavior, and mechanical load

Downstream process integration

• Dosed during pre-dispersion or after wetting agents in the dissolver tank
• Avoids clumping; compatible with high-speed dispersion and planetary mixers
• Supports batch or continuous blending operations

Final product types

• Automotive structural adhesives
• Construction expansion joint fillers
• Building façade and window perimeter sealants

6. Shoe Insole and EVA Foam Blends

Producers of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foamed insoles and mats use granular silica to regulate cell structure, increase compression set resistance, and enhance finished foam uniformity. End users value the improved cushioning and dimensional stability in high-wear environments. The granules provide low-dust handling during foam batch compounding, important for plant air quality.

Industry compliance standards

• GB/T 3903.1-2017 for mechanical properties of finished footwear
• REACH and RoHS for restricted substances
• ISO 20347 for insole slip and comfort safety
• Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for textiles and foams in contact with skin

Typical usage ratio

• 5–15 phr depending on foam density and mechanical requirements
• Adjustment determined by target compression set and rebound resilience

Downstream process integration

• Mixer charging after melt blending of EVA base resin and crosslinker
• Silica uniformly incorporated prior to foaming agent addition
• Direct to compression molding or injection foaming steps

Final product types

• Sports and casual shoe insoles
• Occupational anti-fatigue mats
• Playground and sports foam tiles