As a most general definition, filler is a finely divided solid that is used to modify the properties of a material in which it is dispersed. From the inception of the rubber industry, fillers have a crucial role in either providing durability and performance or in reducing the price by decreasing the rubber partition in the compound. The fillers used in rubbers can be divided into two main groups such as black and non-black fillers. Besides the conventional micron size fillers, nanofillers recently have gained both academic and industrial importance. In this chapter, it is aimed to introduce the fillers used in rubbers. Their characteristics and their impact on properties of rubbers are discussed by giving examples from the recently published literature. In addition to the conventional ones, the new emerging nano-fillers and their added value to the rubbers are given in detail by highlighting some selected studies.

Micro and Nanofillers in Rubbers

The paper reports on the effect that the silica phase has upon certain characteristics of hybrid fillers obtained via impregnation of two completely different types of conventional carbon black, na

Effect of Silica Phase on Certain Properties of Natural Rubber Based Composites Reinforced by Carbon Black/Silica Hybrid Fillers

Provided in one aspect is a method of melt blending comprising providing an extruder possessing addition points from a zero point to a 100 point the length of the extruder; adding at least one thermoplastic and at least one curable polymer at the zero to 10 point of the extruder; adding at least one silicone hydride at the 5 to 30 point of the extruder; adding at least one metal catalyst at the 20 to 60 point of the extruder, with the proviso that the metal catalyst is added at least 5 points farther down the extruder than the silicone hydride. Provided in another aspect is a hydrosilylation curative composition comprising a silicone hydride having the formula 
wherein H is hydrogen, and each R′ is independently selected from hydrogen and C 1 to C 10 alkyl groups; R″ is selected from C 1 to C 10 alkyl groups; n is an integer from 5 to 45; and m is an integer from 5 to 45.

Method of melt blending curable polymer compositions using silicone hydrides

The coupling agent TESPT (bis-[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl] tetrasulfide) was modified by substituting polyisoprenyl (PI) carbanions for the ethoxyl groups on silicon for increasing the interaction of...

Effects of Substituting Polyisoprenyl Carbanions for Ethoxyl Groups of Bis-[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl] Tetrasulfide on the Properties of Carbon Black and Silica-Reinforced NR/SSBR.

Norman Hewitt

Papers

Chapter 2 – compounding precipitated silica in natural rubber