Technical Notebook: Fumed silica – A versatile agent for diverse applications

Fumed silica is a versatile compound that can be used in a myriad of rubber applications. Various grades of silica such as hydrophilic, hydrophobic and structure-modified have been developed over time and can be selected on the basis of requirements of rubber properties.

Incorporation of fumed silica in silicone rubber provides significant reinforcement capabilities due to its extraordinary properties such as low moisture content, high purity, small particle size, large surface area and superior dispersion.

In silicone rubber compounds, fumed silica enhances rheological control, improves reinforcement, electrical insulation and transparency of the material. In other formulations of material rubber goods such as fluoroelastomers (FKM), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) and BR/SBR/IR blend rubbers, fumed silica offers reinforcement properties such as tear resistance, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, water resistance, transparency and heat resistance.

This article explores various applications of fumed silica and how prevailing trends will shape its use, particularly in the rubber industry. To present a comprehensive overview, different types of fumed silica and their respective benefits in comparison to each other have been explored.