Silica

Silica is one of Caldics’ most important own productions. The well defined range of precipitated silica can be useful additives in a variety of industrial applications and functions. 

Precipitated silica is a white and amorphous synthetic silicon dioxide. Silicon dioxide in its natural form is a major constituent of the earth’s crust and probably the most abundant inorganic compound occurring on the planet. It is commonly present as sand, sandstone or quartz.

Precipitated silica is manufactured through a process of controlled neutralisation of a sodium silicate solution with sulphuric acid. After the precipitation stage the material is filtered, washed and dried.

By altering the precipitation conditions a range of silicas can be made, which are varying in properties and characteristics. The main characteristics of precipitated silica are related to its particle size distribution, its porosity, specific surface area and its purity,


Application

Caldic silica has the ability to improve the mechanical and dynamic properties of polymeric material in the following markets:

Tyres
Silica adds flexibility and elasticity to the tyre rubber. It improves the modulus, tensile strength, tear and abrasion resistance and other mechanical properties of the rubber compound. This noticeably improves wet skid performance, grip and braking distances.

When a tyre has silica in the tread rubber, there is less friction between tyre and road, lowering the rolling resistance and reducing tread wear. This means that less fuel is needed to drive the vehicle forward.

Industrial rubber parts
Caldic silica reinforces the mechanical and dynamic properties of many industrial and technical rubber formulations for high, semi and non-transparent applications.

Footwear
Silica increases the abrasion and crack resistance in all types of rubber soles for footwear. 

Contact

For more information contact us by email: silica@caldic.com