The Importance of Silica Filler Research

The combined need for environmental accountability and for greater economic efficiency has created an unprecedented atmosphere for advancement in automotive research and development. From the perspective of environmental sustainability, researchers have sought, and attained great progress in the increased efficiency of traditional vehicle engines, the use and study of alternative liquid fuel sources, and have fostered an unprecedented interest in hydrogen fuel cell technology to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, research in both vehicle body design and composition has led to higher aerodynamic standards, and the development of lighter, stronger, cheaper alloys. The second half of the boom in road vehicle research has been made necessary by recent unfavorable economic conditions; resulting developments include strategies for lowered production costs, increased fuel economy, improved durability and longer product life. However, only in recent years has an easily overlooked aspect of vehicle development come into serious consideration: that is the need for further development of the tires used on these vehicles. Some of the recent advances in this area of automotive science have led to greater tire durability, economic efficiency, and safer performance. An integral aspect of how the tire performs is the chemical composition of the materials used in their production, which is to say the least, a dauntingly complex topic. One specific improvement though, which has had resoundingly positive results in tire development, is the use of silica-based fillers, rather than the traditional, carbon-based alternative. This application of silica has led to increased efficiency due to reduced rolling resistance and better traction. In order to take full advantage of the positive properties of these silica-based fillers, it is critical to understand the chemical foundations that lead to these improved physical properties.  This can be accomplished by examining in detail the interactions of the filler compounds with the surrounding matrix of binding agents and rubber mixtures. A clearer and more in-depth understanding of these chemical interactions will lead to refinement of their applications to tire research thus leading to yet another level of economic efficiency and environmental sustainability.