Highly Dispersible Silica is a benchmark for energy-saving and high-performance tires for passenger cars. Efficium offers benefits for the automotive industry, allowing for increased productivity due to its impact on mixing and extrusion throughput and adding flexibility thanks to its silanization control and reformulation opportunities without compromising on rolling resistance, wear and grip. The filler strongly facilitates the conversion from carbon black to HDS compounds.
„We have recognized the needs of tire manufacturers for a more cost-competitive silica technology to differentiate their product offer with an innovative solution that also supports demanding energy efficient and safety requirements. Efficium Highly Dispersible Silica opens up the answers
to these needs on a superior property balance over other silica or silica-based solutions“ said Christian Léger, Global Business Director of Solvay‘s Silica Global Business Unit.
the fillers wider operating window is characterized by lower Mooney viscosity, lower temperature sensitivity, better dimensional stability during extrusion and extended storage life of uncured rubber. All of these advantages result in a more versatile product for a broader range of passenger car, commercial vehicles and heavy-duty truck applications.
„The benefits of Efficium have been analyzed and confirmed at industrial scale under realistic conditions. Both passenger car and heavy-truck were manufactured tires then road tested with substantial results,“ said Jean-Francis Spindler, Research & Innovation Director of Solvay Silica. „For truck tire tread compounds, Efficium® HDS delivers significant productivity benefits of up to 30 percent in mixing and extrusion, while rolling resistance and wear meet and even exceed reference levels.“
Tire makers are experts when it comes to balancing conflicting criteria, seeking to combine minimum rolling resistance, optimum wet grip and cost-effective production.
Tire Technology Expo 2015 Booth C330
