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Typical Applications

Insulating wire covers


Heat-resistant belts and hoses


Flexible and elastic gaskets, seals and o-rings


Touchpads and computer keypads

Precipitated Silica for Silicone Rubber Applications

In the 1930s, PPG became one of the first companies to manufacture precipitated silica for use in base silicone rubber compounds and we have remained a leading industry supplier ever since.


Available in a variety of formulations, the quality, purity and proven performance of our precipitated silica products enables them to function as premium, value-focused alternatives to fumed silica in black, non-black, colored, and translucent silicone rubber compounds by incorporating the following mechanical properties:

  • Excellent tensile-strength, tear-strength and flex-fatigue resistance
  • Cost-effective reinforcing strength
  • Reduced crepe hardening
  • Outstanding compression-set resistance
  • Exceptional resistance to heat-aging

Together, these properties have the potential to reduce costs and process inefficiencies for silicone rubber compounders by providing:

  • More flexible inventory management through reduced shelf hardening
  • Faster, more efficient mixing and re-milling of elastomers
  • Less fly-loss-related product waste

Through our flagship PPG HI-SIL® silica product line, we offer a complete selection of specialized synthetic amorphous precipitated silica formulations that integrate physical properties such as particle size, surface area and pH levels according to the demands of both the compounder and the ultimate end-user.

Recommended Products and Typical Properties for Silicone Rubber Applications

Silica Product N2
(BET-5)
Surface
 Area
(m2/g) 
pH Residual Salt Type Physical Form Reinforcement
Hi-Sil 532EP 55 8 Na2SO Powder Semi-Reinforcing 
Hi-Sil  900 135 7 Na2SO4 Powder Reinforcing 
Hi-Sil 233-D 151 7 Na2SO Powder Reinforcing 
Hi-Sil 135  150 7 Na2SO Powder Reinforcing 
Hi-Sil 915 195 7 Na2SO Powder High

Hi-Sil is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.