Solvay unveils silica "breakthrough" at TTE

Cologne, Germany – Solvay Silica has developed what it claims is a breakthrough silica filler, which is designed to allow higher productivity and greater flexibility in producing green passenger car and truck tire compounds.

Branded Efficium, the highly dispersible silica (HDS) offers “a benchmark for energy-saving and high-performance tires for passenger cars,” said Solvay – in launching the product at Tire Technology Expo, 10-12 Feb in Cologne, Germany.

Increased productivity, said Solvay, is due to the impact of the silica on mixing and extrusion throughput, Flexibility, it added, stems from silanisation control and reformulation opportunities without compromising on rolling resistance, wear and grip.

“We have recognised 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,” said Christian Léger, global business director of Solvay’s Silica Global Business Unit..

Efficium Highly Dispersible Silica opens up the answers to these needs on a superior property balance over other silica or silica-based solutions,” Léger added in a 10 Feb statement.