Precipitated Silica
Precipitated silica is a high-purity amorphous silicon dioxide produced by wet chemical synthesis. Its high surface area and controlled particle size make it the leading reinforcing filler for green tires, industrial rubber goods, battery separators, and agrochemical carriers.
Key Properties at a Glance
| BET Surface Area | 100 – 250 m²/g |
|---|---|
| CTAB Surface Area | 95 – 230 m²/g (5 – 15 m²/g lower than BET) |
| DBP Absorption | 180 – 300 mL/100g |
| pH (5% slurry) | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| SiO₂ Content | ≥98.0% |
| Moisture (105 °C) | ≤7.0% |
| Loss on Ignition (1000 °C) | ≤8.0% |
Range shown is category-wide; refer to individual grade COA for precise specs.
Featured Grades
Precipitated Silica BET 115 m²/g
CAS 7631-86-9
Precipitated silica with BET surface area of 115 m²/g is a general-purpose reinforcing grade offering easy dispersion and moderate reinforcement. Preferred for shoe soles, industrial rubber, and applications where processability and compound viscosity are prioritized over maximum reinforcing performance.
Precipitated Silica BET 165 m²/g
CAS 7631-86-9
Precipitated silica with BET surface area of 165 m²/g balances reinforcement performance and dispersion, making it the workhorse grade for tire compounds requiring good wet grip and rolling resistance without the processing complexity of ultra-high surface area grades.
Precipitated Silica BET 175 m²/g
CAS 7631-86-9
Precipitated silica with BET surface area of 175 m²/g is the optimum green tire grade, delivering the best balance of rolling resistance reduction, wet grip performance, and wear resistance in SSBR/BR passenger car tire compounds. Widely used by Tier 1 tire manufacturers for fuel-efficient tire labels.
Products & Grades/ 2
Precipitated Silica BET 200 m²/g
CAS 7631-86-9
Precipitated silica with BET surface area of 200 m²/g is a high-performance green tire grade providing superior rolling resistance reduction. Used in ultra-low rolling resistance tire compounds where the additional reinforcement density justifies more intensive mixing protocols.
Precipitated Silica BET 220 m²/g HD Grade
CAS 7631-86-9
Precipitated silica BET 220 m²/g HD (highly dispersible) is the highest surface area grade for ultra-high performance tire compounds. Surface modification and controlled granulation enable rapid, complete dispersion in SSBR/BR compounds despite the extreme surface area, yielding superior rolling resistance with manageable compound Mooney viscosity.
By End-Use/ 6
Precipitated Silica for Green Tires
Precipitated silica is the key reinforcing filler in green tire technology, replacing carbon black to reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency. Highly dispersible grades at 175–220 m²/g with Si-69/Si-75 silane coupling deliver EU tire label A/B rolling resistance ratings.
Precipitated Silica for Truck & Bus Tires
Precipitated silica in truck and bus tire compounds improves tread wear life and reduces fuel consumption for commercial fleets. BET 165–175 m²/g grades in natural rubber/SBR compounds provide the durability and cut resistance required for high-load long-haul applications.
Precipitated Silica for Shoe Soles
Precipitated silica is the primary reinforcing filler in athletic and casual shoe sole compounds, providing high tensile strength, flex resistance, and abrasion resistance in white and light-colored formulations where carbon black cannot be used. BET 115–165 m²/g grades in NR/SBR compounds are the industry standard.
Precipitated Silica for Industrial Rubber
Precipitated silica serves as a reinforcing filler in industrial rubber products including conveyor belts, hoses, gaskets, and O-rings. BET 115–165 m²/g grades provide tensile strength, tear resistance, and compression set resistance in EPDM, NBR, and NR industrial compounds.
Precipitated Silica for Battery Separators
Precipitated silica is a critical component in polyethylene-based lead-acid battery separators, forming a networked pore structure that controls acid electrolyte penetration, reduces electrical resistance, and provides dimensional stability. DIN 40742 and BS 6290 test methods govern separator quality.
Precipitated Silica as Agrochemical Carrier
Precipitated silica serves as a powder carrier and flow agent for pesticide and herbicide formulations, improving active ingredient dispersibility, preventing caking, and extending shelf life. Food and pharmaceutical grade silica is also used as a flow conditioner in feed premixes and tablet excipients.
Comparisons/ 5
vs Evonik Ultrasil Precipitated Silica
A factual specification comparison between Chinese-manufactured precipitated silica grades and Evonik Ultrasil products (Ultrasil 7000GR, Ultrasil 9000GR). Covers surface area, DBP, dispersibility, price tier, and qualification pathway for buyers evaluating Chinese alternatives.
vs Solvay Zeosil Precipitated Silica
Factual comparison of Chinese precipitated silica grades against Solvay Zeosil products (Zeosil 1165MP, Zeosil Premium 200MP). Covers BET surface area, CTAB, DBP, dispersibility index, price, and qualification approach for cost-reduction projects.
vs PPG Hi-Sil Precipitated Silica
Factual specification comparison of Chinese precipitated silica against PPG Hi-Sil grades (Hi-Sil 243LD, Hi-Sil EZ150G). Covers surface area, DBP, pH, reinforcing efficiency, and qualification pathway for industrial rubber and tire applications.
Precipitated Silica vs Fumed Silica
Precipitated silica and fumed silica are both amorphous silicon dioxide but differ fundamentally in production method, surface chemistry, particle morphology, and cost. This comparison helps formulators choose the right silica type for rubber, coatings, adhesives, and specialty applications.
HD Precipitated Silica vs Conventional Grade
Highly dispersible (HD) precipitated silica grades are surface-modified and specially granulated to disperse more rapidly and completely in rubber compounds than conventional precipitated silica. This comparison quantifies the performance benefits and explains when HD grades justify the price premium.
Guides/ 2
Precipitated Silica Buyer Guide
A practical procurement guide for buyers of precipitated silica covering BET surface area selection, HD vs conventional choice, COA parameter verification, packaging options, lead times, and qualification of Chinese suppliers for tire and rubber applications.
Precipitated Silica Selection Guide
Grade selection guide mapping BET surface area and HD vs conventional silica types to specific rubber and non-rubber applications. Covers tire tread, industrial rubber, shoe sole, battery separator, and agrochemical carrier selection criteria.
FAQs/ 2
Precipitated Silica Specification FAQ
Answers to common buyer questions about precipitated silica COA parameters: BET vs CTAB surface area difference, what DBP absorption means for rubber compound viscosity, pH specification importance, how to interpret moisture and LOI values, and how to compare specifications across suppliers.
Read full answer →Precipitated Silica Handling & Safety FAQ
Practical handling and safety guidance for precipitated silica: OSHA/EU respirable dust limits, respiratory protection requirements, storage conditions to minimize moisture uptake, and best practices for bag vs bulk handling in rubber compounding plants.
Read full answer →