The Evolution of Rubber Reinforcing Agents
The traditional rubber industry relies on carbon black as a reinforcing agent, but its high density, high heat generation, and other defects limit the development of high-performance tires. The introduction of white carbon black, especially highly dispersed white carbon black (HD Silica), through surface silanization modification, solves the agglomeration problem and significantly improves the dynamic properties of rubber.



Technological breakthrough: The role of silane coupling agents
The silicon hydroxyl groups on the surface of white carbon black have poor compatibility with rubber molecules, which can easily lead to uneven dispersion. Silane coupling agents (such as Si69) bind to rubber through disulfide bonds and react with hydroxyl groups on the surface of white carbon black to form a "chemical bridge", enhancing the interaction between filler and rubber. Experiments have shown that tires filled with silanized white carbon black reduce rolling resistance by 25% and improve wear resistance by 40%.


Market Pattern and Competitive Strategy
The global market for white carbon black used in rubber is dominated by international giants: Evonik and Wacker Chemicals occupy the high-end market of gas-phase method; Domestic Quecheng Corporation and Yuanxiang New Materials have achieved technological breakthroughs through precipitation methods, forming competitiveness in the mid to low end market. In order to seize market share, companies are laying out differentiated products one after another:


Food grade white carbon black: used for sealing rings and conveyor belts, meeting FDA standards.
Low rolling resistance white carbon black: Jointly develop customized formulas with tire companies.
Case Study: Michelin's Green Tire Strategy
Michelin has been promoting the "Green X" technology since 2000, optimizing the dispersion process of white carbon black to reduce tire rolling resistance from A level (benchmark) to AA level (optimal), and reducing CO ₂ emissions by about 100kg per tire per year. This strategy not only complies with the EU tire labeling law, but also promotes a 12% annual increase in white carbon black demand.
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