Synthetic layered silicates as synergistic filler additive for tire tread compounds

An alternative approach to overcome the dispersibility issue is presented by IQESIL-Synthesized Layered Silicates (SLS). Synthetic Layered Silicates (SLS), which are obtained by hydrothermal reaction of aqueous alkoxide sodium silicate solution (Brenn et al., 2000), have in general a lower aspect ratio, i.e. the sheet extension is smaller than the one of the familiar mined layered clays, while maintaining the typical layer thickness of the individual sheets. Thus, intercalation and exfoliation of SLS in apolar polymers should be easier.