German firm Evonik Industries expects to expand its silica capacity by about 30% by 2014. As a world market leader in silicas, Evonik is mobilising total funds for the expansion in the upper double-digit million euro range, to keep pace with the growth in the car tyre market.
The market development for precipitated silicas is carried primarily by the trend toward advanced low-rolling-resistance tyres. Europe has required the labelling of tyres since early November. The label provides consumers clear information on such concerns as fuel efficiency, CO2 savings, braking on wet road tops and rolling sound. Japan has already introduced optional labelling, and other countries such as South Korea and Brazil are following suit with their own labels. The growing automobile markets in threshold countries, in China in particular, also offer massive growth potential for this tyre technology.
Combined with silanes, silicas are used as reinforcing fillers for the rubber in tyres and significantly improve the properties of the tyres. The silica-silane system can substantially lower rolling resistance and therefore achieve as much as 8% fuel savings (compared to conventional car tyres). At the same time, the silica-silane system ensures outstanding road traction, even in wet or wintry conditions. Evonik is the only manufacturer of these additives that has both products in its portfolio, thus contributing to solutions that help save energy and improve safety in traffic.
The firm has already expanded the facilities for its precipitated silicas ULTRASIL and SIPERNAT in Asia and Europe, which are produced at ten sites in nine countries.
Precipitated silica is also used as a carrier and free-flow agent in the food and animal feed industries, and as additives in the paints and coatings industries. (RJA)