Two-step rapid synthesis of mesoporous silica for green tire
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Date
2012-04-17
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
KOREAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINGERING
Abstract
We report a two-step rapid route of synthesizing inexpensive mesoporous silica using the waste material
(hexafluorosilicic acid, H2SiF6) of phosphate fertilizer industry and sodium silicate (Na2O·SiO2). The reaction was performed
in a newly innovated manufacturing apparatus. This apparatus produces mesoporous silica with uniform properties
through controlled mixing of source materials at predetermined equivalent ratio. The precursors are rapidly mixed
within the nozzles to enable uniform control of physical properties of the final product. The obtained mesoporous silica
was characterized using N2 physisorption studies, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and EDS. The final product
was found to have superior properties that are suitable for green tire (environmentally friendly tire) as inorganic filler.
The process reported in this study may significantly reduce the release of hazardous materials into the environment
and it might confer economic benefits to the responsible industries. A project on innovative industrial application of
our products for the tire industry is in progress.