filler
Quick Summary
The term "filler" can refer to a soft material used to fill hollow parts of an object, such as Styrofoam used to protect a vase during shipping. In the context of rubber technology, fillers are ingredients added to natural or synthetic rubber to achieve specific properties.123
Two key fillers that significantly strengthen elastomers are carbon black and silica. Carbon black, made from incomplete combustion of oil or gas, consists of tiny particles that can form chains, increasing the rubber's elastic modulus and resistance to abrasion. Silica, similar in particle size and shape, also enhances these properties. While these fillers improve strength, they can decrease resilience and stiffness after flexing. For a filler to be effective, its fundamental particles must be small, and the elastomer must adhere well to them.3
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

