Hydrophobic particulate inorganic oxides and polymeric compositions containing same

Abstract

Described are hydrophobic particulate inorganic oxides useful for reinforcing polymeric composition, e.g., rubber. The materials are characterized by: (a) the substantial absence of functional groups capable of chemical reaction with rubber; (b) a BET surface area of in the range of from 40 to 350 m2/g; (c) a hydroxyl content in the range of 2 to 15 OH/nm2; (d) a carbon content in the range of from 0.1 to 6 percent by weight that is substantially non-extractable; (e) a pH in the range of from 3 to 10; (f) an M1 Standard White Area less than 0.4 percent and (g) a methanol wettability of from 15 to 45 percent. Compositions such as polymers, cured organic rubber articles, master batches and slurries containing the hydrophobic fillers are also described.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.