Reinforcement occurs with polymer adsorption encouraged
by the silica’s large surface area and when hydroxyl groups on
the filler’s surface lead to hydrogen bonds between the filler and
the silicone polymer, thereby contributing to the production of
silicone rubbers with high tensile strength and elongation capability(
Lynch,1978).Theadditionoffillerincreasesthepolymer’s
already high viscosity. Chemical treatment of the silica filler with
silanes further enhances its incorporation in, and reinforcement
of,thesiliconeelastomer,resulting inincreasedmaterialstrength
andtearresistance(LaneandBurns,1996)(Fig. 2).