Abstract: Granules containing mixtures of silica powder and cross-linked rubber powder are used in the manufacture of battery separators or vehicle tires. A granule contains silica and rubber powders in proportional amounts that form a silica powder carrier within which rubber powder particles are distributed. Incorporating silica-rubber granules in the manufacturing process of polyethylene separators offers a way to limit water loss in and improve the cycle life of a deep cycle lead-acid battery. Incorporating silica-rubber granules in the manufacturing process of vehicle tires affords advantages including easier material handling, reduced production of dust, and reduction in the number of ingredients measured and added to the formulation.

Abstract: A flexible microporous polymer sheet having first and second opposite major surfaces comprises a polymer matrix binding a filler component that exhibits high oil absorption capacity in its initial state before the start of material processing. The polymer matrix includes a polyolefin component and has three-dimensional interconnecting and interpenetrating pore and polymer networks through which the bound filler component is distributed from the first major surface to the second major surface. The polyolefin and filler components are included in amounts that result in a microporous polymer sheet having between about 75% and about 90% porosity and containing less than about 10 wt. % polyolefin component. Preferred polyolefin and filler components include ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and high oil absorption precipitated silica, respectively.

Abstract: Granules containing mixtures of silica powder and cross-linked rubber powder are used in the manufacture of battery separators or vehicle tires. A granule contains silica and rubber powders in proportional amounts that form a silica powder carrier within which rubber powder particles are distributed. Incorporating silica-rubber granules in the manufacturing process of polyethylene separators offers a way to limit water loss in and improve the cycle life of a deep cycle lead-acid battery. Incorporating silica-rubber granules in the manufacturing process of vehicle tires affords advantages including easier material handling, reduced production of dust, and reduction in the number of ingredients measured and added to the formulation.

Abstract: A flexible microporous polymer sheet having first and second opposite major surfaces comprises a polymer matrix binding a filler component that exhibits high oil absorption capacity in its initial state before the start of material processing. The polymer matrix includes a polyolefin component and has three-dimensional interconnecting and interpenetrating pore and polymer networks through which the bound filler component is distributed from the first major surface to the second major surface. The polyolefin and filler components are included in amounts that result in a microporous polymer sheet having between about 75% and about 90% porosity and containing less than about 10 wt. % polyolefin component. Preferred polyolefin and filler components include ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and high oil absorption precipitated silica, respectively.