Plastics & Polymers / Solution Family

Sulfide & Mercapto Silanes

Sulfur-functional organosilane coupling agents — Si-69 (TESPT), Si-75 (TESPD), and a mercapto silane — that bond silica filler into rubber for tire and technical-rubber compounds.

Overview

Sulfide and mercapto silanes are sulfur-bearing organosilane coupling agents used to chemically link silica and other mineral fillers to rubber and polymer matrices. Each molecule carries hydrolyzable alkoxy groups (ethoxy or methoxy) that condense onto the filler surface at one end and a reactive sulfur function—polysulfide or thiol—that bonds to the elastomer during vulcanization at the other. That dual reactivity improves filler dispersion, raises reinforcement, and lowers rolling resistance in silica-reinforced compounds, which is why this class of silane coupling agent is central to tire tread and technical-rubber formulation. RawSource sources these coupling agents in bulk—drums, totes, and container loads—to specification.

Selection follows the sulfur chemistry and the cure system. Bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl] tetrasulfide (TESPT, comparable to Si 69) carries four sulfur atoms, so it both couples silica and contributes sulfur to the crosslink network, making it the workhorse for silica tread and high-reinforcement compounds. Bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl] disulfide (TESPD) provides a shorter, more stable disulfide bridge and lower free-sulfur content, which reduces scorch tendency and widens the processing window where premature crosslinking is a concern. (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) is a mercaptosilane whose free thiol delivers high coupling efficiency at lower loadings, suited to silica composites, sealants, and mineral-filled thermosets. The methoxy grade (MPTMS) hydrolyzes faster than the ethoxy polysulfides; match the alkoxy group and sulfur rank to your mixing temperature and cure package.

These products are for industrial and professional use only. Consult the current SDS for each grade and confirm compatibility with your polymer, filler, and cure system—along with regulatory status for your process and jurisdiction—before specifying.

Where it's used
  • Silica-reinforced tire tread compounds (green tires) for lower rolling resistance and wet grip
  • Silica-filled technical rubber goods: belts, hoses, seals, and engine mounts
  • Coupling silica and mineral fillers into rubber for improved abrasion and tear resistance
  • Filler surface treatment and rubber-to-substrate adhesion in mechanical rubber goods
  • Mercapto-grade coupling where maximum reinforcement per dose is needed, with scorch control
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Si-69 (TESPT) and Si-75 (TESPD)?
Both are sulfur-functional silane coupling agents for silica-filled rubber. Si-69 is a tetrasulfide: it carries four sulfur atoms per bridge and can donate cure sulfur, but the longer chain can cleave and scorch during hot mixing. Si-75 is a disulfide with fewer labile sulfur atoms, so it tolerates higher mixing temperatures with less premature crosslinking, at the cost of needing a separate sulfur donor to reach full cure.
Why use a sulfur silane in silica-filled rubber?
Silica surfaces are polar and do not bond to non-polar rubber on their own. A sulfur silane bridges the two: the ethoxysilyl end reacts with the silica surface and the sulfur end links into the rubber network during vulcanization. That coupling raises reinforcement and abrasion resistance and lowers hysteresis, which is why silica-silane tread compounds reduce rolling resistance.
Do these silanes release a byproduct during processing?
Yes. On hydrolysis the triethoxy silanes (Si-69, Si-75) release ethanol, and the trimethoxy mercapto grade releases methanol. Account for that alcohol release in ventilation, mixing, and cure scheduling. Confirm handling requirements against the supplier SDS for your application and jurisdiction.
Does RawSource supply sulfide and mercapto silanes in bulk?
Yes. RawSource sources Si-69 (TESPT), Si-75 (TESPD), and mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane in bulk drums and IBC totes with Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documentation. Send your grade, dose, and volume for a bulk RFQ.
Disclaimer. Information on this page is provided for general reference and compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, and confirm regulatory status, classification, and suitability for your application and jurisdiction.
Request Quote Product Page