Current trends in the rubber industry are focused on the development and production of new types of elastomeric materials based on alternative additives, whose properties enable a wide range of applications. In the rubber industry, fillers represent a key component of elastomeric systems, influencing their physical, mechanical, and processing properties. Traditional fillers, such as carbon black and silica, provide high strength and wear resistance, but their production is often energy-intensive and environmentally challenging. Alternative fillers, including natural minerals, recycled materials, or industrial waste, offer the potential to reduce the ecological footprint and manufacturing costs. However, their application brings challenges such as lower compatibility with the rubber matrix, different processing characteristics, and impacts on mechanical properties. This study focuses on the study of physical and mechanical properties of elastomer systems intended for a new type of material component of a sliding device for special use in pipe conveyor. As possible alternatives to commonly used polymer material, three innovative elastomer formulations containing alternative fillers were selected. These fillers affect not only the properties but also the economic and environmental aspects of producing the material component. The use of alternative fillers can lead to improvements in certain properties that significantly influence the intended application of the elastomer systems.

Acknowledgement: This research work has been supported by the Scientific Grants: APVV-23-0342 (Slovak Research and Development Agency), VEGA 1/0265/24 and also by the Operational Program Integrated Infrastructure, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund by the project: Advancement and support of R&D for "Centre for diagnostics and quality testing of materials" in the domains of the RIS3 SK specialization, Acronym: CEDITEK II., ITMS2014+ code 313011W442.