Method for producing silica/cellulose mixture

A method of preparing a silica/cellulose mixture is disclosed. It has been found that certain silica/cellulose hybrid compositions can be incorporated into rubber formulations, resulting in excellent compatibility between filler and rubber. Rubber formulations containing these silica/cellulose hybrid compositions also provide superior rubber performance characteristics for use in tires and a wide variety of other rubber products, such as hoses, power transmission belts, conveyor belts, air springs, front window wiper rubber sheets, and the like. The silica/cellulose compositions of the present invention are made by new and novel techniques. The method for preparing the silica/cellulose hybrid composition more specifically includes: (1) dispersing cellulose into water to prepare an aqueous cellulose slurry; (2) dispersing sodium silicate into the aqueous cellulose slurry to prepare an aqueous cellulose/sodium silicate dispersion; (3) maintaining the aqueous cellulose/sodium silicate dispersion under stirred co