Windshield wiper having reduced friction characteristics

Abstract

A wiper blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 and 42 weight percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than about 25 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a wiper blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.

1 . A windshield wiper comprising:
 a frame adapted to be attached to a vehicle;   a wiper blade attached to the frame; and   wherein the wiper blade is made from a mixture including a methyl vinyl silicone polymer from about 22 to 55 weight percent, a filler from about 35 to 50 weight percent, and polytetrafluoroethylene in an amount of from about 5 to 42 weight percent, the polytetrafluoroethylene having an average particle size of less than about 25 μm.