US Patent 7373687 Windshield wiper having reduced friction characteristics

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, preferably 11 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.