The specification discloses elastomeric compositions and methods for making elastomeric compositions containing silica. The elastomeric composition comprises an elastomeric matrix containing from about 1 to about 40 wt.% silica and from about 0.1 to about 20 wt.% of an additive selected from the group consisting of rosin acid or fatty acid monoesters of glycerol and block copolymers having at least one A-block derived from the group consisting of rosin acids and fatty acids and a B-block having a number average molecular weight in the range of from about 200 to about 2500 daltons derived from the group consisting of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a polyepichlorohydrin (PECH) polyol. The additive provides substantial improvement in the dispersion and adhesion of silica in the elastomeric matrix which substantially improves the strength and other properties of the material.