Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. said it has begun using a next-generation silica to increase the fuel-efficiency of its tires. This new silica will be first used in the Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV tire, which is being launched this month in Latin American markets.

While no timetable has been set for availability in North America, the tiremaker reports tires containing the silica also will be introduced in other regions within the next year.

For more than a decade, Goodyear researchers worked with PPG Industries to examine the effects of chemically treated silica on tire performance, according to the tiremaker, which added the goal was to further improve rolling resistance without a detrimental effect on traction in wet conditions.

“Our customers around the world are demanding more fuel-efficient tires, but they want us to minimize the typical trade-offs,” said David Zanzig, director of global materials science for Goodyear. “Our materials scientists worked in cross-functional teams and, together with tire design and construction engineers, they derived an integrated solution that optimizes performance. This new silica plays a critical role in satisfying our customers’ needs.”

The new silica – marketed by PPG as Agilon performance silica – has been shown to have processing advantages that also benefit the environment. Since it is easier to mix into compounds, factories can consume less energy in the tire production process and lessen emissions, according to Goodyear.

In its efforts to create more environmentally friendly tires, the tiremaker said it has been exploring its options with silica. Last year, Goodyear reached supply agreements to purchase silica derived from the ash left behind after rice husks are incinerated.

“While no one source of these new sources of silica are able to fulfill our total demand, they each play an important part in our materials line-up as we strive to create more environmentally friendly tires,” said Zanzig.

Source: tirereview.com