The compound developed by Arlanxeo is applied on the interior of the tire.
MAASTRICHT, NETHERLANDS / DORMAGEN GERMANY: Arlanxeo has developed a rubber compound that can be used in the future to seal tires. This solution for so-called self-sealing tires replaces the spare wheel and also presents an alternative to a repair kit or run-flat tire. An appropriate rubber compound from Arlanxeo, which is applied to the interior of the vehicle tire, enables holes occurring in the tire to be automatically sealed, so the driver can continue driving.
The compound developed by Arlanxeo is applied to the interior of the tire. If, for example, a nail or other sharp object causes a hole in a tire, the rubber compound can seal the defect automatically. The tire is sealed immediately, regardless of the location and environment, while the car is moving.
Arlanxeo conducts the corresponding tests with various partners under real-life conditions. Once the tests have been successfully completed, the compound will be launched on the market in the course of 2018.
The Arlanxeo business unit tire & speciality rubbers (BU TSR) offers a wide range of versatile synthetic rubbers, primarily for applications in tire production. The rubbers are used in the inner liners (airtight layers in the tire), tread, and sidewalls of tires, as well as in other tire components. Apart from tires, other sample applications include chewing gum, sporting goods, and golf balls, as well as hoses and conveyor belts.
“With our development, we are giving an important impulse for the mobility of tomorrow. As a spare tire and the corresponding tools are no longer required, the weight of the vehicle and subsequently also its energy consumption are further reduced. In the case of electric vehicles, this can result in a longer range, for example,” said Frank Luckgen, global marketing director tire in the BU TSR at Arlanxeo.
“To ensure that our compound can guarantee optimal sealing in any climate zone regardless of the speed a vehicle is travelling, we are currently carrying out further tests under extreme conditions following successful laboratory tests. Even in the case of strongly fluctuating external temperatures, the tires should be sealed in the same quality,” added Matthias Gotta, head of global sales and marketing in BU TSR.
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