Components that changed tires

The rubber compound of tires consists of dozens of components, and with each release of a new model, manufacturers manage to further improve the characteristics of tires by finding new combinations of different components. Nevertheless, there are components that have radically changed the familiar product for us. Today we will talk about such components. 

The rubber compound of the tire seems monolithic at first glance, but it's not. The basis, of course, is rubber. Depending on the goal, tire manufacturers combine the composition of natural or synthetic rubber. While natural rubber has natural elasticity and flexibility, synthetic rubber significantly increases wear resistance and heat resistance. It is also impossible to underestimate such components as various elastomers and activators, which significantly increase the adhesion between the rubber compound and steel and textile cords. Various chemical additives, such as antioxidants, vulcanization accelerators, plasticizers, and other additives that improve the processing of the mixture and the final properties of the rubber compound. 

Thus, the rubber compound of the tire can contain several dozen different elements and components, each of which plays its role in forming the desired properties of the tire. But among them, components such as "Silica" (silicon) and "Carbon Black" (technical carbon) stand out, which have provided a real breakthrough in the development of the tire industry. 

Silica has truly special properties. 

First of all, this component has significantly improved traction with the road. Silica has a high coefficient of friction with wet and icy surfaces. The reduction in rolling resistance has been truly revolutionary. The addition of silica to the tire compound significantly reduces its rolling resistance. Lower rolling resistance leads to fuel savings and reduced CO2 emissions, which has a positive effect on the environmental efficiency of the vehicle. The wear resistance has increased significantly. Silica can improve the wear resistance of rubber, improving its durability. 

Carbon Black, or technically speaking, "Technical Carbon", has given tires their familiar black color, but the main reason for its addition was the same goals - improving traction and increasing wear resistance. It helps prevent rapid wear of the rubber compound and increases the lifespan of the tire. In addition, carbon black has good thermal conductivity. When the vehicle is moving, the tire heats up, and carbon black can help distribute heat evenly over the surface of the tire, preventing overheating. Well, of course, technical carbon protects the tire from the effects of UV rays, which significantly extends its lifespan. 

Of course, this is still far from the end of the development of the industry. Today, developers are experimenting with new components and technologies that will soon change the tire industry again.