Tire Technology International speaks to Marzieh Salehi, R&D manager at VMI Group, ahead of her presentation ‘Innovative rapid dynamic abrasion test method for tire tread compounds‘ at Tire Technology Expo 2025, to explore the company’s product portfolio and learn how its rapid abrasion test can support tire development.
What areas of tire manufacturing does VMI Group specialize in?
VMI Group is the leading supplier of technology for the manufacture of superior radial passenger vehicle, light truck, all-steel truck and bus tires. Additionally, we offer a unique product in our portfolio: the LAT100 (Laboratory Abrasion Tester), the only one of its kind.
What are you going to present at Tire Technology Expo 2025?
I will present a new, innovative rapid dynamic abrasion test for tire tread compounds.
What do you want attendees to learn from your talk?
My goal is to leave attendees with two key takeaways. First, though abrasion is known as a long and highly costly process, the first indication of abrasion prediction in a laboratory environment is achievable within minutes. Second, I aim to spark curiosity and encourage attendees to delve deeper into the research behind our test methodology, fostering a better understanding of the underlying principles.
Why is this topic so important to address and how will it benefit the industry as a whole?
The industry is moving toward a holistic approach to environmental monitoring of tire wear particles (TRWP), as a first step toward the goal of implementing a standardized tire wear testing method by 2026.
However, current tire wear testing is plagued by several challenges: it’s expensive, time-consuming and unsustainable, often taking place at a late stage in the tire development process. This means that there’s a pressing need for an early-stage indicator of wear prediction in a laboratory environment that can be a support for detecting real tire wear particles (TWPs) PM10 and smaller.
This topic has been hindered by challenges for analytics, as it is the most intricate subject in tribology. I think by establishing a standard laboratory abrasion test, we can create a common language for the industry, allowing tire material suppliers, tire manufacturers and even car manufacturers to communicate more effectively. This, in turn, can drive innovation and improvement in tire development, ultimately benefiting the industry as a whole. The development of a rapid abrasion test can be a breakthrough in the field, offering multiple benefits. With its potential for prompt utilization, it represents a new horizon that can change the game.
Furthermore, my observations suggest that the tire industry is at various levels of understanding abrasion phenomena and testing. A standard rapid laboratory abrasion measurement can be a valuable addition for tire manufacturers, helping to close the knowledge gap and create a more cohesive supply chain to support the initial goal of mitigating unintentional TRWP.
Tire Technology Expo 2025 will take place at the Deutsche Messe in Hannover, Germany, on March 4-6.
