Show exhibitor PPG is to receive funding from the US Department of Energy to support a US$1.14m project to develop new silica-based performance fillers for non-tread components that improve the fuel efficiency and performance of tires. R&D under the project will be completed at PPG’s Monroeville, Pennsylvania, facility.
Using Agilon performance silica technology, PPG will develop reinforcing fillers for non-tread tire compounds. The objective of the DOE project is to enable a 2% increase in the fuel efficiency of tires, with an initial focus on the sidewall. The goal is to reduce energy loss through the sidewall while maintaining or improving resistance to forces such as cracking, tearing and abrasion that degrade the tire. Another key objective will be to understand, maintain and potentially improve the aging performance of tires as measured by crack growth resistance in an ozone environment.
Tim Okel, PPG’s senior research associate, silica products, will review the test results that enabled PPG to obtain the DOE funding at Tire Technology Expo 2017 in Hannover, Germany. The presentation, which is scheduled to take place on Day 2 of the conference at 11:50am, entitled Silica Morphology and Functionality: Enabling Environmentally-Friendly Sidewall Performance, will also outline the project’s objectives, test protocols and potential impact.
Head to PPG’s booth (C410) to find out more. Tire Technology Expo 2017 takes place on February 14-16.
