Goodyear has incorporated silica developed with PPG Industries into the design of its EfficientGrip SUV tire to increase fuel-efficiency. The new tire is due to be launched in Latin American markets this month. The Agilon performance silica has helped to provide both improved rolling resistance and wet traction.
David Zanzig, director of global materials science, Goodyear, said, “Our materials scientists worked in cross-functional teams and, together with tire design and construction engineers, derived an integrated solution that optimizes performance.”
Anup Jain, VP for specialty coatings and materials, PPG, commented, “Goodyear is a valued partner with a long history of setting trends in new product development and the use of new technologies. We look forward to supporting Goodyear in its tire advancement efforts with the use of Agilon performance silica.”
PPG formulates Agilon performance silica by precipitating silica and silane together, meaning tire manufacturers no longer have to perform this processing step. This reduces complexity, increases manufacturing efficiency, saves energy, and virtually eliminates rubber-mixing-related volatile organic compounds.
May 5, 2015
