Continental set to use synthetic rubber in tyres
Page 5
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
CONTINENTAL IS exploring the use of synthetic rubber in future generations of truck tyres, according to the company’s director of product development for EMEA.
Speaking at a seminar in London, Dr Frank Walloch said: “I believe we will see silica compounds in truck tyres soon.
“The technology was not available to compensate for the drawbacks of synthetic materials, but we are close to saying this [artificial elastomers] will provide benefits for our tyres.” Although synthetic rubber tyres already exist in the market, Walloch says they are not yet capable of matching natural rubber products. However, future developments could see durability, fuel economy and mileage increased through its use. Unlike creating a new pattern of tyre, which Walloch says takes only a few months, testing and development is a longer process, taking up to two years. This means Continental is unlikely to launch a synthetic product before 2015, with trailers the most likely recipient of the new tyres.