GE Advanced Materials unveils new NXT silane line
Wilton, Connecticut -- The silicones unit of GE Advanced Materials has launched NXT Z silane, an addition to its family of NXT silane coupling agents.
The material, which the company called a breakthrough, mixes silica with rubber for silica tyre treads, without generating ethanol during the compounding and manufacturing steps.
GE said the new silane would help manufacturers of silica tyres reduce production costs by eliminating ethanol emissions.
The product would also use a single-step mixing process with temperatures as high as 170°C, which does not cause viscosity increases or premature vulcanisation, the company said.
GE global marketing manager Mike Stout said NXT Z silane also helps tyre manufacturers enhance the wear, traction and rolling resistance properties of silica tyres and reduce ethanol emissions over the life of the tyre, which in turn leads to lower gas mileage.
He said GE lab tests indicate that the potency level of NXT Z is higher than other silanes, which indicates less of the product is needed.
"NXT Z silane provides the capabilities the tyre industry needs to meet a wide range of product performance objectives in ways that help control production costs and meet environmental objectives," Stout said in a statement.
The features offered by NXT Z allow for lower overall cost in building tires, he said.
The new silane will be made at GE´s plant in Sistersville, West Virginia, and will be marketed globally, Stout said.
From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)
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