Evonik tests silica-silane blend in 'green' tires

Essen, Germany – Evonik has released a study that claims an SSBR-compatible silica-silane blend of its materials will help lower rolling resistance and reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5%, while also lowering carbon dioxide emissions.

In an effort to better understand how the combined use of its Ultrasil-brand silica and its silanes compare with carbon black and ESBR (emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber) treads, Evonik conducted a life cycle assessment that examined the overall environmental effects throughout the tires' lifetimes. This study assumed a driving distance of roughly 93,000 miles (150,000 kilometres) and was conducted with gasoline consumption, fuel savings and lifetime as parameters.

Additionally, the study considered several areas of impact including global warming potential, the photochemical ozone creation potential, and the primary energy demands, Evonik said.

"According to the study, silica/silane technology in green tires is able to significantly reduce emissions and environmental impacts in the basic scenario in any analysed impact category considered relevant," the firm said in a news release. "Consequently, the global warming potential can be reduced by 4.9% in total over the whole life cycle. By replacing carbon black and E-SBR with silica/silane and SSBR, emissions of up to 1.4 metric tons of CO2 equivalents per 150,000 kilometres driving distance are avoidable."

Evonik will share additional information about its silica-silane technology at the Tire Technology Expo in Hanover, Germany, 14-16 Feb.