Goodyear 'full of beans' over tire rubber compound
30 Aug 2017
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Akron, Ohio – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is commercialising tires containing a soybean oil-based rubber compound in a project supported by the United Soybean Board (USB).
The first commercial use of the alternative compound is helping to enhance tire performance in dry, wet and winter conditions, according to 29 Aug Goodyear press release.
Soybean oil, said Goodyear, can help keep the rubber compound pliable in changing temperatures and so enhance tire grip on the road surface.
The oil, it added, mixes readily in the silica-reinforced compounds so improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
The USB, a group acting on behalf of US soybean farmers provided some funding support for the development of Goodyear’s soybean oil application in tires.
“Goodyear’s legacy of innovation drives us to continue to apply new technology solutions, developing superior performing tires that meet consumer demands,” said Eric Mizner, Goodyear’s director of global materials science, in the release.
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