Gurgaon, India – Apollo Tyres has developed a patented grade of epoxide natural rubber (ENR) for use in tire compounds the company announced 8 Nov.
An outcome of research with the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRI), the invention has recently been patented – patent no. 287630 – by the government of India, the company said.
This ENR offers a lower-cost alternative to solution- polymerised styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) and a “sustainable solution” for high-performance tires, according to Apollo.
Indian tire makers have relied on the imported SSBR, noted Apollo, adding that this material is costly and not 'environment friendly.'
“This innovation is a result of our commitment to replace synthetic materials with green and more environment friendly naturally occurring materials,” said Daniele Lorenzetti, Apollo Tyres’ chief technology officer.
