Climate-tech company Levidian unveils graphene-enhanced tire

Cambridge, UK – UK climate-tech company Levidian has unveiled a prototype truck tire which combines its “net zero graphene” with carbon black in a new tread formulation.

The graphene-enhanced natural rubber and butadiene rubber tire tread compound delivers significantly enhanced mechanical and dynamic properties, Levidian said 20 March

Independent testing by the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre has shown that addition of the graphene can reduce tire rolling-resistance by around 23%, the company stated.

Initial test results, it noted, have also indicated potential for reduced compound density, which would allow for the development of lighter-weight tires.

“Overall, this could deliver substantial improvements in fuel efficiency of 3-4%,” said Levidian, which launched the product during Tire Technology Expo in Hanover, 19-21 March.

According to Cambridge-based Levidian, its LOOP 'plasma cracking' process strips carbon from methane to produce both hydrogen fuel and graphene.  

The 'device', it said, can be integrated into any existing industrial site that produces methane or uses natural gas.

The technology can reduce the CO2 potential of natural gas by up to 40% by replacing it with hydrogen, claims Levidian.

Tire makers, it said, could thereby cut emissions from their manufacturing operations and produce reinforcing graphene filler on site for use in tread compounds.