Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has begun using a next-generation silica to increase the fuel efficiency of its tires. This new silica will be first used in the Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV tire, which is being launched this month in Latin American markets. Tires containing the silica will also be introduced in the other regions within next year.
For more than a decade, Goodyear researchers worked with PPG Industries to examine the effects of chemically treated silica on tire performance. The goal was to further improve rolling resistance without having a detrimental effect on traction in wet conditions.
In Goodyear’s new EffcientGrip SUV tire, this next generation silica was used in a new tread compound and a new tread pattern to provide both rolling resistance and improved wet traction.
Said David Zanzig, Director of Global Materials Science for Goodyear: “Our customers around the world are demanding more fuel-efficient tires, but they want us to minimize the typical trade-offs. Our materials scientists worked in cross-functional teams and, together with tire design and construction engineers, they derived an integrated solution that optimizes performance. This new silica plays a critical role in satisfying our customers’ needs.”