Future organic tire fibers

Abstract

AbstractIn the history of the automobile, organic fibers have dominated the tire reinforcement field, starting with cotton and progressing through a series of man‐made fibers, each finding its place on the basis of its special attributes and overall performance. In general, these fibers were engineered for textile applications, but were subsequently adapted by special processing to make them as suitable for tires as possible. However, each has had limitations which have kept it from certain segments of the market. Moreover, the performance demands on tires have become progressively more stringent, and new tire designs have evolved, so that new tire reinforcement materials are needed. While glass and steel wire are contributing some of the desired properties, they also have their limitations. On the other hand, the potential for creating new, more favorable property balances from organic fibers is far from exhausted. This paper will discuss the main tire yarn property criteria and the polymer and fiber structural factors which control them. Then, the properties and performance of an entirely new fiber, specifically engineered chemically and physically for tire reinforcement, will be described. Fiber properties discussed will include tensile strength, modulus, dimensional stability, fatigue resistance, adhesion, and thermal stability.