Improving Cut/Chip/Chunk Resistance in Truck Tyres by the Use of Para-Amid Chopped Fibres

Abstract

The tyre industry is continually striving to improve the cut/chip/chunk resistance of tyre treads while simultaneously maintaining a high level of product quality and product performance. Several approaches have been explored in which the fillers are varied, the cure package is optimised or polymers and their blend ratios are changed, but although each approach provides improvements with regard to cut/chip/chunk resistance, this is at the expense of hysteresis, heat buildup and fatigue properties. With its complete portfolio of aramid fibres, p-aramid (Twaron and Technora) and m-aramid (Teijin Conex), the company Teijin Twaron is the world leader in the field of chopped fibre rubber reinforcement. These chopped fibres provide rubber compounders with a potent tool for expanding the performance of rubber products beyond their current horizons