Tire Manufacturing Research Articles

Insights into the impact of 6PPD-Q and 6PPD on nitrogen metabolism and microbial community in the anammox system.

N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) is an antioxidant commonly used in tire manufacturing, and its release into the environment has significantly increased due to rapid urbanization. When subjected to ozonation, 6PPD converts into the harmful pollutant 6PPD quinone (6PPDQ). These substances enter wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) via stormwater runoff and pipelines, posing significant risks to the functional microorganisms. Anammox, a strictly controlled and sensitive microbial nitrogen removal process, is especially susceptible to the effects of the pollutants. This study investigates the comprehensive impact of 6PPD-Q and 6PPD on anammox communities based on characterization analysis and metagenomics. At environmental concentrations, 6PPD-Q at 200 ng/L-1000ng/L led to the disintegration of anammox granules. Extended exposure to both 6PPD-Q and 6PPD significantly reduces the population of anammox bacteria (AnAOB). By utilizing organic matter from dead cells and incoming carbonate as a carbon source, the system evolved into a nitrogen metabolism network primarily focused on denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA). This transformation was accompanied by a reshuffling of the microbial community and associated genes, resulting in an accumulation of NH4+-N. These findings underscore the toxicity of 6PPD-Q and 6PPD to anammox and stress the importance of incorporating 6PPD into regulatory and preventive strategies.

Job Stress, Burnout, and Work Ability in Tire Manufacturing: The Role of Age and Experience

Job Stress, Burnout, and Work Ability in Tire Manufacturing: The Role of Age and Experience

Evaluating Oil Palm Trunk Biochar and Palm Oil as Environmentally Friendly Sustainable Additives in Green Natural Rubber Composites.

This research examines the possibility of palm oil and oil palm trunk biochar (OPTB) from pyrolysis effectively serving as alternative processing oils and fillers, substituting petroleum-based counterparts in natural rubber (NR) composites. Chemical, elemental, surface and morphological analyses were used to characterize both carbon black (CB) and OPTB, by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) gas porosimetry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influences of OPTB contents from 0 to 100 parts per hundred rubber (phr) on thermal, dielectric, dynamic mechanical, and cure characteristics, and the key mechanical properties of particulate NR-composites were investigated. OPTB enhanced the characteristics of the composites, as demonstrated by a rise in dielectric constant, thermal stability, storage modulus, glass transition temperature (Tg), hardness and modulus at 300% elongation, along with a decrease in the loss tangent (tan δ). Tear strength exhibited an increase with OPTB content up to a specific threshold, whereas tensile strength and elongation at break declined. This implies a compromise between the various mechanical properties when incorporating OPTB as a filler. This work supports the potential application of OPTB as a renewable substitute for CB in the rubber industry, particularly in tire production and other industrial rubber applications, which would also bring environmental, sustainability, and economic benefits for the palm oil-related industry.

The Rubberized Mechanical Features: Hardness, Modulus, Tensile Strength, Elongation at Break and Aging for Manufacturing Automotive Tires-An Overview

Both rubber physics and chemistry are utilized for the manufacturing of spacecraft treads, tires, vehicle mats, conveyor belts, etc., in industries related to the automobile. This versatile rubber technology is devoted to vast and excellent mechanical features like hardness, modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break, and thermal aging. The science and practice of rubber compounding during the processing of tires provided rheological, mechanical properties, and stress-strain properties with aging are discussed in this technical review. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) reveals intricate phase transitions of microstructural changes. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) offers information on the thermal stability of chemical compositions and the glass transition point, establishing operational flexibility for rubber characteristics in this investigation. However, these combined resources will thoroughly grasp the material's features, facilitating improved tire product design and quality assurance.

Cu-doped waste-tire carbon as catalyst for UV/H2O2 oxidation of ofloxacin.

Ofloxacin (OFX), commonly employed in the treatment of infectious diseases, is frequently detected in aquatic environments and poses potential ecological risks. UV/H2O2 oxidation has been recognized as an efficient approach for removing antibiotics. In this study, Cu-doped waste-tire carbon was prepared and used as a UV/H2O2 catalyst for the degradation of OFX. The results showed that the OFX removal was 89.3% within 90min under the optimal reaction conditions. It was found that ZnO, used in the tire manufacturing to promote rubber vulcanization for enhanced stability and durability, played an important role in UV/H₂O₂ oxidation for OFX degradation. Toxicity experiments conducted with a microbial degradation respirometer demonstrated that the treated water exhibited low toxicity. This study introduces a sustainable catalyst derived from waste tires, and facilitating the development of metal-carbon catalysts for the effective removal of antibiotics from wastewater.

Literature Survey of Tire Technology for Environmental Protection and Safety Improvement

Literature Survey of Tire Technology for Environmental Protection and Safety Improvement

Design and mechanical analysis of bushings made from TPU using additive manufacturing and the finite element method

The study focused on analyzing the mechanical behavior of a front suspension fork bushing for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), manufactured using Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) through additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing. This technology enables the creation of customized designs, reduces production time, and minimizes material waste. TPU, an elastomer with remarkable physical and mechanical properties, was evaluated as a potential substitute for natural rubber, which is the primary material traditionally used for bushings in the automotive industry, especially in the production of tires, hoses, and seals. The analysis was conducted through CAD modeling and finite element simulations, subjecting the bushing to torsional and shear stresses typical of vehicular suspension systems. The results indicated that TPU could serve as a replacement material for the established requirements. Given that replacement parts are not always acquired in a timely manner, the study focuses on providing a viable alternative for the automotive industry.

The Effects of Agricultural Tire Technologies on Soil Compaction, Traction Performance and Agricultural Productivity

This review article examines the impact of agricultural tire technologies on soil compaction, traction performance, and agricultural productivity. Topics such as the stress distribution of low-inflation pressure tires on soil, the effects of tire profiles on performance and soil compaction are discussed in depth. Moreover, the impact of tires on traction and soil compaction under different inflation pressures is explored. A thorough analysis of the existing literature reveals significant contributions to improving the efficiency of agricultural tires and reducing the risk of soil compaction. The findings reveal that low-inflation pressure next-generation tires (IF/VF tires) significantly reduce soil compaction by providing a larger contact area. Furthermore, it was concluded that selecting the appropriate inflation pressure and load distribution is critical for optimizing traction and energy efficiency. This review provides valuable insights for future studies and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.

Determination of Tire Wear Particle-Type Polymers by Combination of Quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Soxhlet Extraction.

Tire wear particles (TWPs) are among the most relevant sources of microplastic pollution of the environment. Nevertheless, common analytical methods like IR and Raman spectroscopy are highly impaired by additives and filler materials, leaving only thermogravimetric methods for chemical analysis of TWPs in most cases. We herein present quantitative NMR spectroscopy (qNMR) as an alternative tool for the quantification of the polymeric material used for the production of tires, including natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene-copolymer (SBR), polyethylene-co-propylene (EPR) and polybutadiene (BR). Limits of quantification (LOQ) between 3 µg and 43 µg per sample and recovery rates of 72-92% were achieved for all tested polymer types. The first results of combining these measurements with Soxhlet extraction as a sample preparation tool are presented alongside the qNMR experiments.

Enhancing the sustainability of rubber materials: Dual benefits of wet mixing technology and recycled rubber's honeycomb reinforcement structure.

The world's three leading tire manufacturers have proposed specific timelines for using recycled materials. For instance, Michelin targets an increase in the proportion of sustainable materials in tires to 40% by 2030 and aims to produce 100% of its tires from bio-based, renewable, or recyclable materials as of 2050. In such a context, this study introduced wet mixing technology to apply recycled rubber (RR) in highly wear-resistant tire tread compounds. This technique leverages the rubber's inherent crosslink density to enhance the mechanical performance of final products. The results indicated that wet mixing effectively addressed the high viscosity issue of RR. In the traditional dry mixing method, physical blending typically results in large particle sizes and suboptimal performance. In contrast, wet mixing reduced the rubber's hysteresis loss by 75% and improved its rebound performance by 35.6% at 23°C, 60°C, and 100°C compared to traditional dry mixing. DIN volume abrasion was also reduced by 23.3%. Remarkably, Akron abrasion nearly doubled its effect. Additionally, wet mixing regulated aggregate structure and formed a densely packed honeycomb-like structure within RR. Incorporating RR using wet mixing demonstrates noticeable advantages in carbon black/natural rubber/RR composite materials. This approach also presents a viable path to sustainable development in the rubber manufacturing industry.

Peran Kepuasan Kerja Dipengaruhi Gaji, Stabilitas Pekerjaan, Pengayaan Pekerjaan, dan Lingkungan Kerja terhadap Komitmen Karyawan

Employee commitment is an important factor for the success of industrial companies in Tangerang City, especially in the tire production industry sector, because committed employees tend to increase job satisfaction, productivity, and profitability. This study aims to determine the effect of salary, job stability, job enrichment, and work environment on job satisfaction and employee commitment. The method in this study is quantitative, with a non-probability sampling method and a purposive sampling technique of 150 male employee respondents in the mixing center department at XYZ company in Tangerang City who have worked for at least 2 years. The results of data analysis using Partial Least Square - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) show that salary, job stability, job enrichment, and work environment have a positive effect on job satisfaction and employee commitment. This research encourages companies to focus more on job satisfaction and employee commitment. It is expected that future researchers will add other variables that may be influential, such as organizational culture, leadership style, and employee performance to broaden their understanding of the factors that influence job satisfaction and employee commitment.

Thermal and flow optimization and generative design simulations of the curing press manifold used in tire production

The tire industry involves complex processes that require high temperatures and pressures for tire production and processing. In these processes, rubber dough is placed in molds using baking presses and shaped under high temperature and pressure. Manifold blocks are used to feed the molds in these presses and to ensure equal temperature distribution between the molds. However, existing manifold blocks tend to deform in a short time under high temperature and pressure and require constant maintenance. These changes can affect production continuity, reduce production quality and increase maintenance costs. Therefore, there was a need to research a more durable and low-maintenance manifold solution. In this study, Thermal Flow analysis was performed on the Cooking Press Manifold using the “Generative Design” method and the appropriate operating level of the system was determined.

Chronic toxicity and intergenerational effects of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) exposure alone and in combination with Zn2+ on Daphnia magna (Cladocera).

N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and Zn2+, extensively used in the tire manufacturing process, are frequently detected in freshwater environments. However, the intergenerational effects of isolated 6PPD exposure and joint 6PPD and Zn2+ exposure at concentrations approximating environmental levels remain unknown. This study assessed the chronic toxicity and intergenerational effects of 6PPD (0.02-20 μg/L) and a mixture of 6PPD and Zn2+ (5 μg/L) over three generations in Daphnia magna bioassays. In the F0 generation, a dose-dependent decline in total offspring number was observed with 6PPD exposure alone, while co-exposure with Zn2+ exacerbated the reproductive toxicity of 6PPD. Across three generations, low-dose (0.02 µg/L) 6PPD alone and combined with Zn2+ induced a cumulative degenerative maternal effect. Conversely, high-dose (20 µg/L) 6PPD, both independently and in combination with Zn2+, exhibited an adaptive maternal effect. Notably, the grandmaternal effect emerged exclusively in the co-exposure group treated with 20 μg/L 6PPD and 5 μg/L Zn2+, with no such effect in the group exposed to 20 μg/L 6PPD alone, suggesting that Zn2+ may enhance the potential toxicity of 6PPD. Overall, this study provides novel insight into the intergenerational impacts of environmentally relevant levels of 6PPD alone and in combination with a heavy metal, elucidating the environmental risks posed by tire-derived chemicals through their synergistic effects on transgenerational toxicity.

Study on the Efficiency and Potential of China's Tire Export Trade to Ten ASEAN Countries under the Perspective of “One Belt, One Road”

Tires are an important product category in China's export trade. Based on the stochastic frontier gravity model, this paper uses the panel data of China's tire export trade to the ten ASEAN countries from 2018 to 2022 to study the influencing factors of bilateral trade in tire exports, and to measure China's export trade efficiency, export potential and expandable space to the ten ASEAN countries. Based on these three indicators, we analyze the future prospects of China's tire product exports to the ten ASEAN countries. The results show that: (1) in the stochastic frontier model, GDP per capita, population, border variables and language variables of both sides of trade as natural factors have a significant positive impact on tire export trade. (2) In the trade inefficiency model, liner transportation connectivity, trade freedom and financial freedom of both sides have a significant positive impact on tire export trade. (3) China's overall tire export efficiency and potential to the ten ASEAN countries is high, but the country-specific differences are obvious, and the trade as a whole still has more room for improvement. (4) China's tire export potential market can be divided into saturated, expanding, developing and iceberg type, of which the expanding type includes Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Brunei 4 countries, the developing type includes Cambodia, Indonesia and Singapore 3 countries, of which Malaysia and Singapore is the need to pay attention to the overseas market.

A flexible-spoke non-pneumatic tyre for manual wheelchairs

This study combines laboratory testing with computer modelling to demonstrate, for the first time, the applicability of flexible-spoke non-pneumatic tyre (FS-NPT) technology in wheelchairs. Like existing solid non-pneumatic tyres, FS-NPTs are puncture-proof and will reduce the burden of tyre maintenance. Unlike existing solid tyres, FS-NPT performance is based on the properties of flexible structures (spokes), such as honeycombs, which can deform to offer superior cushioning and return to their original shape upon unloading. The results presented here indicate that the geometry of these spokes can be tuned to replicate the vertical stiffness of existing pneumatic tyres commonly used in wheelchairs while achieving higher rotational stiffness and reduced mass. Vertical stiffness is directly linked to user comfort while increased rotational stiffness is associated with increased wheeling efficiency. Results also indicate that FS-NPTs can change their stiffness to become softer under increased loading. This unique characteristic could enable the development of tyres that are relatively stiff during wheeling (for better wheeling efficiency), and softer during impact loads for better cushioning (e.g. during pavement dismount). The demonstrated capacity for stiffness tuning could enable personalising wheelchair tyres to meet the specific needs of individual users.

Functionally graded TPMS gyroid structures for additive manufacturing of non-pneumatic tires

Functionally graded TPMS gyroid structures for additive manufacturing of non-pneumatic tires

Bubble defect detection for tire shearography images with transfer learning based deep CNN models

Abstract Safety of drivers and passengers is an important quality assurance aim of the tire manufacturers. Tires that have air bubbles in them are a frequent cause of accidents. Recently, manufacturers have placed a high value on employing laborers with tire diagnostic experience. Along with the expenditure of time and money, this process also necessitates a sizable workforce of experienced laborers. The detection of tire defects can be automated utilizing a number of different ways, greatly reducing the margin for human error. One such method is digital shearography, which can be used to detect air bubbles in images. In this study, transfer learning based models are proposed to classify air bubble defects in tire shearography images. Proposed method employed in transfer learning with several deep learning CNN-based models, including VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50, Xception, MobileNetV2 and DenseNet201. Owing to the assistance of the experts at the Pirelli Automobile Tires Izmit factory, we were able to collect and label the dataset used in this study. The dataset contains 1392 tire shearography images. 811 of these images belong to the ‘good’ class, while the remaining 581 images belong to the ‘bad’ class. The proposed method in this study achieves remarkable bubble detection results over 95% in terms of accuracy and other metrics with the DenseNet201 model. The results indicate that the proposed model has comparable accuracy and recall with the existing studies. This study is valuable for the tire industry, as the existing literature offers limited research on the classification of tire bubble defects, the differentiation between defective and defect-free tires, and the categorization of various defect types. In addition, the proposed model offers several advantages over existing studies, including higher robustness against overfitting, suitability for real-time industrial applications, and improved efficiency in processing, making a practical solution for defect detection in industrial settings.

A review of potential physical and chemical markers for tyre and road wear particles

Plastic pollution poses a substantial environmental challenge on global scale. Recently, tyre and road wear particles (TRWPs) have been recognized as a source of microplastic pollution to the freshwater environment. Whilst there is a growing concern regarding the potential environmental effects of microplastics, TRWPs are especially concerning because of the additives they have. These additives are utilised in the manufacturing of tyres; persist in the final product; become environmentally available; and may pose significant threats to an ecosystem. A current issue is the identification of specific constituents of TRWPs responsible for these threats. A comprehensive review of the existing literature is presented focusing on the physical and chemical characteristics of TRWPs with the aim to identify suitable marker(s). Wear particles derived from tyre tread possess distinctive a sausage shape that is exclusive to TRWPs. A range of chemical additives linked to tyres have been employed to quantify TRWPs, overlooking other potential sources such as brake wear and exhaust emissions. We found that significant amounts of 6PPD is used for the formulation of tyres, which is why 6PPD, and a comparatively stable transformation product 6PPD-quinone, could be used for the identification of TRWPs. We recommend that sampling and analysis methods be thoroughly documented to enhance the reproducibility.

Pemberdayaan Kelompok Tuna Daksa “Baraka” melalui Inovasi Pengembangan Produk Daur Ulang Ban Bekas Guna Mendukung Reputasi Bisnis Kelompok Difabel

This community partnership program is the Empowerment of the "Baraka" Group with Physical Disabilities through Innovation in Developing Recycled Tire Products to Support the Business Reputation of Disabled Communities. The "Baraka" Group of People with Physical Disabilities is a group that runs a business recycling used tires into creative seating and table products. However, the group faces several challenges, including difficulties in production, such as a lack of ability to control the quality of the products, limited innovation in the products they develop, and lengthy production times. Socially, the group also faces a lack of motivation to create economic independence and has limited ability in branding their products. The implementation method involves mapping the necessary activities to address the challenges in these areas. The results of the program show that, in terms of production, the products produced by the group have started to meet quality and quantity standards. The product range has expanded, with chairs now available in small and large sizes, whereas previously, only medium sizes were available. Additionally, the group introduced table variants. Over the past week, the group was able to produce 10 products, indicating that on average, they could produce around 40 products in a month. Socially, awareness of economic independence has increased, and the group now has a logo and tagline to strengthen the reputation of their products. In terms of marketing, over the past week, the group received orders for 10 products, which suggests they could meet demand for around 40 products per month.

Nanocomposites in Tire Development – Benefits, Challenges, and the Role of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene

In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, enhancing vehicle performance and sustainability through innovative materials is paramount. Nanocomposite materials, incorporating nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and silica, have emerged as key enablers in redefining tire technology with improved durability, efficiency, and environmental impact. This review discusses the integration of these nanocomposites into tire manufacturing, emphasizing their role in enhancing mechanical properties, wear resistance, and rolling efficiency while reducing environmental footprints. Challenges such as dispersion uniformity within the rubber matrix and economic considerations due to high material costs are examined, alongside future research directions aimed at scalability and cost reduction. The paper predicts a significant increase in the adoption of nanocomposite tires, driven by technological advances and the shift toward sustainable manufacturing practices. By detailing the synergistic effects of nanocomposites, this review highlights their potential to revolutionize tire performance and contribute to the next generation of green automotive technologies.