A research group at the University Miguel Hernandez in Elche shows new materials that can modify the manufacturing process of tyres which can produce fuel-saving and more quiet tyre.
The University worked with Industrias del Neumático S.A. (Grupo Soledad) for a year to achieve this milestone in their products.
The project reflects the new regulation of the European Union that requires tyre manufacturers to limit the values of resistance and reduce the noise of the tyres when it rolls. The rolling resistance of the tyre translates to the fuel consumption of the tyres. Hence, if the reduction of the rolling resistance can save fuel while the lesser noise can lessen the noise pollution.
The regulation is not compulsory for retreaded tyres but the Valency company Industrias del Neumático S.A., one of the top companies to produce recycled tyres in Europe has applied to acquire public funding to conduct a research to develop their products.
The research group Applied Mechanical Engineering in the Elche University, headed by Miguel Sanchez Lozano evaluated the impact of the new tyre manufacturing process. “Our collaboration has involved advising the company when selecting new equipment and then monitoring the manufacture of prototypes and testing them to see the benefits from the implementation of new systems,” explains Professor Sanchez. The research group has proved that the new tyres can reduce 3% of noise.
In terms of rolling resistance, the researchers said, “We proposed three different compounds which introduced a new component which is silicon in various proportions to see its effects,”. The research group has also worked to share their part in developing the new rubber compounds. The researchers also did a series of tests to determine the strength of the prototypes.
After 200 trials, Miguel Sánchez said “We concluded that the reduction of rolling resistance obtained is between 3 and 5% depending on the type of tire, which has a direct impact on fuel economy that the consumer could get through this new rubber. The company is now studying the economic feasibility and when to implement the new rubber composition in the production chain,”. (RJA)