Enhanced Eco-Tires Set to Enhance Fuel Efficiency and Lower Carbon Dioxide Output
The traditional belief that improving rolling resistance would compromise wet-road grip and durability is being challenged by recent advancements in materials science. Today, the focus is on creating eco-friendly tires that boost fuel efficiency, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and maintain high safety and longevity standards.
Key progress in green tire technology includes the development of low rolling resistance materials. By utilizing specialized rubber compounds with a ternary filler system, combining carbon black, thermally exfoliated graphite, and modified silica, hysteresis losses are significantly reduced. This results in lower rolling resistance, reduced heat buildup, and improved wet grip performance. Techniques like latex imprinting and the use of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) further enhance filler dispersion and polymer matrix compatibility, ensuring eco-friendly, fuel-efficient tires without compromising safety or wear resistance [1][5].
Silane-functionalised liquid rubber integrated with natural rubber (NR) and silica improves dispersion and reinforcement within tire compounds. This formulation reduces rolling resistance, lowers the carbon footprint of production, and decreases wear particle emissions. It supports sustainability goals while maintaining critical performance parameters for electric vehicles (EVs) and combustion vehicles [2].
Smart, connected EV tires are another innovation, equipped with embedded sensors to monitor tire pressure, temperature, tread wear, and road conditions in real-time. These data-driven smart tires enable predictive maintenance, extend tire life, and optimize energy efficiency, addressing EV-specific needs like higher torque and weight. Bridgestone's Turanza 6, with ENLITEN technology, reduces tire weight and rolling resistance, contributing to improved EV range and lower emissions [4].
Multi-layer tread architectures and hybrid filler systems optimize the combination of fillers such as carbon black, silica, and graphite in multi-layer tread designs, reconciling the competing demands of low rolling resistance, wet grip safety, and durability. This challenge to the historic compromise in tire technology is evident in advancements like Michelin's e.Primacy All-Season, which demonstrates 25% greater efficiency and EV compatibility without compromising tread life or grip [3].
Proper tire recycling and disposal methods can prevent the accumulation of tires in landfills, reducing the risk of fires and hazardous chemical leaching. Retreading is a low-energy option for extending tire life. Major tire manufacturer Bridgestone aims to contribute to global CO2 emissions reduction across its product lifecycle and value chain, exceeding five times its operational emissions by 2030.
Silica derived from rice husk ash is used in green tire technology and can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 50% compared to traditional sand-based silica. New materials, including advanced forms of silica and nanomaterials, are at the forefront of green tire technology. Chemical recycling of tires is used to produce carbon black and synthetic oils with up to 80% lower carbon footprint than virgin materials.
Nanogels are used to enhance abrasion resistance, grip, and rolling resistance in green tires. Proper tire maintenance, including keeping tires properly inflated, is crucial to fully leverage green tire technology benefits, improving fuel efficiency, enhancing tire durability, and reducing fine particulate emissions.
Green tires can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, potentially cutting global fuel consumption from passenger vehicles by up to 5%, reducing over 100 million metric tons of greenhouse gases annually. The development of green tires represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and survivable future for humanity in the face of climate change.
The tire industry is focusing on sustainable production methods, such as the increased use of renewable materials like wood lignin and soybean oil. Improved fuel efficiency from green tires could lead to annual fuel savings of 30 billion liters, representing a cost saving of about US$30 billion. For years, tire manufacturers have sought to reduce rolling resistance to improve fuel efficiency and promote environmental sustainability.
Several countries, including the United States, China, South Korea, and Japan, have implemented tire standards, rating/labeling systems, and correct pressure programs to increase consumer awareness and promote the adoption of energy-efficient tires. Green tires will play a vital role in reducing the environmental impact of both conventional and electric vehicles as the world transitions to more sustainable transportation systems.
- The development of green tires contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, potentially saving 30 billion liters of fuel annually, amounting to a cost saving of approximately US$30 billion.
- By combining carbon black, thermally exfoliated graphite, and modified silica, new materials in green tire technology significantly reduce hysteresis losses, leading to reduced rolling resistance, heat buildup, and improved wet grip performance.
- Proper tire maintenance, including keeping tires properly inflated, is crucial to maximize the benefits of green tire technology, improving fuel efficiency and extending tire life.
- Green tires are essential for a more sustainable and survivable future in the face of climate change, as the industry focuses on sustainable production methods, such as using renewable materials like wood lignin and soybean oil.
