New Compound Improves Energy Efficiency in Tyres

ExxonMobil Chemical today announced the start-up of a manufacturing facility at its existing site in Pensacola, Fla., that provides new capacity for the production of a new tyre material technology that the company says can improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

“Tyre inner liners made with the new material, Exxcore dynamically vulcanized alloy (DVA), achieve leading-edge air retention with less material. This reduces air loss between fillings and helps conserve energy and resources for future generations,” said Art Sullivan, vice president of ExxonMobil Chemical Butyl Polymers Business.

Specifically, Exxcore DVA enables better fuel economy from significantly improved tyre inflation pressure retention and improved rolling resistance, according to the company. If all vehicle tyres on the road in the U.S. had an IPR of 1.5%, it would represent a significant potential annual fuel savings of over 700 million gallons and a reduction in greenhouse gases of over 6 million tons per year, equivalent to taking over a million cars off the road. Exxcore(TM) DVA can help achieve these savings.

ExxonMobil Chemical’s development partner, Yokohama Rubber Co., plans to begin manufacturing tires with Exxcore DVA inner liners later this year. In addition, Cheng Shin Rubber Company, the manufacturer of the MAXXIS brand, plans to debut a higher-performance, lower-IPR tyre with the new inner liner material in 2009. (Tire Review/Akron)