Goodyear using soybean oil-based rubber in tyres

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is using soubean-oil based rubber in the development of tyre products in conjunction with the United Soybean Board (USB). The USB is a group of farmer-directors who oversee the investments of a checkoff programme on behalf of all US soybean farmers. The USB provided some funding support for the development of Goodyear’s soybean oil application in tyres.

The first commercial use of a new soybean oil-based rubber compound is helping Goodyear enhance tyre performance in dry, wet and winter conditions. A Goodyear team of scientists and engineers created a tread compound, or formulation, using soybean oil, which is naturally derived, cost-effective, carbon-neutral and renewable.

“Goodyear’s legacy of innovation drives us to continue to apply new technology solutions, developing superior performing tires that meet consumer demands,” said Eric Mizner, Goodyear’s director of global materials science.

By employing soybean oil in tyres, Goodyear found a new way to help keep the rubber compound pliable in changing temperatures, a key performance achievement in maintaining and enhancing the vehicle’s grip on the road surface.

Goodyear’s tests have shown rubber made with soybean oil mixes more easily in the silica-reinforced compounds used in manufacturing certain tyres. This also improves manufacturing efficiency and reduces energy consumption.

In addition to soybean oil, Goodyear is has worked with components such as carbon fibre, DuPont Kevlar and volcanic sand.