Bridgestone partners with Dow to develop ‘breakthrough’ tyre sealant

Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) and Dow recently announced that they have partnered to develop B-Seals, a silicone-based tyre sealant. According to the two companies, B-Seals can be efficiently separated from tyres to promote tyre repairability after a puncture. In addition, the technology is designed to enable end-of-life tyre recycling and extended tyre life.

The fruit of over four years of joint research and development between the two companies, B-Seals technology is designed to provide sealant performance in the event of a puncture without compromising sustainability. Unlike conventional sealants that are difficult to separate from tires, this silicone-based sealant can be efficiently removed after application, promoting tire repairability and potentially extending the amount of time a tire is in service. Because it’s removable and recyclable, B-Seals sealant technology also supports end-of-life tire recycling and enables tire material circularity.

Approximately, one-third of all new passenger vehicles sold in the US are not equipped with a spare tyre, leading to increased demand for extended mobility solutions such as self-sealing and run-flat tyre technologies. Bridgestone will initially offer tyres with B-Seals sealant technology to original equipment manufacturers looking to reduce vehicle weight and improve overall efficiency as more electric vehicles come to market.

“We envision a future where tires are the ultimate enablers of sustainable mobility,” said Nizar Trigui, Chief Technology Officer and Group President, Solutions Businesses, Bridgestone Americas. “Not only will tyres be able to self-seal following a puncture, but we are also developing technologies that will relay real-time tyre health information to a driver or fleet manager so that they can make more informed vehicle maintenance decisions. Our collaboration with Dow demonstrates how we’re using innovation and collaboration to make mobility safer, more efficient and more sustainable.”

“Dow is delighted to commercialize the world’s first silicone self-sealing tyre solution to better provide passengers with safety, durability, comfort, and sustainability benefits,” said Charlie Zimmer, Global Business Director of Dow Performance Silicones & Specialty Materials. “As a global materials science leader, we look forward to a strong collaboration with Bridgestone to enable sustainable mobility through our novel tire solution — advancing our collective journey to a carbon-neutral world.”

B-Seals is scheduled to make its debut at the 2022 Silicone Expo in Detroit USA (21-23 June).