A nanoparticle paves the way for the next generation of tires

The year 2022 was marked by significant breakthroughs in science explored by researchers at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). One of them is paving the way for the next generation of tires.

In collaboration with Goodyear, LIST has revisited the tire tread skeleton called the silica percolation network. Using a new modified dendritic silica nanoparticle, LIST achieved better results than conventional rubber/silica nanocomposites and paved the way for the next generation of tires with better traction and lower rolling resistance.

"Our study builds upon the knowledge acquired and published in our previous articles, and presents for the first time the synthesis of a regio-selectively modified dendritic silica particle and its impact on tire tread rubber silica nanocomposite. Within this work, we have outperformed the classical rubber / silica model composites and have paved the way for decreasing rolling resistance and improving grip of the next generation of tire." Jean-Sébastien THOMANN, Leader of the Powder and Colloids Engineering Group

The application of such a charging system for the reinforcement of tire rubber opens up new prospects for the design of tires with low rolling resistance and competitive traction together with sustainable performance. This study was published in the Chemical Engineering Journal and the particles are patented.

Discover more success stories in the digital version of the LIST 2022 annual report.