A New Nanocomposite Rubber Liner for Tires

Halobutyl rubber is used as an inner liner for tubeless automotive tires because of its low permeability to gases and good compatibility with other tire materials. However, at high pressures and over prolonged time periods, tires leak. Factors such as under-inflation and heat are major contributors to tire damage. While the tires are slowly losing air pressure, consumers also do not maintain correct tire air pressures. A new halobutyl rubber liner with an increased barrier properties towards air would maintain appropriate air pressures for longer times, prolonging the integrity of tires. TDA Research, Inc., proposes to develop additives that will improve the barrier properties of halobutyl rubber. We have developed modified organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposites that when added to polymers, improve their barrier properties and toughness while maintaining their flexibility and low cost. Our nanocomposites can be incorporated into current rubber formulations, allowing minimal changes to existing processing methods. These hybrid materials are available from inexpensive starting materials and would allow development of safer tires with longer lifetimes, addressing a current transportation safety need