Trinseo (NYSE: TSE), a global materials solutions provider and manufacturer of plastics, latex binders and synthetic rubber, will demonstrate how its proprietary functionalization platform is enabling the tire value chain to produce higher performing, more sustainable tires, at this year’s Tire Technology Expo; Europe’s most important tire manufacturing technology exhibition and conference.
Trinseo’s functionalized SSBRs are making a significant contribution to the production of more energy-efficient tires, which enable the reduction of CO2 vehicle emissions in their use phase. This makes them an ideal solution to current megatrends and legislation affecting the global tire industry, satisfying demand for synthetic rubber solutions that are as high performing as they are sustainable.
Andre Lanning, Global Business Director, Synthetic Rubber, Trinseo, explained: “Disruptive megatrends such as autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification and shared mobility (ACES), are continually pushing tire performance requirements. In addition, new legislation such as fleet vehicle emission targets in the EU are creating a rise in e-mobility, while many of our customers are pursuing ambitious long-term goals to reach up to 100% sustainability in the next few decades. At Trinseo, our role is to work in collaboration with tire manufacturers all over the world to deliver commercial solutions to these challenges.”
Trinseo’s functionalized SSBRs push the boundaries of rolling resistance thanks to proprietary functionalization technology for better silica and carbon black interaction leading to considerable improvements in hysteresis properties. They also contribute to reduced braking distance, while also substantially reducing abrasion in tires.
An effective example at Tire Technology Expo is Trinseo’s SPRINTAN™ SLR 3402, which is versatile to suit the development of high-performance winter tires as well as serve as low TG blend components in summer and all-season tires, thanks to its particular microstructure. SPRINTAN™ SLR 3402 is increasingly being used in truck and bus applications as a partial replacement for Natural Rubber for enhanced energy efficiency, therefore extending its utility from PCR towards TBR. The result is an improvement in performance, predominantly balancing rolling resistance, and wear reduction.
In addition to low Tg functionalized polymers Trinseo’s recently launched SPRINTAN™ 918S as the choice for UHP displaying multi-functionalization technology to reduce rolling resistance and improve wet grip for ultra-high performance tires used on premium cars and SUVs. Special care has been taken in the product design to also address processability in addition to outstanding tire performance.
Sandra Hofmann, Director of Technology & Innovation, Synthetic Rubber, Trinseo, commented: “Low rolling resistance will remain a key requirement for all tire applications and sizes in light of legislative changes implemented in 2020, putting even greater emphasis on allowable vehicle emissions. We are focused in supporting our customers in the performance tire market, leveraging our proprietary functionalization technology and expertise to contribute to sustainable mobility, not only with emphasis on low rolling resistance but also tackling improvements in wear performance. Moving forward, we take our contribution to sustainability to the next level, going beyond the sole focus on performance and address what our SSBRs are made from. We aim to be a forerunner to enable our customers to achieve their ambitious long-term sustainability goals.”
Tire Technology Expo will take place February 25-27, 2020 in Hanover, Germany. Trinseo will exhibit in Hall 20 at Booth C130.