High Performance Silica Tread with Next Generation Process Additives

The requirements to improve Original Equipment (OE) tire performance have compelled tire manufacturers to develop new tread formulations.  These new formulations contain increased filler loadings, higher surface area silicas, as well as high structure carbon blacks along with various silane coupling agents.

The new tread compounds are designed to provide increased wet and dry traction, superior snow traction and extended tread wear.  Although these new compounds have provided better performance in many areas, they have also presented some unique processing challenges, from the Banbury mixing to the extrusion of the final product. 

Struktol Company of America, a leader in process additives for more than 30 years, has developed a range of products to aid in the mixing and downstream processing of the new generation of coupled silica compounds while enhancing performance properties.