Optimization of ESBR Tire Tread Formulation - Part I: Interaction Between the Vulcanization Chemicals and Different Low-PAH Oils

Because of the global efforts that have been needed to reformulate tire tread compounds with low-PAH oils, 2010 can be seen as a milestone in terms of tire tread compound development. While the tire industry now faces new challenges in terms of cost reduction, reduced fuel consumption and improved safety and durability, the need to optimize tire tread formulations even further is still present, especially in view of a global tire labeling system that would rate consumer tires.

In this work, we discuss the interaction between the vulcanization chemicals used in a typical ESBR tire formulation on one hand, and several low-PAH oils on the other. The physical and dynamic properties of tire tread compounds extended with different low-PAH oils are compared to a reference tire tread compound extended with highly aromatic oil. The study, made on two vulcanization systems, shows that the composition of various low-PAH oils has a direct effect on rubber curing and that an adequate optimization of the proportions of vulcanization chemicals is required in order to obtain enhanced rubber properties and optimal tire wet traction, rolling resistance and abrasion.