Liquid Rubbers Utility in Tire Formulation

Kuraray has developed a series of liquid rubber products with molecular weights ranging from a few thousands to a hundred thousand. These polymers, which consist of isoprene, butadiene, styrene and a new, bio-based monomer “Farnesene”, can be used by rubber manufacturers to achieve improvements in processing and physical properties. The most valuable physical property enhancement liquid butadiene rubber offers is a performance improvement in wet and ice grip, as well as plasticizing effect. Moreover, liquid Farnesene rubber contributes to advantaged vehicle fuel economy through reduction in tire rolling resistance. The application of each liquid rubber product in tire formulations is explained in the following presentation.