How do anti-degradants protect tyres?

Anti-degradants are chemical substances that protect tyres against the effects of sun, oxygen and ozone. Rubber is vulcanised by adding sulphur, which makes the compound more elastic. Steel wire ensures an air tight connection between the tyre and the rim.

What chemicals are found in Tyre Rubber?

Chemical analysis of tyre material has also revealed that metals such as Zn, Fe and Ca can be present in different concentrations. A large variety of other chemical substances are also added to tyre rubber : vulcanising agents, accelerators, retardants, pigments, fillers, reinforcing agents, softeners, anti-oxidants, anti-ozonants and desiccants.

Why do tyre manufacturers use natural and synthetic rubber?

Tyre manufacturers use a combination of natural and synthetic rubber because both have properties that are important in tyres, and it is currently impossible to fully substitute natural rubber with synthetic – for example, aircraft tyres are made of 100 per cent natural rubber.

What type of rubber is used for car tyres?

Natural rubber is used for car tyres, but except for tyre base it is supplemented by other rubbers. Typically tyre tread is 50% natural rubber and 50% styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The tyre base is 100% natural rubber.

Are rubber tyres vulcanised?

Oil-based plasticizers (safe oils, so not carcinogenic) are used to modify the hardness and stiffness of tyres. Anti-degradants are chemical substances that protect tyres against the effects of sun, oxygen and ozone. Rubber is vulcanised by adding sulphur, which makes the compound more elastic.

Which tyres are best for wet surfaces?

Due to these properties, for example, more natural rubber is used in winter tyres than in summer tyres. A large part of the tyre – approximately a quarter – consists of fillers. For instance, carbon black and silica. They are used to strengthen and reinforce the rubber compound. Silica is actually better suited for wet surfaces than carbon black.