When it comes to tires, consumers want longer tread life, a smooth and quiet ride, fuel economy and consistent performance. All of these traits are hallmarks of a tire that maintains optimal air pressure, or simply stated—keeps the air in the tires.
Today's tires are a complex piece of construction, and regardless of the tire model, it's the job of the inner liner to contain the air in the tire. There is a wide variation in air retention performance among tires, but in all types of tires, it is concluded that the key parameters driving air retention properties in the inner liner are halobutyl content, gauge and tire operating temperature.