MAASTRICHT, Netherlands—Arlanxeo, a global manufacturer of synthetic elastomers, developed a rubber compound that can be used in the future to seal tires.
The solution for so-called self-sealing tires replaces the spare wheel and also presents an alternative to a repair kit or run-flat tire, according to an Arlanxeo release.
An appropriate rubber compound, applied on the interior of the vehicle tire, enables holes occurring in the tire to be automatically sealed, so the driver can continue driving.
As a spare tire and the corresponding tools are no longer required, the weight of the vehicle and subsequently also its energy consumption are further reduced, said Frank Lueckgen, global marketing director tire in the business unit tire and specialty rubbers at Arlanxeo.
"In the case of electric vehicles, this can result in a longer range, for example," Lueckgen said.
The compound developed by Arlanxeo is applied on the interior of the tire. If a sharp object causes a hole in the tire, the rubber compound can seal the defect automatically. The tire is sealed immediately, regardless of the location and environment, while the car is moving.
Arlanxeo currently is carrying out further tests in extreme conditions following successful laboratory tests to ensure that the compound can guarantee optimal sealing in various climate zones and speeds, said Matthias Gotta, head of global sales and marketing in BU-TSR.
