The development partners did not comment on the new sealant technology's efficacy versus existing rubber-based sealants other than to say it provides "excellent" sealant performance in the event of a puncture.
Development of the new sealing technology ties into Bridgestone's strategy of being "ultimate enablers of sustainable mobility," according to Nizar Trigui, chief technology officer and group president, Solutions Businesses, Bridgestone Americas.
Approximately, one-third of all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. are not equipped with a spare tire, Bridgestone said, leading to increased demand for extended-mobility solutions such as self-sealing and run-flat tire technologies.
Bridgestone initially will offer tires with B-Seal-S sealant technology to original equipment manufacturers looking to reduce vehicle weight and improve overall efficiency as more electric vehicles come to market.
Intriguingly, Bridgestone already has tires in the marketplace with the B-Seal technology. In July 2020 the company announced the Volkswagen A.G. was equipping its all-electric ID.3 passenger vehicle with Enliten technology-based Turanza Eco tires, which were built with the B-Seal sealant technology.
In addition to offering tires with self-sealing properties, Bridgestone is developing technologies that will relay real-time tire health information to drivers or fleet managers, Trigui said, so they can make more informed vehicle maintenance decisions.
"Our collaboration with Dow demonstrates how we're using innovation and collaboration to make mobility safer, more efficient and more sustainable," he said.
"Dow is delighted to commercialize the world's first silicone self-sealing tire solution to better provide passengers with safety, durability, comfort, and sustainability benefits," Charlie Zimmer, global business director of Dow Performance Silicones & Specialty Materials, said.
Dow and Bridgestone plan to introduce the extended-mobility solution at the 2022 Silicone Expo in Detroit, June 21-23.
