Green Cords: A Renaissance In Tire Building
Bonding of textile fibers to elastomeric matrices has always been important to get satisfactory performance of many heavy-duty Mechanical Rubber Goods especially like Tires.
Adhesive formulations with high fatigue resistance and compatibility with different kinds of rubber compounds are the most critical factors expected from an adhesive system.
Treatment of the cords with Resorcinol-Formaldehyde-Latex (RFL) solutions to reach satisfactory adhesion to rubber is the general practice in the industry.
Among the ingredients, Formaldehyde is the simplest but highly reactive and toxic organic compound.
Despite increasing environmental and safety concerns, no other adhesive system had so far been developed as an alternative to Resorcinol-Formaldehyde-based adhesives, which have been widely applied since 1935.
However, in the coming years and with the upcoming regulations, Formaldehyde-free adhesives or adhesives with reduced Formaldehyde emissions are expected to strengthen their position in the market.
Similarly, acceptable levels of Formaldehyde emissions from products such as wood panels have been continuously reduced.
To meet future regulatory requirements, Kordsa Global developed a new RF-free adhesive dip solution system under the “Green Products” program.
Instead of toxic Resorcinol and Formaldehyde, the new formula uses greener chemicals, which are in conformity with REACH regulations.
Latest performance tests show us the mechanical properties of RF-free dipped cords are either superior or comparable to those conventional RFL-dipped cords.
Tire Test Results:
Green Cords Tire Test Report – FEB / 2016
(REF: P 195 65 R/15 H speed rated tire tested by one of our customer in US)
Overview:
Goal: Compare adhesion and failure mode of RFL and Non-RFL cord dip
Evaluate dips on single-end-cord cap strip via DOT type testing on radials
i. DOT H Rating test to failure
ii. DOT H Rating test, one step prior to failure
Conclusions:
(Voice of the Tire Manufacturer)
The scope of these tests was to compare adhesion between RFL dipped cap strip cords and RF Free dipped cap strip cords. Lab tested adhesion values were equal between RFL and RF Free. The tire used for the study is an H Rated radial which must pass 130 mph. All of the tires tested passed H rating and passed up to and including 160 mph. The RFL tire failed in the 166 mph step. Failure was between the belts. No tire showed adhesion failure at the cap strip. In our opinion, both the RFL and RF Free dips provide sufficient adhesion for use in production tires.
Green Tire
Beyond this progress, transforming this green cord approach to Green Tire is now being discussed. Thanks to growing public awareness on the topic.
As of 1st November 2012, all passenger tires sold in the European Union have been labelled with an official EU tire label.
In the near future, we can expect an additional parameter on the labels to contain specific information regarding «Green Performance», which consists of Green Raw Material Selection during production processes.
Furthermore, we should not be surprised when we encounter Green Tires on the roads to emphasize environmental friendliness.
As Reinforcer, Kordsa is now ready to reinforce the tire industry with its sophisticated green dip formulation; not only to create value for its customers but also to create value to the community it belongs to...