Tag: research
Linglong’s graphene tyre research audited
Research on graphene rubber composites, conducted by Linglong Tire and Beijing University of Chemical Technology has been audited by the Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission, according to the tyre company.
Expert questions tyre role in marine pollution claims
Professor Richard Thompson OBE, who leads the International Marine Research Unit at the University of Plymouth, has questioned claims made by the Marine Conservation Society relating the role played by tyre wear in marine microplastic pollution.
Hankook: 73% of US drivers want self-inflating tyres
In December Hankook Tire USA released its latest quarterly Gauge Index Survey. Regarding tyre technology it found that 73 per cent of Americans would like to see future tyres self-inflate as part of a smart self-regulating Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Further, 44 per cent of respondents expressed interest in a self-repairing tyre.
Dr Alan Muhr awarded the Hancock Medal
Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC)'s Dr Alan Muhr, who is Head of the Engineering Design Unit, has been awarded the Hancock Medal 2018 for his outstanding service to the rubber industry by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in London (IOM3) in London.
TIF to participate in government call for evidence on surface wear
The Tyre Industry Federation (TIF), which represents the UK tyre industry on issues of common concern, has confirmed its support and participation in the Department for Transport (DfT) and Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) ‘Call for evidence on brake, tyre and road surface wear’.
Yokohama Rubber reports on joint rubber research
The results of joint research projects undertaken between Yokohama Rubber and two universities in Thailand since 2013 were announced at The International Polymer Conference of Thailand 2018 (PCT-8) in June. The joint research projects were conducted with researchers at Mahidol University and Prince of Songkla University and focused upon ensuring stable, reliable supplies of natural rubber.
Government to research tyre ageing
Roads Minister Jesse Norman has announced the government is investing a reported £250,000 in the first publicly funded research into tyre ageing. On 1 March a Department for Transport statement said it has commissioned “independent scientific research which will provide a fuller picture on the safety of tyres as they get older”.
£80 million funding for national battery facility
A partnership between WMG, at the University of Warwick, Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and Coventry City Council has been awarded £80 million to establish a new National Battery Manufacturing Development Facility (NBMDF). The announcement was made by The Rt Hon Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, while attending an energy conference on the University of Warwick campus on Wednesday 29 November 2017.
Pirelli and Politecnico Milan renew research partnership
Pirelli and the University of Milan have renewed a new three-year research deal signed by Marco Tronchetti Provera – Pirelli’s executive vice chairman and CEO – and Ferruccio Resta, rector of the Politecnico University. The original Joint Labs agreement dates back to 2011 with the aim of developing innovative tyre technology for the future.
Global TBR market to reach $152.4 billion by 2027
Smithers' "The Future of Global Truck Tires to 2027" research reports that the value of this sector will reach $107.6 billion in 2017. With year-on-year growth forecast at 3.5 per cent across the next decade, this will reach $152.4 billion in 2027. After adjusting for price and raw material fluctuations, gains in tyre manufacturing productivity, and then consumer potential of greater value adding features; volume consumption of all truck tires will increase at a rate of 3.2 per cent per year from 2017–2027.
Briton James Walker puts Dunlop mindset to test on return to Nordschleife
British racing driver James Walker will return to the gruelling Nürburgring after a four-year hiatus, driving a Dunlop-shod BMW 235i in the ultra-competitive VLN series. After a successful 15-year career spanning single seaters and sportscars, Walker moved his family back to Jersey and gave up racing, until being tempted back to racing in Germany on 22-23 September.
ChemChina signs Industry 4.0 MOU with Fraunhofer
On August 1, 2017 China National Chemical Equipment (CNCE; also known as ChemChian) and Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (Fraunhofer) under Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft signed a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Munich. According to the MOU, the two sides will cooperate with each other in the fields of new chemical materials, intelligent manufacturing, automation and information technology.
‘Hybrid’ rubber offers hope of self-healing tyres
The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) encourages us to “imagine a tyre that could heal after being punctured,” and a team from the school has done more than just imagine – according to SEAS, its researchers have “developed a new type of rubber that is as tough as natural rubber but can also self-heal.”
Two thirds of drivers unaware of tyre labelling
New research from Milton Keynes-based Just Tyres reveals drivers’ awareness of 2012’s EU tyre label legislation is low. More than two thirds (67 per cent) of drivers are unaware of EU legislation and only just under a sixth of drivers (15.5 per cent) even knew that the legislation existed. Back in 2012, the tyre industry experienced a major shake up when EU tyre labelling for all UK tyre manufacturers, distributors and retailers was introduced. From then on, every tyre needed to be tested and measured for three specific ratings; fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise levels.
Computer simulations shed light on fine particles from tyres and brakes
A study based on collaboration between Swiss technical university Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Cornell University has examined the fine particles produced by adhesive wear, using computer simulations to identify how these particles form. Researchers hope that their work – which they call a “breakthrough” – may lead to cost savings and environmental benefits.