Conference Program

Day 1: Tuesday, February 25

09:00

Introduction

Tony Robinson
Chairman & CEO, UKi Media & Events, and founder of Tire Technology Expo
UK

09:10

09:40

The role of intelligent tires in future mobility and transportation

Dr Hans Dorfi
Director of digital engineering
Bridgestone Americas
USA

Bridgestone is committed to easier, safer, smoother and seamless mobility for our society and customers. Innovative technology is a key enabler to deliver on this commitment, and Bridgestone is at the forefront of the mobility transformation driven by multiple converging megatrends. The role of tires in this future mobility ecosystem will become increasingly important to deliver a safer, smarter and more efficient transportation experience that also improves social and environmental outcomes. The presentation will discuss the innovative digital technologies Bridgestone is developing to enable this future mobility experience.

10:10

Michelin UPTIS prototype takes the air out of the tire

Cyrille Jean-Paul Roget
Scientific and innovation communication director
Michelin
France

In the world of new motilities and growing environmental challenges, the automotive industry is facing an unprecedented transformation, giving rise to new fields of innovation in sustainable mobility. In this context, the tire industry is facing paradigm shifts and needs to adapt its product offer, innovating in the area of energy efficiency, reduced maintenance cost and material consumption. Michelin UPTIS, a puncture-proof airless prototype for passenger cars, paves the road to this future. As a demonstration of Michelin’s proficiency in the high-tech materials domain, UPTIS revolutionizes the airless world, which was previously unachievable in passenger cars.

10:40 - 11:00

11:00

Material innovation on Controlling Aging Reaction Technology

Dr Bernd Löwenhaupt
Managing director
Sumitomo Rubber Europe GmbH
Germany

Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd has developed an innovative rubber compound that emerged from Controlling Aging Reaction Technology based on its Smart Tyre concept. Along with the technology, the company has successfully made it possible to keep the initial tire performances, contributing to the high robustness of tires coupled with the sensing core, long-term maintenance-free in Society 5.0, and to long-term safety in the MaaS society.

11:30

A novel subjective-objective approach for assessment of tire performance

Dr Giovanni Caputi-Gennaro
Vehicle dynamics - tire development engineer
Automobili Lamborghini SpA
Italy

A novel methodology is proposed for evaluation of tire performance by vehicle testing. The core of the methodology is a combined subjective-objective test approach. Unconstrained maneuvers performed by factory drivers are processed to isolate bits of significant statistics about tire behavior. A distinguishing feature of such a perspective is that no attempt is made to correlate subjective ratings with the usual vehicle dynamics KPI. Indeed, tailored metrics are defined in order to address the vehicle handling issues claimed to be the most significant by Lamborghini factory drivers. The reliability and physical consistency of the outcomes are promising. The presentation will discuss potential implications for tire development and optimization of tire virtual models.

12:00

Leading change to cope with the future mobility challenges

Eduardo Minardi
Founder
Minardi Global
UK

After summarizing the impact of technology and mobility megatrends on the tire business, the presenter will share his conceptual framework to lead change in coping with those challenges. He will convey how leadership, vision, culture and governance systems are linked and can support new strategic roadmaps and transformations. The speaker has global executive and CEO-level experience on different continents, having contributed to transforming large premium-brand tire businesses.

12:30

13:00 - 14:00

14:00

Tires and road surfaces in the age of electric vehicles

Dr Ulf Sandberg
Senior research scientist
Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)
Sweden

With the shift from fossil-fuel vehicles to electric vehicles, which is expected in the next few decades, tires will have to be optimized somewhat differently than they are today. The most important change in optimization may be the increased focus on low rolling resistance, as this allows a greater operating range until recharging. It will be more important to keep inflation optimal for reducing rolling resistance, while not sacrificing other performances, which calls for more precise inflation pressure sensors and monitoring in the vehicle. Tire treads are likely to be thinner and have lower hysteresis losses. Airless tires may provide some solutions.

14:30

The rise of the emerging markets: tire market outlook

Robert Simmons
Managing director
LMC Tyre & Rubber
UK

The axis of growth for the tire market is changing from the developed markets to the emerging markets. Vehicle sales and parc (vehicles in use) are increasing tire sales in the emerging markets. In addition, exports from low-cost to high-cost markets are further supporting tire production growth in these markets. The paper will examine these trends and how slowing economic growth and the use of anti-dumping duties is altering these trends.

15:00

The impact of autonomous vehicles on tires to 2029

Bruce Lambillotte
Vice president of technical consulting
Smithers
USA

Autonomous vehicle development is evolving at a rapid pace, with some specialty applications already on the road today. From reliability to key data inputs, the tire will have an important role to play in the autonomous system going forward. Based on Smithers’ newest market study, the presentation will delve into market dynamics that are affecting the gradual introduction of autonomous vehicles around the world. In addition, the discussion will explore sensor technologies, challenges facing development engineers, and how tire designs must adjust to accommodate these new requirements.

15:30 - 16:30

Panel - The Tire Revolution: Rudi Hein - Chair

Rudi Hein
Independent tire expert (retired)
VDI
Germany

Dr Hans Dorfi
Director of digital engineering
Bridgestone Americas
USA

Cyrille Jean-Paul Roget
Scientific and innovation communication director
Michelin
France

Prof Burkhard Wies
Vice president R&D PLT replacement worldwide
Continental
Germany

Bruce Lambillotte
Vice president of technical consulting
Smithers
USA

Dr Gerald Potts
Principal
GRP Dynamics LLC
USA

Day 1: Tuesday, February 25

Moderator

Prof Ulrich Giese
Managing director
Deutsches Institut für Kautschuktechnologie eV
Germany

10:30

Physical and chemical analysis for Controlling Aging Reaction Technology

Dr Shinya Nakano
Assistant manager
Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd
Japan

Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd has developed Controlling Aging Reaction Technology (CART), contributing to the high robustness of tires coupled with the Sensing Core, long-term maintenance-free in Society 5.0, and to long-term safety in the MaaS society. Using original wear tester and synchrotron x-ray radiation, we have elucidated the physical and chemical degradation called mechano-chemical reaction which occurs on the rubber surfaces during friction and wear. We have developed a completely new compound that has controlled the mechano-chemical reaction.

10:55

Influence of morphology and fillers on the aging of rubber blends

Prof Ulrich Giese
Managing director
Deutsches Institut für Kautschuktechnologie eV
Germany

The aging stability of the properties of modern tire compounds is particularly important for the actual situation of p-phenylendiamines as environmentally critical substances. For improvement of the elastomer properties, different rubbers are usually combined in a blend system. The effect on the aging behavior is investigated in dependency on the type of rubbers, the blend morphology and blend ratio using different chemical analytical methods and micro indentation for high spatial resolution. Furthermore, the effect of fillers is investigated. Fillers have a limiting effect on the DLO effect or they play a role as oxygen carrier or catalyst.

11:20

Mechanical properties of reinforced rubber by conventional filler and cellulose nanofiber

Tomoyuki Sakai
Manager
The Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd
Japan

Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd has been researching sustainable materials for rubber as one of the eco-friendly companies. We prepared reinforced SBR by conventional fillers with the addition of TEMPO oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCN), which were modified from paper pulp. The tensile stress of the reinforced rubbers markedly increased without a decrease in fracture characteristics. We will discuss how to improve their mechanical properties by microscopic observation and by examining the bound rubber of the interface between SBR matrix rubber and TOCN.

11:45

Non-destructive innovative methodologies for tire characterization at UniNa Tyre Lab CANCELLED

Dr Antonio Maiorano
PhD student
University of Naples Federico II
Italy

Knowledge of tire tread viscoelastic behavior is fundamental for the optimization of vehicle performance and safety. These properties are usually characterized by means of DMA applied to a tire tread sample. Therefore, the possibility to perform non-destructive analyses is an attractive solution in automotive for cost, time and integrity reasons. In recent years new methodologies, illustrated in the presentation, have been deeply investigated at UniNa Tyre Lab to characterize a tire within the temperature and frequency ranges of interest and extrapolate the final master curves for tire block-road modeling.

12:10

Resin-polymer compatibility and partitioning as a tool for optimizing tread CANCELLED

Gennaro Della Vecchia
Group leader application development and technical service for tire additives in Europe and the Americas
Eastman Chemical Company
Belgium

Compatibility between a hydrocarbon resin and a given polymer system strongly depends on the chemical structure of both the resin and the polymer. The impact of polymer-resin compatibility on tire compound performance is examined for both miscible and immiscible polymer blends. Optimized resins can boost dynamic performance, including wet grip, rolling resistance, wear and processing. For immiscible polymer systems, resins can partition between the polymer phases, influencing compound performance and reducing performance trade-offs. Understanding resin-polymer compatibility and resin partitioning can provide insights into potential tread performance and is a powerful tool to help compounders optimize tread formulations.

12:35

New functionalized SSBR for HP and UHP tires

Dr Thomas Stratton
Compound and tire application leader
Trinseo Deutschland GmbH
Germany

From a rubber compound perspective, hysteresis is primarily caused by unbound polymer chain-end segments and loops in the cross-linked rubber, as well as by insufficiently distributed fillers. Multi-functionalized SSBR reduces the hysteresis loss; but conversely, compound viscosity is often increased. Therefore, Trinseo scientists have developed a new polymer technology that combines high performance with low viscosity, smooth sheet appearance and good extrusion characteristics. Taken together, these properties will enable compounders to stretch the performance triangle for HP and UHP tires. This presentation will describe the unique properties of, and compounding recommendations for, Trinseo's new SPRINTAN 918S.

13:00 - 14:00

14:00

Functionalized liquid rubber for tire formulations

Marcel Gruendken
Manager EMEA MD&TS, R&D and regulatory affairs
Kuraray Europe GmbH
Germany

Kuraray has developed a series of liquid rubber products with molecular weights ranging from a few thousand to a hundred thousand. These polymers, which consist of isoprene, butadiene and styrene and a new, bio-based farnesene, can be used by tire manufacturers to achieve improvements in processing and tire performance. This presentation includes newly developed liquid rubbers with a reactive silane group in the polymer chain that can interact with silica in tire formulations. These liquid rubbers offer, for example, advantageous vehicle fuel economy through reduction in tire rolling resistance.

14:25

Process control for the in situ silanization of silica in tread compounds

Andreas Schröder
Head of AT new technologies
Lanxess Deutschland GmbH
Germany

The in situ silanization of silica in an internal mixer is a temperature-sensitive process. The mixing temperature of the rubber compounds needs to be above 140°C for effective coupling of the silane to the silica surface. On the other hand, sulfur-containing silanes tend to react with the polymer chains above 160°C. The Rhenowave inline process control based on the ultrasound technique is sensitive to both reactions of the silane. The quality control can be done immediately after batch-off by extrusion, preventing scrape.

14:50

In situ experiments to study cavitation in tire rubber vulcanizates

Eric Euchler
PhD student
Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research
Germany

Different experimental techniques were applied to study the mechanical response and failure behavior of styrene-butadiene-rubber (SBR) vulcanizates. Using in situ dilatometry and x-ray microtomography as well as small-angle x-ray scattering experiments, the internal damaging process was characterized in disk-shaped pancake and pre-cracked notched planar specimens, respectively. The number and size of single defects, as well as their integral volume contribution, were studied for unfilled and carbon black reinforced SBR vulcanizates. The results were that microstructural network constraints were found to have an effect on damaging comparable to that induced by geometrical constraints.

15:15 - 16:00

16:00

Surface-modified carbon black for new opportunities in tread compound design

Dr Hauke Westenberg
Manager compounding rubber
Orion Engineered Carbons GmbH
Germany

Novel filler systems developed by Orion Engineered Carbons enable improved rolling resistance indicators like heat build-up, tan δ and rebound at 60°C. Up to 50% in reduction of tan δ has been observed while excellent rubber reinforcement required for abrasion resistance was maintained. This is enabled mainly by smart surface modification of the filler, which translates into higher bound rubber at the filler surface. New surface-modified CB grades and compounds containing these grades will be presented. The compounds offer interesting benefits over conventional unmodified carbon black or silica/silane-based rubber.

16:25

Tire polymer simulation for thermo and mechanical property prediction

Dr Caroline Krauter
Senior applications scientist
Schrödinger GmbH
Germany

Polymers such as styrene-butadiene copolymers and vulcanized elastomers provide the core properties for tires. The connection between monomer chemistry, polymer microstructure and the network with the properties of the macroscopic materials is critical for the design of better polymeric products. Chemically informed simulation methods provide key tools for building these connections and have been enabled by advances in computing technology. This presentation will review atomistic simulations and coarse-grained modeling used to predict the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of linear and network polymers as well as polymer interfaces.

16:50

Functional low-Tg SSBR for winter tire applications

Dr Hanjoung Cho
Chief researcher
Korea Kumho Petrochemical (KKPC)
Korea

The global electric vehicle market is expected to dramatically expand in the near future due to environmental concerns. In rubber compounding, wear resistance is one of the critical properties in EV tires. In order to improve wear performance, functionalized SSBR with low glass transition temperature is required in tire tread compounding. Recently, we have developed the functional low-Tg SSBR, which has unique abrasion properties with excellent processability. In this presentation, the polymeric structure and compounding properties of functional low-Tg SSBR will be discussed.

17:15

Functionalized SSBR – how beneficial is it?

Dr Eshwaran Subramani Bhagavatheswaran
Development engineer
Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
Germany

Over the past few years, functionalized SSBR has penetrated the market and is now a common and popular choice for tire manufacturers. Asahi Kasei has five different product lines that differ vastly in the nature and degree of functionalization. This basic scientific study highlights the benefits of different functionalization technologies of Asahi Kasei on various properties such as rubber-filler interaction, mechanical performance, magic triangle, etc.

Day 1: Tuesday, February 25

Moderator

Dr Abilash Nair
Materials development manager
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Ltd
UK

10:30

Processing promoters based on renewable resources

Dr Torsten Ziser
Senior specialist, application technology - rubber and functional additives
Lanxess AG
Germany

One of Lanxess Rhein Chemie's additives business unit's core skills is to supply processing promoters for tire applications under the brand names Aflux, Aktiplast and Rhenofit. Key properties of processing promoters are to facilitate the mixing and processing as well as to improve the filler dispersion. Green chemistry is increasingly gaining in importance. Rhein Chemie presents a new processing promoter based on renewable resources. Its ability to improve its CO2 footprint as well as its properties, e.g. extrusion, are highlighted in different applications.

10:55

Cluster morphology of silica and silanization, Part I: MD simulation

Dr Michael York
Research fellow
Momentive Performance Materials
USA

Controlling the dispersion of precipitated silica in rubber compounds is a significant challenge for achieving consistent mechanical property improvements in polymer nanocomposites. Silica aggregates are immiscible with the organic elastomeric phase. To prevent silica flocculation, the silica surface is hydrophobized by grafting amphiphilic silane molecules. However, the silica aggregates exhibit self-assembly into anisotropic structures depending on the amount of grafted silane per nm2 of silica surface area, which directly affects the mechanical properties of the rubber. Simulations suggest that this self-assembly reflects a balance between the energy gained during silica re-flocculation and the entropy of distorting the grafted OPTES molecules.

11:20

Cluster morphology of silica and silanization, Part II: experimental evaluation

Dr Jorge Lacayo-Pineda
Expert for materials evaluation
Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbH
Germany

The optimal level of silanization is a relevant question for optimal product performance. Before hydrophobization, the strong silica-silica interactions induce non-linear effects in the rheological behavior of the rubber compound. FT-Rheology shows a systematic reduction of the non-linearity with increasing level of silanization. The non-linearity increases again after reaching the optimal surface coverage. TEM imaging of silica clusters performed before, after and at the optimal level of silanization show changes in cluster morphology rearranged during mixing. Both types of experiments, TEM and FT-Rheology, were conducted on an experimental SSBR compound using 3-octanoylthio-1-propyltriethoxy silane (OPTES).

11:45

Reduce energy and increase efficiency in difficult finish mixes: mix optimization techniques using thermal imaging with improved insoluble sulfur CANCELLED

Fred Ignatz-Hoover
Technology fellow
Eastman Chemical Company
USA

Eastman has developed process-optimization methodologies utilizing thermal imaging technology and in-compound soluble sulfur analysis with statistical design of experiments. Crystex Cure Pro insoluble sulfur is an engineered product that shows dramatic improvements in flow, dispersion kinetics and thermal stability over conventional products. When Eastman process-optimization methodologies are applied to mixing or calendering operations involving Crystex Cure Pro, dramatic improvements in processing time and energy utilization have been observed. Optimized factory operations have been demonstrated showing capacity and/or energy utilization improvements in the order of 10-40%. This presentation will highlight Eastman methodologies and examples of factory-optimized processes.

12:10

Simultaneous DMA and DEA on elastomer composites

Dr Sahbi Aloui
Application engineer
Netzsch Gerätebau GmbH
Germany

The realization of the required properties profile of tires is based on a molecular understanding of the interaction between their components. Characterizing the finished products under load offers a more realistic consideration of the tire performance based on deep insights into the inner structure and the dynamic of the elastomer composites. Only a simultaneous dynamic-mechanical and dielectric analysis using DiPLEXOR allows rubber formulators and finished parts manufacturers a better understanding of damage effects caused by large strains, long-term dynamic loads and high temperatures.

12:35

Functionalized low-T_g polymers for various ranges of tire applications

Daniel Heidenreich
Technical service and development leader - Europe/Americas/India
Trinseo Deutschland GmbH
Germany

Conventional low-T_g polymers like high-cis BR types or natural rubber contribute to winter, mechanical and wear properties in tires. By applying a suitable functionalization technology for better silica and carbon black interaction to a low-T_g SSBR or low-cis BR, similar performance levels could be achieved while substantially improving the hysteresis properties due to the reduction of rolling resistance. Therefore, such materials are contributing to an overall reduction in CO₂ and microparticle emissions.

13:00 - 14:00

14:00

NOVARES resins for rubber: built on experience

Dr Jun Liu
Manager product development and application services
Rütgers Germany GmbH
Germany

By selection of monomer compositions, molecular weight distributions, production and compounding process, petroleum resins can be more tailored regarding compatibility and consequently their impacts on tire properties like rolling resistance, grip and mileage. Rütgers is a European resin supplier to the tire industry. With unique access to high-purity aromatic building blocks and an understanding of market needs, the company has developed new special aromatic resins. This presentation will introduce the products, outline their performance in rubber, and discuss the relationship mechanism between structure, process and performance.

14:25

Get a grip: performance of naphthenic oil in winter tires

Dr Kamyar Alavi
Senior technical advisor
Nynas AB
Sweden

Naphthenic tire oils have been gaining market share not only thanks to their excellent HSE properties but also due to their high performance as plasticizing oils in tire compounds. While the benchmark low rolling resistance helps increase fuel efficiency, especially in winter tires, naphthenic oils help achieve increasing grip and traction at very low temperatures. In this work, we have reviewed the performance of selected oils in given winter tire formulations and will show how the use of naphthenic oils as plasticizers will contribute to designing high-performance winter tire compounds.

14:50

HRS produced from RHA and its impact on car PCT

Paulo Garbelotto
Director of sales and marketing
Oryzasil Silicas
Brazil

Oryzasil was one of the first companies to produce high-performance silica from RHA, by an effluent-free production process. European tire labeling has focused on displaying information on the fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise of tires. However, it has recently been shown that tire abrasion and tear contribute considerably to the pollution of the environment by microplastics. Tear and wear resistance of a car tire tread compound can be improved without significantly compromising rolling resistance and wet grip behavior when a highly reinforcing silica made from rice husk ash (Oryzasil HR200MP) is used.

15:15 - 16:00

16:00

Effect of lithium-catalyzed BR on the performance properties of tire compounds

Dr Mridul Dasgupta
Senior scientist
HASETRI
India

Polybutadiene rubber (BR) is one of the most important rubbers used in tires. It imparts excellent wear resistance to the tread and fatigue life of the sidewall compound of a tire. Different catalyst systems of polymerization govern the microstructure of BR: cobalt, nickel and neodymium give high-cis, whereas lithium gives low-cis BR. Though high-cis BR is widely used in tires, lithium-catalyzed low-cis BR is being tried to meet the challenging requirements of tires. This paper reveals a comparative study of the effect of lithium- and neodymium-catalyzed BR on static and dynamic mechanical properties, and the wear and fatigue crack growth resistance of tread and sidewall compounds of tires.

16:25

FEAR rheology for rubber materials: the rubber screw rheometer

Dr Myung-Ho Kim
President
MKE Co
Korea

FEAR – fast, easy, accurate, reliable – measurement is the key feature of this device. A new rheology measurement for rubber compounds and virgin rubber has been conducted using the rubber screw rheometer. This device uses a new viscometric flow analysis of single-screw extruders to measure shear viscosity, which is based on the ‘closed discharge’ extrusion characteristic equation. It uses a small amount of materials – batch operation. The measured viscosity is a function of shear rate; thus, it can be used for quality control and process design. Measurement results for the relaxation time and scorch time are also exhibited.

16:50

Optimization of compounds filled with treated silica

Dr Lucas Dos Santos
Senior research associate
PPG Silica Products
USA

More stringent performance demands are leading to an increase in the use of highly dispersible silica in tire compounds. However, conventional silica technology has a variety of production and performance limitations. Agilon Performance Silicas are treated precipitated silicas that overcome the manufacturing limitations associated with conventional HDS/in situ silane technology, enabling expansion of the tire magic triangle and reducing VOC emissions. This paper discusses how appropriate silica surface modifications result in a new performance silica technology platform that overcomes these limitations. Results will be presented on how to compound treated silica to increase mixing efficiency and optimize compound performance.

Day 1: Tuesday, February 25

Moderators

Dr Kurt Uihlein
Chief marketing officer
Cordenka GmbH & Co KG
Germany

Dr Guy Buytaert
Senior R&D project manager and team leader
Bekaert
Belgium

14:00

HYDROSHOT – high-accuracy coupling force control for thin calendered products

Mario Sacchi
R&D chief technology officer
Comerio Ercole SpA
Italy

During the production of thin rubberized textile and steel cord webs, which are increasingly required in the calendering field, it is very important to achieve the best quality coupling between rubber sheets and cords. HYDROSHOT is a sophisticated tool to calculate the optimal coupling force between the rolls #2 and #3 and monitor the gap value, always providing process reliability. The contrast force is constantly controlled and compared with set-point and achieved by hydraulic cylinders. With HYDROSHOT the position control is always active, granting a survey of the deviation from the thickness desired value always in terms of ±1 micron.

14:25

Big data and IoT in tire cord processing

Thomas Soika
Sales manager
Benninger Zell GmbH
Germany

These days, requirements for machine availability as well as sustainability and product reliability call for greater attention. Therefore, machines and processes are observed and monitored at all times and huge amounts of data are available at any time and anywhere without borders. Smart IoT solutions make processes transparent and support operators of installations in securing their production, protecting their machines and providing the best quality at all times.

14:50

Fracture analysis of steel cord for tire forensic analysis

Dr Barun Samui
Scientist
Harishankar Singhania Elastomer and Tyre Research Institute (HASETRI)
India

Systematic analysis of service-failed tires is of paramount importance to understanding the root causes of the tire failure and taking appropriate corrective measures. During the investigation it often becomes extremely challenging to hypothesize the sequence of events that might have occurred prior to the ultimate failure, and it becomes difficult to pin down the root cause of failure. The characteristic nature of ruptures at the fracture point of steel cord filaments is linked to specific causes. The present study is focused on forensic analysis of service-failed tires where steel cords were eventually fractured, to identify the root causes of failure.

15:15 - 15:35

15:35

Roland SIS Vision – the magic eyes in steel cord

Philipp Rott
R&D project manager
Roland Electronic GmbH
Germany

In a project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Roland Electronic GmbH is pursuing innovative new ways of online quality monitoring of steel cord cutting lines used in tire production. With a new type of high-resolution magnetic field sensor, the wire distances, offset and EPDM/EPI inside the rubber can be reliably monitored at full production speed. After the steel cord is analyzed, it is visualized in an easy-to-use interface, similar to an x-ray image. Roland’s main focus is on easy integration, high process reliability, integrated measurement system analysis, and auto calibration.

16:00

Cord adhesion without cobalt and resorcinol and with less zinc

Roberto Blanco Trillo
Business development manager
Allnex
Germany

Resorcinol replacements are commonly used in tire compounds to improve adhesion between the rubber matrix and the surface of metal inserts while attaining a significant reduction in workplace exposure and no fuming by resorcinol. The next step to reduce environmental concerns is to eliminate not only resorcinol but also cobalt salts by using a zinc-functionalized resin in a masterbatch. The vulcanization speed is attained with significantly reduced zinc levels, and the use of cobalt salts is completely avoided. This approach provides high cord adhesion without cobalt or resorcinol while reducing zinc – a triple green solution.

16:25

Fatigue simulation methods for the physical lab of the failure modes of tire and rubber reinforcing materials

Philippe van Bogaert
CEO
Bogimac
Belgium

When validating tire and rubber reinforcement materials in the physical lab, different test methods are defined to evaluate the different failure modes occurring in the tire and other reinforced rubber composites: dynamic tension, compression, buckling, single and reverse bending, intra-cord and cord-rubber adhesion, and rubber shear, as well as a combination of these. Material labs are therefore using generic shoeshine, bend-rotation, pull-pull and free-flex test methods on reinforced rubber strips to evaluate the fatigue behavior of the rubber reinforcement and its interaction with the rubber matrix under specific conditions. Specific test workflows (failure count, runout survival, Woehler, early warning, remaining strength, etc) are used for in-depth validation of new materials, while quality assurance differentiates efficiently between good/bad, generally using the straightforward staircase approach.

16:50

PET as a reinforcement

Tae Jung Lee
Vice president
Hyosung Advanced Materials
Korea

PET HMLS (High Modulus Low Shrinkage) has been used since the 1990s, but there have been no improvements for decades. Recently, SUV and EV markets have been growing, and environmental issues like CO2 emissions have been rising steadily. To that end, Hyosung has been developed the most advanced PET materials, which can contribute to tires with low rolling resistance while maintaining other performances such as handling and comfort. The presentation will introduce the most advanced PET cords aiming to improve tire performance: Ultra-High Tensile and Ultra-High Modulus cords.

Day 1: Tuesday, February 25

Moderator

Henning Olsson
Director, R&D
Calspan Corporation
USA

10:30

Analysis of the influence of tread wear on tire characteristics

Benjamin Schäfer
Scientific researcher
Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika)
Germany

The simulation of tire characteristics depends on the reproducibility of the measurements used for the parameterization process. The rubber abrasion of these measurements is known to affect some of the tire's key attributes, such as cornering stiffness. Using different 3D scan methods, the Institute for Automotive Engineering developed a procedure to investigate the influence of tread wear produced during different parameterization measuring programs on these tire characteristics. The results are then used to improve the parameterization process by defining tread wear thresholds.

10:55

What happens in the tire contact patch?

Marzieh Salehi
PhD candidate
University of Twente
Netherlands

The presentation explains how a tire grips the ground. The actual area under load determines the contact pressure and governs proper grip or friction, which is key for safety. Among all specimen geometries for rubber frictional measurements, a wheel shape sample is of great interest. In the first step, the static contact areas and pressures of Grosch wheels on various surface roughnesses were measured and compared with those of the corresponding real tires. The effect of the in-rubber properties on the contact area was investigated to enhance the insight into the tire contact patch.

11:20

Tribological parameters affecting the lifetime expectancy of tractor tires

Maedeh Faghiri
PhD candidate
Institut für Maschinenelement, Konstruktion und Fertigung, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg
Germany

Studying tribological parameters like friction and wear in block rubber in contact with soil can help to reduce wear in tractor tires or other off-road vehicles, which could be used in tire design optimization. In this study, we investigated the effect of rubbers like SBR and NR, and real tire material, angle, velocity and normal load on tribological properties in contact with soil. This study provides significant information that can be used by tire developers to extend the lifetime expectancy of off-road tires like tractor tires by minimizing wear in contact with soil.

11:45

Wear effect on motorcycle tire behavior

Elisabetta Leo
CTO
Soluzioni Ingegneria
Italy

Some measures of tire wear and tire stiffness, as well as wear impact on maximum grip, are referred to in some scientific papers. The most widely used empirical model (Pacejka Magic Formulae) includes the effect of tire inflation pressure, but the effect of tire wear is not considered yet. The aim of this paper is to quantify the effects of tire wear on tire longitudinal and lateral behavior, to propose a modification of Pacejka Magic Formulae and to understand the influence on the motorcycle lateral and longitudinal dynamic. To achieve this target, numerical and experimental investigations were carried out.

12:10

Will Martian rovers ever run on rubber tires?

Dr Rafal Anyszka
Researcher
University of Twente
Netherlands

Designing rubber materials that could withstand harsh Martian conditions is a challenging task. Space radiation severely damages the chemical structure of rubber macromolecules, and the low average temperature limits the types of applicable rubbers only to those exhibiting very low glass transition temperatures. However, the advantages provided by the unique elastic and dumping properties of rubber have become more attractive in view of the Curiosity rover wheel damage that occurred during the Mars exploration, which was due to the poor elastic performance of the aluminum used for the tires' construction. This triggers the question: is it technologically feasible to develop rubber compounds for Martian rover tires?

12:35 - 14:00

Day 1: Tuesday, February 25

Moderator

David Shaw
Chief executive
Tire Industry Research
UK

14:00

Strategies for success in the tire and mobility arms race

Guy Heywood
Director of marketing and sales Europe
Hankook
Germany

In our dynamic times, the companies and industries that will prevail will be those that can adapt fastest to change. This paper will explore the driving forces for change in the mobility industry, the implications for tire manufacturers and the levers they are using in an attempt to survive and thrive. We are witnessing a real tire war, an arms race in materials, technologies and digital solutions. The winners will be those who transition from tires to mobility solutions.

14:25

Practical issues around organizational reform for a risk-averse industry

Paul Frobisher
Director
Strategic Innovation Ltd
UK

The paper addresses some of the practical issues the speaker has encountered in his time as a consultant to vehicle makers and tire makers as these companies prepare for large changes in their business models related to the mobility revolution. The tire industry is notoriously risk-averse and resistant to change. The speaker seeks to address the challenges of effecting rapid and effective change in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by traditional thinking and people who sometimes prefer continuity to change.

14:50

The future of the tire business – transforming for the future

Kai Hauvala
Founder and CEO
Black Donuts Engineering Inc
Finland

This paper looks at the mid-term future of the tire industry driven by changes in the competitive market, customer demands and manufacturing technology. As the marketplace dynamics are changing at a rapid pace, companies are being forced to rethink their strategies. The speaker highlights some current and emerging trends in the tire industry and builds a realistic vision of the future. He encourages companies to transform their business models in order to remain competitive and future-proof, and to turn threats into opportunities.

15:15 - 16:00

Day 2: Wednesday, February 26

Moderator

Alan Bennetts
Director
Bay Systems
UK

09:00

Challenges raised by high-load-capacity tires

Bruno Guimard
Original equipment pre-development program manager
Michelin
France

Throughout the history of the automotive industry, engineers have worked to implement more features in a limited package, offering more space for drivers and passengers. The emerging electrification of vehicles requires additional space for the batteries while significantly increasing the load of the vehicle. Moreover, OEMs want to keep the possibility to offer a range of wheel diameters for the end customer, especially for sport derivatives. The presentation explains how high-load-capacity tires offer a significant degree of freedom for BEV and PHEV, the XL+ experimental standard proposal, use cases for HLC tires, and technical challenges for HLC.

09:25

Virtual design and submission – the Michelin way to accelerate development

Frederic Biesse
Tire performance analysis expert
Michelin
France

Shortening the development loops while ensuring the product performance is a key challenge for vehicle and tire designers. For many years, Michelin has been engaged in developing tire FEA simulation for all tire performances. Based on illustrations on noise, rolling resistance and handling, the presentation will show how to ensure efficient virtualization of the tire-vehicle development, thanks to Michelin’s expertise in tire simulation and design over the full panel of tire-vehicle performance, as well as its ability to establish the link between tire design and the tire model delivered to the OEM.

09:50

Tire-road friction estimation using intelligent tires

Utkarsh Gupta
Graduate research assistant
Center for Tire Research, Virginia Tech
USA

Currently, all the existing driver assist systems lack knowledge of the tire-road contact characteristics and estimation of road friction. This information has a direct effect on vehicle safety and control. A novel approach, based on intelligent tire technology, was developed in this study for tire/road friction estimation. A sensor-fusion algorithm for real-time friction estimation was developed to integrate acceleration data from the two instrumented intelligent tires to reduce the lag between the two tires under different driving maneuvers. Consequently, signal processing and machine learning algorithms were developed to do pattern recognition and estimate the coefficients of friction.

10:15

Valorization and scalability of alternative natural rubber through tailoring properties

Dr Katrina Cornish
Professor
The Ohio State University
USA

Alternative natural rubber on a small scale cannot enter the commodity markets served by Hevea brasiliensis rubber. In-depth characterization of guayule rubber has identified distinct physical properties that can be valorized for industrial applications and can access high-value niche markets. Field-grown dandelion rubber is similar to Hevea rubber and most of the rubber coagulates in the roots in vivo. Hydroponics produces dirt-free rubber and may affect the proportion of latex and solid rubber and rubber quality. The establishment of alternative rubbers with matching processing infrastructure for niche markets will allow rapid scale-up to meet tire markets as prices increase.

10:40 - 11:00

11:00

Tire/road friction: a skid resistance tool based on contact modeling

Dr Malal Kane
Senior researcher
Ifsttar
France

This paper introduces a new tool for tire/road skid resistance prediction. The tool is based on modeling the dynamic-viscoelastic-rough-lubricated contact. It takes into account all parameters related to tire, road and contact operating conditions: at the tire side, the tools take into account its geometry (width, rim diameter, flank height, tread pattern and depth), inflation pressure, and rubber material (viscoelasticity). At the road, its texture is taken into account via the surface topography. At the contact interface, the dry or wet condition can be taken into account. The operating conditions are taken into account via the load, speed and slip ratio.

11:25

A comparison of road texture measurement technologies and their effect on Persson’s friction model

Marco Furlan
Tire CAE and modeling engineer
Jaguar Land Rover
UK

Rubber friction models developed by B N J Persson predict the coefficient of friction as a function of rubber material properties, sliding speed, contact pressure, and surface roughness. In this work we present an overview of some of the current technologies used for surface roughness characterization, comparing their strengths and weaknesses. Data is presented for common 1D and 2D surface parameters such as MPD, RMS, Ra and the Power Spectrum Density, and their influence on the predicted coefficient of friction using Persson’s model is discussed.

11:50

Tire NVH engineering through dedicated lumped parameter model

Wim Hendricx
Business developer - Simcenter Engineering
Siemens Industry Software NV
Belgium

With the rise of electric powertrains in the automotive industry, tire noise has become an important part of the ‘new’ composition of the NVH signature of vehicles. Automotive OEMs and tire manufacturers are looking for methods to get an early-stage assessment of the tire NVH performance in a full-vehicle context. In this presentation, we will explain how full-vehicle road noise can be predicted using a test-based, lumped-parameter tire NVH model. This approach enables parameter studies toward resulting interior noise performance and can support target setting on the component (tire) and vehicle level.

12:15

Digital transformation of the tire industry

Zivojin Sekulic
Consultant
GAJ
Serbia

Digital transformation is a hot topic these days. But it is not just a buzzword; it is really a new way for companies to improve their businesses. Digital transformation is the novel use of digital technologies to solve traditional problems, based on new types of innovation and creativity. To provide a complete understanding of the digital transformation of the tire industry, this presentation will discuss startups, e-commerce, new technologies (VR/AR/AI, big data and IoT), Industry 4.0 and the future of mobility. Today, digital transformation is a matter of survival.

12:40 - 14:00

14:00

Tire testing and modeling requirements for self-driving vehicles

Mateo Gladstone
Director, R&D
Calspan Corporation
USA

Automated driving, electrification and shared mobility are shifting the requirements for tire performance. This in turn affects how tires are being tested and modeled to support the development of new tires and vehicles. A self-driving vehicle’s ability to plan and control the vehicle path is heavily dependent on tire force and moment properties, for which existing testing and modeling methodologies can be adapted. However, new technologies such as Tire-as-a-Sensor and road perception and friction estimation require new testing and modeling methods. Examples for both car and truck tires are presented and discussed.

14:25

Looking behind the horizon: potential future tire materials

Gert Heinrich
University professor/consultant
Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden eV
Germany

We present recently developed advanced rubber and fiber concepts and discuss their potential application in future tire technologies. We focus on mechano-adaptive rubbers (MAR) and low-cost and sustainable lignin-based carbon fibers. MARs exhibit intrinsic adaptive properties – i.e. the composite itself can exhibit adaptable characteristics. CF-based reinforcing cords, strands and strips could find applications in tire applications, if prepared with tailor-made properties and sustainable technologies.

14:50

Compounding facilities and technologies and the future of custom mixing CANCELLED

Jacob Peled
Executive chairman
Pelmar Engineering Ltd
Israel

Rubber compounding for tire companies will become a separate manufacturing facility rather than an integral part of the tire plant, because there have been very distinct developments in compounding technological requirements. The presentation will discuss the distinct need for traceability, accuracy and consistency; continuous mixing and batch preparation history; and comparison of capabilities, flexibility, capacities and accuracy between batch type and continuous mixing processes.

15:15 - 15:35

15:35

Novel coupling agents for reducing hysteresis loss in rubber/filler compositions

Dr Natsuyo Kamimoto
Researcher
Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd
Japan

We have developed novel coupling agents SUMILINK100 and SUMILINK200 that are effective for the reduction of hysteresis loss in natural rubber (NR) composites with carbon black (CB). The reduction of hysteresis loss was achieved by the improvement of filler dispersion in rubber composites through the reaction and/or interaction with both rubber and filler. Recently, we interestingly found SUMILINK100 and SUMILINK200 also were effectively applicable to other rubber/filler composites, such as NR/silica and E-SBR/CB composites. In this presentation, we will introduce the related data regarding the performance of our coupling agents on some formulations.

16:00

Tire machinery: facing new challenges in 2020

Massimo Lenti
Technical director
Marangoni Machinery
Italy

The paper deals with the new challenges of the modern Industry 4.0 guidelines and customer targets for the future. In particular, it will discuss connectivity and the human-machine interface within tire assembly production lines (first and second stage and/or unistage) for agro and OTR product lines.

16:25

Deep learning for advanced x-ray image defects classification

Martin Samouiller
Software engineer
CyXplus
USA

The increasing requirements in quality and traceability are a constant challenge for tire manufacturers. Automatic defect detection and recognition (ADR) plays an important role in tire x-ray inspection. However, ADR software configuration requires specialized skills to be properly realized. CyXplus proposes a deep-learning approach to improve the defect classification for tire x-ray images. The detection performance is no longer dependent on recipe settings or operator knowledge but on the learning of the neural network. The method implemented shows a practical utilization of artificial intelligence for the tire industry. CyXplus presents performance results obtained on some typical tire defects.

16:50

Tire tread accelerations and sound pressures measured when driving on roads

Alan Bennetts
Director
Bay Systems
UK

Tires with embedded sensors should improve handling and safety but only if their signals can be interpreted correctly and change enacted quickly. To try and understand what might be possible, we have installed instrumentation inside the tire to gather high-quality signals. The data has been gathered on the public highway for a range of tires and road surfaces. The results we have obtained demonstrate that data from the tire/road interface does indeed contain a lot of information that can differentiate surfaces. But at what level of computational effort does this become cost-effective?

Day 2: Wednesday, February 26

Moderator

Laurent Guy
Global technical marketing manager/R&I scientific officer
Solvay Silica
France

09:00

Tire test results with new functionalized SSBRs

David Hardy
Technical service and development manager
Arlanxeo Deutschland GmbH
Germany

Functionalizing butadiene rubbers is a proven method employed to improve their interaction with silica fillers. This results in the enhancement of dynamic performance in passenger tire tread compounds particularly to optimize energy losses. Own tire testing data based on several SSBRs will show that this results in reduced rolling resistance and also that other important tire properties that are not covered by the tire label, such as handling/cornering, are affected.

09:25

Functionalized butadiene rubber for tire applications

Dr Kilian Wüst
Technical manager
Arlanxeo Deutschland GmbH
Germany

Introducing specific functional groups into butadiene rubber allows for improved interaction with fillers, resulting in better filler dispersion and improved dynamic properties in tire applications. Recent developments for functionalizing rubber are presented and the effects on critical tire properties are discussed.

09:50

Next-generation modified silica for optimized tire compound development

Dr Joachim Bertrand
Director
Behn Meyer Europe GmbH
Germany

Behn Meyer will present its latest surface-modified silicas. These are optimized to shift the magic triangle further up and optimize low-VOC and easy-to-mix compounds. Compound lab data will be presented showing an SSBR/BR PC tire tread example with 20-25% higher abrasion resistance at a higher level of skid and rolling resistance than current silica-silane combinations. During mixing, almost no volatiles are emitted and mixing time is as short as for a standard CB compound. These new candidates are optimum for low energy-consuming compound production and will optimize the properties demanded by the coming generations of electric cars.

10:15

Carbon black and silica – challenges and opportunities

Paul Ita
President
Notch Consulting
USA

The paper will look at reinforcing fillers, carbon black and precipitated silica, including current demand levels, opportunities, product news and supplier developments.

10:40 - 11:00

11:00

Compounding of silica/silane systems in natural rubber – part II

André Wehmeier
Head of rubber technology group
Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH
Germany

The first part of 'Compounding studies with silica and silanes in NR' was delivered at Tire Technology Expo Conference 2019. Optimum silane levels, especially regarding tensile tests, have been established, dependent on the CTAB surface area of silica. But the adjustment of silane should not be performed in a linear way. In particular, the highest-surface-area silica needs much more silane than expected, resulting in an optimum of moduli and simultaneous elongation at break values on the carbon black level. This second part deals with these optimized silica/silane systems and further optimizations based on a DoE including the accelerator systems.

11:25

Assessing the cross-link density of rubber vulcanizates using three different approaches

Marcin Sęk
PDEng student
University of Twente
Netherlands

The determination of cross-link density in rubber vulcanizates remains a complex issue in practice. This presentation gives a concise overview of the commonly used laboratory measurement techniques for cross-link density. It draws attention to the equilibrium swelling and Mooney-Rivlin mechanical approaches in comparison to a recently developed method called Temperature Scanning Stress Relaxation (TSSR). The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are discussed for unfilled and filled compounds with various curing systems.

11:50

Alleviating marching modulus in silica-filled tread compounds

Dr Wisut Kaewsakul
Assistant professor
University of Twente
Netherlands

Marching modulus in the vulcanization of rubber compounds is undesirable, since it causes the final properties of the vulcanizates to be instable. This characteristic exhibits a gradual increase in modulus due to a continuous occurrence of the cross-linking reaction, leading to problems in indicating the optimum cure time of a compound. In silica-filled SBR/BR tread compounds including a silane coupling agent, marching modulus occurs to various degrees depending on the quality of mixing of the compounds. This presentation reviews the factors contributing to the marching modulus with suggestions for how to alleviate this phenomenon.

12:15

Tailoring natural rubber compounding and processing for aircraft tire treads

Dr Wilma Dierkes
Associate professor
University of Twente
Netherlands

The properties needed for aircraft tire treads are significantly different to the ones required for passenger car or truck tires, for which improvements mainly focus on a better balance of rolling resistance, wet skid resistance and wear resistance. Aircraft tires experience severe operation conditions during service: the temperature can reach the critical temperature of polymers, thus accelerating tread wear and aging. To reduce this temperature degradation, the material should have a low hysteresis. This presentation will focus on the influence of the type of filler and will include adjustment of the processing conditions for optimization of aircraft-tire-related properties.

12:40 - 14:00

14:00

Is the Velcro concept feasible for an alternative silica/polymer coupling?

Anke Blume
Full professor
University of Twente
Netherlands

A new concept for an alternative silica/polymer coupling system was introduced to the tire industry in 2019 to overcome the disadvantages of the current system. Currently, if the relatively stiff covalent sulfur bridge of the silica/silane/polymer connection is broken, there is no possibility to reconnect. As a consequence, a completely different coupling concept was considered, mimicking the Velcro system known from nature. The tangled and cross-linked rubber macromolecules act as molecular loops, and relatively long elastomer brushes grafted on the silica surface act as molecular hooks. The in-rubber properties will be presented to show the efficiency of this new system.

14:25

Automated crack growth analyses of rubber for tire applications

Dr Radek Stocek
Head of R&D
PRL Polymer Research Lab
Czech Republic

Knowledge about load-dependent fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior is vital to estimate the lifetime of tires. Therefore, most companies are using dynamic testing appliances on load rubber samples by observing the FCG. Historically, it has been necessary to use highly educated staff to perform the analysis. In this work, we explain how a methodology can be successfully implemented to control the FCG analysis fully automatically. Once the samples are fixed, the measurement is started and works in a self-controlled way until the end. This makes research and development more efficient.

14:50

Premixing possibilities for silica and additives

Guido Veit
Business unit manager plastics, mixing and rubber plants
Zeppelin Systems GmbH
Germany

The paper will cover ways to reduce the complexity of adding raw materials, material preparation and handling, and new concepts in rubber mixing.

15:15 - 15:35

15:35

Synthesis and application of new-generation calixarene antioxidants used in tires

Dr Henrik Margharian
Laboratory manager
Rierco
Iran

Dr Saeed Taghvaei Ganjali
CEO
Rierco
Iran

To meet the tire industry's need for modern anti-degradants, we have developed a new specialty antioxidant with significant properties for tire applications. The aim of this study is to improve the antioxidative property of rubber compounds by means of substitution of calixarene derivatives with common anti-degradants. Calixarenes are cyclic tetramers with a three-dimensional network, made up of p-tert-butylphenol and formaldehyde units.

16:00

Wax effect on aging and aesthetic properties of rubber

Dr Ali Abbasian
Professor
SRBIAU
Iran

In order to protect rubber products against ozone attack under static conditions, it is common practice to add waxes to the tire sidewall compound. A good wax should ensure excellent ozone protection in combination with good appearance. In this study, the effect of four types of waxes with different maximum carbon numbers on processing parameters, physical properties and aesthetic features of the sidewall part of the tire were examined. Results show that the type of wax has no significant effect on processing parameters, but fatigue, weathering, temperature aging and colorimeters show that the type of wax will affect physical properties and aesthetic features.

16:25

CarbonX – a revolutionary new carbon

Zhen Liu
Head of elastomers
CarbonX BV
Netherlands

Fine particulate fillers have been widely used in elastomers for many years and are essential for a variety of applications. Size, shape and surface activity are all important factors determining the performance of the final elastomeric compound. Carbons are the preferred choice due to the natural ability of their surfaces to form strong interactions with hydrocarbon polymers. In the push for performance, there is a trend toward working with ever-smaller (nano)particles. However, there is a lack of commercial applications due to restrictions in processability (curing, dispersibility, viscosity) and high costs. A newly developed carbon material, CarbonX, demonstrates new design opportunities compared with state-of-the-art commercial fillers. The three-dimensional porous structure consists of micron-sized aggregates of particles interconnected by highly oriented crystallites. The accessible pore structure stays intact upon processing, enabling perfect embedding in the polymer matrix and offering an unprecedented balance of material properties. Mechanical, electrical and thermal property enhancement can be achieved without compromising on hardness or Mooney viscosity. CarbonX is produced by a low-cost, scalable process, running in existing CB plants. At present, five grades are commercially available, each with different pore sizes, precisely controlled in the manufacturing process. During the presentation, the performance and benefits of CarbonX grades will be highlighted, with a focus on their low hysteresis features, which sets the basis for exploring fuel-efficient applications in the tire market.

Day 2: Wednesday, February 26

Moderator

David Shaw
Chief executive
Tire Industry Research
UK

09:00

Disruption in the tire wholesale and logistics value chain CANCELLED

Theo de Vries
Director sales and marketing Europe and CIS
TBC Corporation
Netherlands

The paper identifies some of the huge inefficiencies in the tire wholesale activity, and offers some high-level approaches to resolving those inefficiencies. The proposed approaches require a high-level rethink of the business models and profit margins of the whole industry. The paper proposes disruptive change, in the sense that the tire industry has continued with limited change, despite size proliferation and huge changes in the wider logistics industry. The paper offers some ideas for bringing the tire industry into the 21st century of data analytics.

09:25

Data analytics as a profit driver in wholesale

Tim Eisenmann
Chief analytics officer
American Tire Distributors
USA

The paper focuses on how data analytics can be used to remove inefficiencies in the tire wholesale and logistics activities and drive substantial increases in profitability. The speaker has wide experience in the application of data analytics to distribution networks, and is bringing that expertise into the tire industry as part of a corporate resurrection story. That story has involved deep changes in management, corporate organization and corporate vision in creating a revitalized business based on focused application of data analytics.

09:50

Tire sales B2B, B2C or B2B2C?

Luisella Giani
Head of industry transformation EMEA
Oracle
Italy

This paper addresses some of the organizational issues the speaker has encountered in her time as a consultant to tire makers as they prepare for large changes in their business models related to the mobility revolution. Fundamental changes in the customer base demand a fundamental review of the business models and operational methods. Tire companies have traditionally focused primarily on business-to-business sales, but the new models require extending that to business-to-consumer and hybrid models such as business-to-business-to-consumer.

10:15 - 11:45

11:45 - 13:30

13:30

Science-driven: a sector-based approach to sustainability

Anne-Cécile Remont
Director, Tire Industry Project
WBCSD
Switzerland

Interest in tires has never been greater. Public bodies are more active on topics such as tire and road wear particles (TRWP), sustainable sourcing of natural rubber and the management of end-of-life tires. Meanwhile, legislators and vehicle makers look to tire makers to help reduce fuel consumption and environmental footprint. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Tire Industry Project (TIP) drives action and research on the potential human health, environmental and social impacts of tires throughout their lifecycle. TIP will share an overview of the work that it coordinates on behalf of leading tire manufacturing companies.

13:55

Understanding tire and road wear particles and their potential impacts

Julie Panko
Principal scientist
ToxStrategies
USA

Tire and road wear particles (TRWP) are tiny particles produced by the friction between tires and the road surface. They are a mixture of tire tread and road pavement material. Contemporary societal interest in topics including microparticles, plastic waste and urban air quality has seen increased focus on TRWP. Since 2005, the Tire Industry Project (TIP) has supported research on TRWP quantification in the environment and its potential impact. TIP will share highlights of its TRWP work and the growing body of peer-reviewed research that contribute to understanding the potential health and environmental impacts of these particles.

14:20

Minimizing risks around NR through alternative crops

Dr Katrina Cornish
Professor
The Ohio State University
USA

This paper looks briefly at some of the risks associated with natural rubber sourced from Hevea brasiliensis trees, and gives a summary of the state of the art and economics around alternative crops, such as guayule and Kazakh dandelion. The paper takes a high-level strategic view, outlining different approaches taken by tire makers, universities and entrepreneurs, and identifies the most productive and cost-effective approaches to working in the areas of crop development, genetics and agronomics, for people who are more used to tire technology.

14:45 - 15:45

Day 2: Wednesday, February 26

09:00

How to design/bring up to date a rubber mixing facility for modern formulations

Guido Veit
Business unit manager plastics, mixing and rubber plants
Zeppelin Systems GmbH
Germany

With rising complexity in the mixing room due to new raw materials and more flexible production, our customers need innovative, secure, trouble-free installments that offer flexibility and reliability, with the ability to handle new products, including recycled materials, and different liquids at the same time.

09:20

New technology for efficiency and material saving in tire production

Alexander Bleider
Project engineer tire application
UTH GmbH
Germany

In tire production, increasing amounts of unvulcanized rubber are being produced. Reasons for this are, for example, the frequent changeovers resulting from an increasing product variety and rubber mixing batches that are out of specification. For financial and environmental reasons it is desirable to return these valuable raw materials to the production process. This process must be cost-effective and, in order to meet quality demands, the material must be treated gently. The TRP Reworker system, which is based on the UTH Two-Roll Plasticizer, incorporates new technology that combines several proven processes. This continuously operating reworking system offers new advantages.

09:40

From power to empowerment

Håkan Angerbjörn
Global industry sector manager
Bosch Rexroth
Sweden

Your mixing process is the key to rubber quality and productivity. Learn how you can improve both with the latest ideas and technology from Bosch Rexroth. Hägglunds' hydraulic drive solutions can help you get more from your rubber mixing, and the worldwide presence of Hägglunds' service experts gives you maximized uptime and peace of mind. Connect your machines and use Hägglunds' innovative solutions to optimize your system. This will unlock opportunities to fine-tune the operation of your rubber mixing, enhance your production and improve your energy efficiency. Stay in control, increase productivity and maximize uptime.

10:00

The evolution of RPO chemistry

Mary Ann Abney
Global technical marketing manager - process oils
Ergon Inc
USA

Chemistries for rubber and tire applications have continued to change as the regulatory environment and performance demands have changed. In parallel, the refining industry is evolving and changing the product offerings. This presentation will give an overview of how things have evolved and how things will change in the future, impacting your RPO supply. We will provide you with the information you need to navigate the changing landscape.

10:20 - 11:00

11:00

No pallets: a study on revolutionizing tire storage and logistics

Tony Leikas
CEO
Pesmel Oy
Finland

Extensive research shows that a high level of automation and process integration in tire warehousing results in considerable capacity and efficiency increases. Using digital technology, tire logistics and storage processes can be improved, reducing footprint, sorting at feed, simplifying layout and, most importantly, disposing of pallets altogether. These features are now available in high-bay, fully automated warehouses with integrated conveying systems that link production lines right through to transporting vehicles in the dispatch area. The study highlights data from automated tire warehousing, and the results are verified through proof of concept at a European tire plant.

11:20

Optimization of strainer processes

Johannes Jennissen
GM
Rade GmbH
Germany

The presentation will discuss optimization of strainer processes through product-specific sieve packages, sieve support and dies. A system is presented that is tailor-made and adapted to the conditions of an existing plant. With this development, the active screening areas can be increased by up to 50%. The economic effect of the system can be verified by means of a specially developed laboratory test prior to conversion.

11:40

State-of-the-art floor-mounted hydraulic tire curing press

Ganeshraja Karuppusamy
Manager
Larsen & Toubro Limited, Rubber Processing Machinery
India

A new floor-mounted hydraulic tire curing press has been developed to vulcanize passenger car tires, which doesn’t need a pit for installation. This was possible due to the innovative compact bladder control mechanism, which reduces the height of the machine by one meter, thus reducing civil work cost for the industry. Machine safety can be achieved more easily at one floor level instead of both pit and floor, reducing machine costs. The telescopic design adopted for the supply of cure media eliminates the need for hoses – a modular design approach enhancing ease of maintenance. These presses save roughly 156 tons of CO2 per trench.

12:00

Progress in rheometry: updating of RPA and new test development

Michele Scacchi
Field applications engineer
Alpha Technologies UK
Italy

Although the closed die gap geometry of the RPA 2000 is the only setup that allows obtaining reproducible and meaningful results with many elastomers from the rheometric point of view, the closed test cavity does not meet the theoretical requirements for simple shear flow in terms of boundary conditions. The new Premier RPA+ model equipped with Alpha’s patent-pending PDM system can reduce the deviation from the traditional rotational rheometers with an open die gap geometry, increasing the repeatability and reproducibility. The shear startup flow test was validated on the commercial Premier Mooney to characterize complex branching patterns.

12:20

Unmanned component handling and weighing with robotics

Jake Norman
Head of innovation
April Robotics
UK

Handling and weighing components by hand is a high cost to tire manufacturing businesses. Currently, many companies weigh out powders by hand, exposing operators to H&S risks and businesses to human error and product failure. The presentation will share how advanced technology and robotics can address these issues by removing the human operator from the process. Following work with the University of Lincoln, April has developed and commercialized the April Weighing Machine, which automatically stores and weighs out components to a works order.

12:40 - 14:00

14:00

Control your tire mold cleaning process better

Ahmet Erdogan
Global key account manager - tire
Cold Jet BVBA
Belgium

Dietmar Juchmes
Senior VP Europe & Africa
Cold Jet BVBA
Belgium

Highly complex molds are used in the production of tires, which have to meet the requirements of customers, authorities and technical specifications. Cold Jet’s automated system utilizes finely controlled particles of dry ice via Cold Jet’s patented Particle Control System. The PCS precisely cuts the dry ice into diamond-shape particles from 3mm to 0.3mm and every size in between to achieve superior cleaning of the molds. The automated system applies Dry Ice 4.0 - IoT connectivity to measure and control the tire mold cleaning better than ever before, and can operate inside and outside the vulcanization press.

14:20

Sustainable and energy-efficient cooling for tire production

Thomas Bartmann
Head of sales and distribution
Efficient Energy GmbH
Germany

Within the plastics and rubber industry, process cooling is a crucial topic to ensure stability and quality of production. The continued cooling of manufacturing processes consumes high amounts of energy, which represents a considerable part of the operational costs. With increasing prices of natural resources and energy, the efficient and smart usage of energy for process cooling is of utmost importance. Also, due to the implemented F-Gas Regulation, each manufacturing company is forced to think about future-proof and sustainable cooling. With natural refrigerants such as water (R718), companies will be able to face all these challenges.

14:40

Digital transformation – actionable insights to improve your tire curing

Pascal Lamonerie
Director business development automotive and tire EMEA
Emerson
France

Optimizing machine efficiency in your tire application is key, as is being flexible to adapt to changes in demand. One of the areas where there is a lot to be gained in production efficiency is tire curing. Using modern technologies, or Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), will give you insights into the performance of your machines and what you can do to improve efficiency. Attend this presentation to discover how monitoring your tire curing process can give you actionable insights that enable you to improve efficiency and tire curing performance, as well as reduce material scrap.

15:00

Increasing manufacturing efficiency to increase turnover in a challenging sector

Mathias Pötter
VP sales automotive
Identec Solutions AG
Germany

With the ongoing challenges and changes that the tire building industries are facing, real-time location of vehicles and goods throughout the whole production process has become a recurring theme. In the complex process of tire manufacturing, the shop-floor logistics necessary in getting the right material to the right tire building machine at the right time are immense. This process is costing most tire manufacturing plants millions of euros annually, due to four big issues. The speech will improve your understanding of the industry’s demands and how to meet industry expectations to deliver visibility in the tire manufacturing process.

15:20 - 16:00

16:00

High-speed 3D multi-sensor alignment for critical rubber and tire applications

Martin Sandén
Territory manager
LMI Technologies
Germany

The use of laser triangulation line profilers is well established for scanning and measurement in rubber and tire applications. Laser profilers deliver highly accurate 3D geometry data at factory production speeds despite the challenge of scanning black, shiny materials. This talk presents approaches on how to build multi-sensor configurations to scan wide rubber materials in order to measure both thickness and width. Also discussed are methods for collecting profiles to build 3D surface scans of tire sidewall and radial regions using rotational layouts for detecting bulge and dent defects or verifying embossed OCR patterns.

16:20

Optimizing performance through project lifecycle support and digital technologies

Dominique Scheider
Automotive and tire industry manager
Rockwell Automation
France

This presentation will focus on multiple strategies that can help tire manufacturers and tire machine builders build more tires by focusing on improving equipment reliability and machine uptime. Everyone knows that making tires is not an easy business. Tire manufacturers are under constant pressure to produce more with less, and tire machine builders have to constantly innovate to produce better, smarter and more reliable machines in order to win projects. The presentation will cover two aspects that are essential to your tire production operations if you are investing in upgrades or expansions to address these challenges. The first one is a project lifecycle strategy to sustain performance and improve asset utilization, necessary to achieve long-term value and risk mitigations. The second area is the best usage of existing digital technologies such as manufacturing execution systems (MES) and analytics platforms.

16:40

Light in the dark – laser applications in the tire industry

Olav Schulz
Managing director
SLCR Lasertechnik GmbH
Germany

SLCR Lasertechnik GmbH is a highly specialized manufacturer of customized machines for laser surface treatment. With more than 20 years' experience in a vast variety of industries, SLCR has built up strong expertise in the fields of laser material processing, automation and sensor technology. In this paper, SLCR presents its state-of-the-art solutions for various applications in tire production, including innerliner cleaning (complete and selective), engraving, uniformity, and mold cleaning. With its long presence in the tire industry and a new generation of machinery in place, SLCR has field-proven how the footprint can shrink and efficiency can increase.

17:00

Competitive manufacturing: impact of the latest automation technologies

Paolo Gamarino
European industry manager
SMC Corporation
Italy

The tire market is putting a big emphasis on cost reduction. Automation systems can assist tire manufacturers and their machine builders in meeting this challenge. The presentation will introduce the latest developments in terms of energy efficiency, space reduction and smart flexibility designed to boost machinery competitiveness. Practical examples and case histories will be shown to inspire and help engineers to achieve these goals.

17:20

Splice measuring – a new generation

Hartmut Hoops
Head of process for TBM
HF TireTech Group
Germany

Today’s tire business is driven by a high quality requirement for high-quality tires. The car industry requests complete documentation of the tire building process to be able to handle potential claims. One key factor is control of the component splices and correct material application. To fulfill these demands, HF has developed a new scalable system that is easy to install and maintain. The HF Q Guard system enables tire manufacturers to run their machines in a 'hands-off/eyes-off' mode. HF Q Guard can be easily integrated into existing machines as a standalone unit or as part of the HF ONE.

Day 2: Wednesday, February 26

14:00

TameTire improvements for virtual design, from thermomechanical to multiperformance model

Alexis Treilhes
Tire performance analysis
Michelin
France

Vehicle handling performance is finally evaluated by humans. To reduce the development time, OEMs are increasingly using dynamic driving simulators for design evaluation without real prototypes. However, especially for high-performance vehicles, standard tire models like Magic Formula cannot simulate precisely enough the impact of the tire on vehicle handling. Developed by Michelin for almost 15 years, TameTire is a real-time thermomechanical tire model accurately predicting forces and torques. The most recent TameTire improvements will be presented here, including a better rendering of performance evolution as well as wear, grip consistency and rolling resistance predictions.

14:25

A review of recent developments in tire durability simulation

Dr William Mars
President
Endurica LLC
USA

Tire durability simulation methods have developed rapidly during the last decade to overcome several barriers. Critical plane analysis has solved the problem of how to compute the impacts of multi-axial stress and deformation mode on fatigue. Total and incremental fatigue solvers now enable durability analyses to be solved for a single operating condition, for multi-step testing schedules or for residual fatigue life. Non-linear material behaviors such as strain crystallization and temperature dependence can be specified and taken into account. The methods are applied to show how development and regulatory tire durability tests can now be simulated.

14:50

Estimating tire characteristics

Mark Harris
Manager tire research
fka
Germany

Since tires are not always available and testing programs for the parameterization of tire models require a significant investment of time and resources, it is often desirable to start with an estimated model in the early development phase. Methods for improving the quality of these early estimated models will be discussed.

15:15 - 15:35

15:35

VI-grade – bridging the gap between testing and simulation

Mathieu Grob
Pre-sales manager
VI-grade
France

VI-grade, a leading company in automotive simulation and driving simulators, has developed a complete software ecosystem and a unique driving simulator concept to cope with the most demanding virtual development requirements. VI-grade technologies allow all kinds of applications, from vehicle dynamics to ride and comfort, from passenger cars to motorsport, with one environment. This paper will expose how VI-grade technologies offer tire manufacturers new possibilities in terms of virtual tire development, along with concrete application examples.

16:00

Velocity and temperature influence on tire and vehicle handling performance

Willem Versteden
Product manager
Siemens Digital Industries
Netherlands

Paolo Gavardi
Research - vehicle modeling
Pirelli Tyre SpA
Italy

Further digitization of the vehicle development process requires, among other things, higher accuracy as well as a broader scope of operating conditions to be captured by tire models. Siemens Digital Industries has developed an extension of the MF-Tyre/MF-Swift tire model that considers the influence of rolling speed and tire temperature on the tire performance. The modeling approach including main assumptions taken and the validation with indoor and outdoor tire measurements is discussed. Furthermore, emphasis is given to the impact of changing tire characteristics on vehicle handling performance.

16:25

Measuring friction to predict tire behavior on different road surfaces

Alexander O'Neill
Research engineer
University of Surrey/Jaguar Land Rover
UK

Most tire models used in vehicle dynamics simulations are parameterized with data obtained on a flat track, where the tire is commonly driven on sandpaper. The resultant models are typically inaccurate at higher slips, where conditions are dominated by the rubber-road friction characteristics. To improve such tire models, this paper explores the use of tread rubber friction measurements obtained with a purpose-built rubber friction measurement system. Friction measurements were performed under controlled conditions and incorporated into a brush-type tire model. Preliminary results indicate the benefits and potential of detailed knowledge on the frictional behavior for accurately modeling tire forces and moments.

16:50

Numerical evaluation of tire heat generation and temperature distribution using SSHT

Rajesh Nagose
Senior manager/solution consultant
Dassault Systèmes
India

Tire performance highly depends on temperature rise during operations because rubber material properties are highly temperature and frequency dependent. Hysteresis loss or viscous energy dissipation is the main contributor to the tire heating as the tires are subject to cyclic loading. This work aims to evaluate tire heat generation and temperature distribution using the steady-state heat transfer (SSHT) solution. The parallel rheological framework (PRF) material model captures the viscous energy dissipation and this output is used to evaluate heat sources for thermal simulation. Heat transfer analysis is performed using this heat source and surface film coefficients boundary conditions.

Day 2: Wednesday, February 26

Moderator

Anke Blume
Full professor
University of Twente
Netherlands

09:00

Special functionalized SSBR and its effect on silica dispersion

Daisuke Hayata
Assistant manager
Asahi Kasei Corporation
Japan

In order to reduce rolling resistance (RR) for better fuel efficiency of tires, the use of solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene copolymer (SSBR) in combination with silane/silica systems in tire treads is successful. Although it is generally difficult for silica to be well-dispersed in a hydrophobic rubber matrix due to its high hydrophilicity, Asahi Kasei has developed special functionalized SSBRs that give better silica dispersion due to their unique functionalization technology. In this presentation, the interaction between SSBRs and silica and the positive effect on silica dispersion will be discussed.

09:25

Evaluation of Exxpro 3563 in tire innerliner applications

Dr Ludovica Caliano
EMEAF market developer butyl polymers
ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical
Belgium

In this presentation, we will discuss the factory processing characteristics and tire performance of a new Exxpro grade (Exxpro 3563) possessing high levels of pMS, tailored toward innerliner applications. It was found that Exxpro 3563 had lower permeability, better filler dispersion, higher green strength, better heat resistance and better dimensional stability than halobutyl-based innerliners. Tires manufactured with Exxpro 3563 innerliners had lower inflation pressure loss rates (IPLR) than those based on halobutyl innerliners. It is believed that this advantage in air retention will result in better overall tire performance.

09:50

Development of new high-strength SBR for high-durability tires

Masashi Arai
Technical team, general manager
JSR Elastomer Europe GmbH
Germany

In recent years, the trend in the automotive industry has been a push for a drastic reduction of CO2 emissions in response to global warming concerns. The tire industry has sought to do its part with the development of fuel-efficient tires. Additionally, as electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology spread rapidly, high durability performance is in greater demand. Responding to these new market demands, we have developed a new high-strength SBR that shows significant improvement in tensile strength compared with general SBR and natural rubber.

10:15

New Exxpro specialty elastomer 3563 with superior impermeability for tires

Dr Sunny Jacob
Elastomer technology advisor
ExxonMobil Chemical
USA

Isobutylene elastomers are of great commercial importance in tire applications due to their notable low gas permeability properties attributed to their efficient molecular packing. Brominated isobutylene-co-para-methylstyrene (BIMSM) elastomers are a special class of isobutylene elastomers synthesized by random cationic polymerization of isobutylene and p-methylstyrene (pMS), followed by a selective bromination of the methyl group of the para-methylstyrene units. BIMSM elastomer, commercially known as Exxpro specialty elastomer, exhibits superior heat resistance and aging properties, and is much more resistant to chemicals and ozone than butyl or halobutyl polymers due to its fully saturated backbone structure. This paper will present the chemistry and application aspects of the newly developed BIMSM elastomer, Exxpro specialty elastomer 3563, to meet the growing market demands and requirements for low maintenance, low inflation pressure loss rate (IPLR) tires and tires for connected autonomous shared electric vehicles.

10:40 - 11:00

11:00

The performance of new viscoelastic modifiers from a renewable resource

Jochem Vervelde
Senior technical associate
Kraton
Netherlands

Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of styrenic block co-polymers, specialty polymers and high-value performance products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, is launching the SYLVATRAXX 8000 Tread Enhancement Additive series featuring second-generation polyterpenes with high bio-based content. The products are designed to optimize the balance between wet traction and rolling resistance in silica-filled passenger car tire treads, especially in high-performance all-season tires. This technical presentation will provide an evaluation of SYLVATRAXX 8115 and 8125 products in typical passenger car tread compounds, including data from laboratory compounding studies and correlated with the products' key characteristics.

11:25

New products for advancing performance, manufacturability and sustainability

Matthew Greenfield
Business development manager - elastomer composites
Cabot Corporation
USA

Improving tire performance without introducing processing complexity is a critical challenge within the tire industry. This presentation introduces commercially available products that enable superior tire performance and outstanding value across a number of applications. By innovating in multiple directions – materials, manufacturability and business models – tire manufacturers can achieve sustainability goals while delivering differentiated product performance. Improvements can be achieved at a variety of scales while avoiding common drawbacks. Cabot’s new products reduce required mixing energy and time, improving process throughput.

11:50

Cut and chip properties of tire rubber compounds

Dr Arup Saha Deuri
Head of R&D
BKT
India

The functionality of rubber used in tire applications becomes particularly important when it is subjected to unpaved/rough terrain, because the sharp edges of stones will gradually cut the rubber parts. This study examined many factors that could maintain initial wear characteristics but prevent cutting and chipping problems. NR/SBR blends in different ratios, their physical and mechanical properties, and the role of silica, carbon black, aramid fiber and basalt fiber are studied here.

12:15

New plasticizers for improved service life of tire curing bladders

Dr Volker Boerger
Head of chemistry and technology
Schill+Seilacher 'Struktol' GmbH
Germany

The service life of curing bladders is an important property in tire production. Tire manufacturers have a big interest in running a curing bladder for as long as possible in order to produce as many tires as possible with one curing bladder. However, due to extreme temperatures and repeated flexing cycles, the lifetime of a bladder is limited. One reason is an unwanted migration of traditional plasticizers out of the article, which leads to stiffness issues. The presentation offers new plasticizer types for an extended service life of bladders. Finally, a cost advantage is achieved.

12:40 - 14:30

Moderator

Dr Wilma Dierkes
Associate professor
University of Twente
Netherlands

14:30

Hydrothermally carbonized lignin as sustainable filler for tire-tread application

Priyanka Sekar
PDEng
University of Twente
Netherlands

The tire industry’s increasing emphasis on sustainability can be met by new fillers. Based on this, the modification of lignin was developed as it offers abundancy, eco-friendliness and a renewable nature. This study focuses on investigating the reinforcing behavior of a TESPT modified lignin-based filler in an SSBR/BR blend in comparison with CB and silica/TESPT. With mechanical strength comparable to the reference compounds, the lignin-based filler compound exhibits significantly improved dynamic properties. Tailor-made recipes allow the mechanical and dynamic properties to be varied to the desired level and to replace conventional fillers.

14:55

SSBR/LiBR for eco tires with ZSE’s outstanding technologies

Kenji Watanabe
Team leader
ZS Elastomers Co Ltd
Japan

ZS Elastomers (ZSE) has many outstanding technologies that can provide a wide variety of SSBR/LiBR. These technologies contribute to improvement of rolling resistance, wet grip, abrasion resistance and processability. Thus, our polymers cover a wide range of tire design, such as winter, all-season, summer, HPT and race tires. In this presentation, we will introduce the effect and mechanism of ZSE’s technologies, and the products to which those technologies are applied.

15:20

Application of high-cis BR in tire compounds

Alex Lucassen
Technical marketing manager
Sibur International
Netherlands

In most tire parts of PCR and TBR, except steel cord and innerliner, polybutadiene rubber (BR) is applied. New generations of BR are coming on the market related to adjusted micro- and macrostructure and including functionalization to the filler. The ‘properties envelope’ of processing against compound properties is key to their understanding as BR is typically difficult to process. Here the relatively high ‘non-cured’ elasticity is a route, of course. Sibur presents a study on several BRs, related to the above-mentioned polymer key factors, to adjust compound properties. Data will be shown related to mixing, processing and compound properties of several high-cis BRs.

15:45

Sustainable innovations for the tire industry CANCELLED

Alberto Ronzani
Market development manager
Eastman Chemical Company
Belgium

The future of mobility is dependent on sustainable innovation that will transform the transportation industry, driving a heightened focus on developing technologies that will allow us all to thrive socially, ecologically and economically. In this presentation, Eastman will discuss the sustainability challenges currently facing the tire industry while showcasing the company's leadership in sustainable solutions that offer performance differentiation and competitive advantages for tire manufacturers. Specifically, we will dive into footprint and HSE issues, demonstrating how CO2 emissions can be reduced and substances of very high concern (SVHC) like cobalt, formaldehyde and resorcinol can be replaced.

Day 2: Wednesday, February 26

Moderator

Dr James Cuttino
Director, tire research and development
Link Engineering Company
USA

09:00

An improved test method for all-seasons and winter tires CANCELLED

Mauro Martino
€‹wheels and tires - designer responsible
FCA Italy
Italy

For all-seasons/winter tire development for vehicle OEMs based in Europe, a snow testing session in Scandinavia is needed. Winter testing is possible and economically convenient only in northern Europe in a small timeframe. Therefore, winter tire development is not achievable outside these boundary conditions. A prediction of snow performance during spring/summer/autumn testing is not feasible. This study aims to identify different sets of winter tire design parameters with the same snow performance, same rolling resistance and same rolling noise, to be tested on different dry/wet surfaces.

09:25

Study of WLTP coast-down variability given by tire and wheel CANCELLED

Andrea Carzana
R&D tires specialist
FCA Italy
Italy

The vehicle physical coast-down is a critical step in the emissions calculation with WLTP. Tires' effect on the overall resistive force opposing the movement derives from the parabolic curve of vehicle deceleration. Nevertheless, several factors affect tire performance during coast-down and increase the variability of the results, and not all of them are related to the tire rolling resistance. This study aims at understanding the conditions under which the tire performs the best and provides the lowest resistance, and how this can be translated into a more effective deceleration leading to emissions benefits.

09:50

Novel methodology to determine the hyperelasticities of tire rubber constituents

Bharath Anantharamaiah
Research engineer
Applus IDIADA
Spain

A methodology has been developed to simulate the tire static behavior and estimate its constituent hyperelasticities based on the measured tire responses (radial, longitudinal and lateral stiffness) for the applied static loads. First, a simplified tire numerical model with standard rubber material properties is modeled that can substantively predict the necessary tire static responses. These responses are compared against the physical tire responses that are measured using a kinematic and compliance (K&C) test rig. Finally, a DoE and an optimization process are performed by sampling the rubber hyperelasticities to simulate the FE model and match the tire static test responses precisely.

10:15

Measurement of rotating tire lateral stiffness applying contact force measurement

Kazuki Kido
Vehicle dynamics analysis specialist
A&D Company Ltd
Japan

Matthew van Gennip
Product manager - tire and vehicle dynamics products
A&D Technology Inc
USA

The delay of tire lateral force is an important component in vehicle dynamics and is known to be caused by the lateral stiffness of the tire. Generally, lateral stiffness is measured in a static state, so there are very few examples of lateral stiffness measurement during tire rotation. The proposed method makes it possible to measure the force, displacement and stiffness values of the tire footprint in a distributed manner by measuring the force distribution on the contact surface during tire rotation.

10:40 - 11:00

11:00

Velocity measurements of the water flow in tire grooves

Damien Cabut
PhD student
Ecole Centrale de Lyon
France

Hydroplaning occurs when a tire encounters more water than it can scatter. Hydrodynamic pressure builds up in front of the tire and induces loss of surface friction, which diminishes the available braking force that it can generate in an emergency braking, for example. Therefore, it is crucial for tire designers to optimize tread designs to ensure the best water evacuation without compromising any other performance. In this work, a measurement method based on particle image velocimetry is proposed to measure the velocity field in the grooves of a worn tire rolling through a water puddle.

11:25

Investigation of rubber indentation depending on load and speed

Jacopo Cugliari
PhD student
German Institute of Rubber Technology
Germany

To determine the influencing parameters on tire tread properties and especially the friction behavior, it is necessary to investigate the contact conditions between rubber and rough track. In this work, the gap between a model substrate and contacting tire tread compounds is investigated with respect to normal load and sliding speed. A new experimental technique based on laser distance measurements is used to determine the relaxation of a rubber block pressed into asperities, and thus the depth of rubber indentation in static and dynamic conditions. In this way, the results allow a validation of the contact theories and FEM simulations.

11:50

Surface influence on wet and dry traction

Kenny Erdner
Lead tests prep engineer
GCAPS
USA

This is a study to find the influence of surfaces on EU wet grip-graded tires. Testing of the five letter-graded tires, A to F, was performed on 120 grit sandpaper and GCAPS asphalt surfaces using the LTRe force and moment indoor laboratory tire tester. Testing methods included EU wet grip braking, dry braking, wet and dry lateral, and speed influence, to see how the label grades correlate between outdoor testing methods and indoor laboratory testing results.

12:15 - 14:00

Day 3: Thursday, February 27

Moderator

David Shaw
Chief executive
Tire Industry Research
UK

09:00

China’s tire industry

David Shaw
Chief executive
Tire Industry Research
UK

This paper looks at the changes in China’s tire industry, and especially the rise of the most significant players based in China. It covers the main players in China’s tire industry, and also looks at the Chinese government's policy and how governmental decisions outside China – such as tariffs – have affected both the industry and the strategic thinking within the industry. In particular, it gives insights into the likely future direction of some of the top players as they emerge onto a more global stage.

09:25

CANCELLED due to travel limitations

Jackie Yang
Director of corporate strategy and marketing
Jiangsu Xingda Steel Tyre Cord Co Ltd
China

09:50

China's tire industry – a supplier's perspective on change

Matthew Wood
Vice president global marketing
Cabot Corporation
China

This paper reviews recent developments in China's tire industry and places these moves in the context of the international tire industry. The speaker has lived and worked in China for the last four years and regularly visits China-based tire makers in his role as vice president at a global business supplying international and local tire makers. He explores differences and similarities between the business and legislative environment in China, and how that impacts the China market structure and needs.

10:15 - 11:15

Day 3: Thursday, February 27

09:40

New MERTC P-PRO2 passenger tire building machine and its smart functionality required by Industry 4.0

Karol Vanko
Mesnac vice president and MERTC CEO
Mesnac European Research and Technical Centre
Slovakia

Mesnac European Research and Technical Centre introduces its new MERTC P-PRO2 passenger tire building machine, which brings many technical solutions, innovations and patents. The presentation is focused on new machine functionalities, requested by general industry development (smart machine behavior based on Industry 4.0) and customers’ actual requirements focused on high daily output of quality tires (automatic production under total quality control and very quick tire size change).

10:00

The new benchmark in truck tire curing

Kevin Rolfe
Vice president sales and service - curing presses
HF TireTech Group
Germany

There is a strong demand in the market to optimize truck tire production. The market asks for more modularity, higher production and improved energy efficiency. Therefore, HF designed a new truck tire curing press that meets these requirements. HF's solution was launched one year ago. We have experiences with this machine to share, based on installations at different customer locations. The new HF Curemaster TBR truck tire curing press offers a flexible and compact footprint, enabling it to replace older, smaller presses and ultimately save space or allow for the possibility to fit more presses per existing trench.

10:20

Smart tire manufacturing based on sensor intelligence

Patrick Hartmann
Strategic industry manager
SICK AG
Germany

The presentation provides an overview of the application of Industry 4.0 technologies to tire manufacturing. This includes the latest real and proven industry examples as well as a conceptual outlook on technology.

10:40

Laser – improving efficiency in the manufacturing of premium tires

Patrick Michalke
Key account manager
4JET Technologies GmbH
Germany

Demands on tires are changing due to the effects of new applications requirements resulting from shared economy and electric mobility and high-performance applications in traditional OEM applications. Premium tires featuring noise-absorbing foam and self-sealing compounds are therefore increasing in volume in the supply chain to OEMs. Making the manufacturing of such tires as efficient as possible is mandatory for all tire makers. The presentation shows the market development as well as the solutions supported by laser technology to overcome the constraints in manufacturing.

11:00

Calender roll sliding without friction for the highest-precision calendering CANCELLED

Lorenzo Erbetta
Technical manager
Rodolfo Comerio Srl
Italy

Recent technological studies have enabled Rodolfo Comerio to conceive and patent new systems for calender sliding with very low friction, ensuring uniform and homogeneous lamination between calender rolls 2-3, improving the rubber penetration in the textile or steel cords, the thickness accuracy, and the cord end-count distribution evenness and consequently enhancing the performance of tire rolling, resistance and stability. These new technologies also allow a reduction in the material thickness, the quantity of raw material used and the amount of scrap, considerably reducing the production costs.

11:20

How does the extrusion quality affect the tire building process?

Dr Gerard Nijman
Head of R&D
KraussMaffei Extrusion GmbH
Germany

The presentation will discuss: a modern extrusion line for tire components (tread, sidewall, innerliner); intern transport from extruders to tire building machines; the preformer and final die design – rubber rheology as a key parameter to understand the extrusion behavior; quality aspects and their influence on tire building and product quality; future trends in tire component extrusion.

Day 3: Thursday, February 27

Moderator

Stefan Müller
Co-CEO
Müller Technologie AG
Switzerland

09:00

How can we meet tire model assumptions during testing?

Dr Christian Bachmann
Senior manager tire technology
fka GmbH
Germany

Tire characteristics are strongly dependent on various influencing parameters (e.g. inflation pressure, temperature, wear, etc). This presentation will discuss the challenges of identifying certain tire properties without changing the operating conditions during testing in order to meet the assumptions of the (usually simplified) tire simulation models.

09:25

Acoustic and dynamic blocked force measurements of tires and suspensions

Andreas Schilp
Managing director
AZL-Technology Center GmbH
Germany

With regard to electric vehicles, road noise is becoming increasingly important for overall driving comfort. In the development process, dynamic simulation models of a rolling tire are still a big challenge. We present test setups and example test results for the measurement of suspensions and tire/rim combinations on exactly the same excitation, e.g. a rough roller surface on a chassis dyno. Measurement results can be the dynamic blocked forces, blocked moments and the radiated sound power. Using these test benches, optimum data can be created for the validation of simulation models, the setup of hybrid models and system optimization.

09:50

Rolling resistance prediction based on asphalt properties

Judith Bertomeu
Research engineer
Applus+ IDIADA
Spain

This paper discusses how pavement performances, in terms of driving energy demand, are influenced by asphalt properties. A deeper knowledge of asphalt characterization results in better laboratory reproductions, providing more realistic and reliable results when testing under controlled environments. The investigation was carried out as a three-party partnership project between Sorigué as pavement builder, Norcontrol as pavement tester, and IDIADA as vehicle tester. This collaboration enabled the teams to share their knowledge in each specific area and provided a view of the whole vehicle-pavement-tire combination when considering rolling resistance.

10:15

Testing road tires on rails: does that make sense?

Stefan Müller
Co-CEO
Müller Technologie AG
Switzerland

Road-rail vehicles (RRVs) are the new shunting engines. Their pulling power relies on road tires rolling on rails with transferable traction forces three times higher than on steel wheels used on conventional shunting engines. This research is to accurately predict the pulling power of RRVs by means of multibody systems (MBS). The key to an accurate prediction is a valid tire model for use on rails. This in turn requires a tire on rail testing equipment, which will be discussed in this presentation along with the data collected using the equipment.

10:40 - 11:00

11:00

Temperature influences on the snow friction of tire tread blocks

Michael Hindemith
Research engineer
Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Dynamics and Vibration Research (IDS)
Germany

Real snow roads are exposed to changing conditions such as unstable temperatures or variable snow conditions. These changes have a significant influence on the snow friction of a tire tread block. We intend to quantify these effects experimentally by means of targeted parameter studies. For the parameter studies, we investigate the behavior of a tread block on a linear rolling test rig with variable slip ratios on snow roads. The results show that the temperature has a considerable influence on the snow friction of a tread block. The phenomenon can be explained physically by the temperature-dependent strength of the snow.

11:25

Investigating road-tire-chassis interaction on a test rig for longitudinal dynamics

Dirk Engel
Professor
HAW (University of Applied Sciences) Hamburg
Germany

In this presentation, self-excited full-vehicle oscillations – in this context referred to as ‘power-hop’ – will be introduced. First results of full-vehicle measurements will be shown, followed by the presentation of a specially built test rig. This longitudinal dynamics test rig (LDP) has been drafted and designed at the Institute for Automotive and Powertrain Engineering (IFAS) of Helmut-Schmidt-Universität (HSU) in Hamburg. Measurement results in different conditions (tarmac, concrete, dry, wet) concerning power-hop will be shown, before a new transparent surface setup is introduced that allows an insight into the tire contact patch.

11:50

PhotoGAUGE: a unique tire profile measurement tool for the field

Dr Shankar Subramanian
Chief technology officer
PhotoGAUGE
USA

Making accurate 3D scans of tires in the field and deriving quantitative wear patterns are challenging tasks for which no solutions have been available until now. PhotoGAUGE’s TyreGAUGE, based on photogrammetry, computer vision and cloud computing, is a unique portable solution that fits in a backpack and allows engineers to measure a tire patch in two to three minutes and obtain customized tire profile maps, not just scans. These maps are invaluable in understanding irregular wear and for validation of numerical models. Our cloud-based subscription also provides data warehousing of all reports and analytics on the accumulated data.

12:15 - 14:00

Day 3: Thursday, February 27

Moderator

Andrew Boakes
Conference director
UKi Media & Events
UK

09:00

The impact of aquaplaning on driving safety – the accidentology viewpoint

Frederic Biesse
Tire performance analysis expert
Michelin
France

Although the hydroplaning phenomenon has been known since the 1960s, it is almost impossible to find any scientific estimation of its real impact on vehicle accidents, especially in Europe. In this study, thanks to the GIDAS database and a physical analysis of all suspected hydroplaning accidents, it was possible to compute the probability of an accident case being in a full hydroplaning situation. This allowed for a precise estimation of the real importance of full hydroplaning situations on accident occurrence, which appears to be a much rarer accident cause than was expected.

09:25

Analysis of tire-related influencing factors on the indirect tire pressure monitoring system

Wenrui Han
Research associate
TU Dresden
Germany

To improve understanding and further reduce development efforts for indirect tire pressure monitoring systems (iTPMS), the tire-related influencing factors on the iTPMS need to be further investigated. The presentation will show measurement-based and model-based analyses of tire-related influencing factors (such as tire wear, wheel dimension, etc) on the iTPMS.

09:50 - 10:35

10:35

Complete data integration from sensor level to MES

Andreas Morbitzer
Key account manager - tire industry
Pepperl+Fuchs Vertrieb Deutschland GmbH
Germany

Tire manufacturing is now able to leverage intelligent sensor data across all information levels. In the past, complete data integration in production processes was not possible due to the lack of intelligent sensors and infrastructure. Both technologies are growing rapidly, now having a broad range of smart field devices like proximity switches, photoelectric sensors or RFID, known as Sensorik 4.0. At the same time, new opportunities for transmitting data are being introduced in industry, such as IO-Link, OPC UA and MQTT. For the tire production industry, these standards offer a wide range of new advantages, including entire track and trace of automated material flow, complete documentation of all produced goods, and plant-wide condition monitoring of components and assets. This results in higher competitiveness based on cost savings, increased quality and transparency. Today, the key to success is the intelligent combination of large numbers of various field data, their direct integration, and timely availability. The presentation will include conceptual and practical solutions for the tire industry.

11:00

Better safety with real-time alarms for worn tires

Geoff Haswell
CTO
Fyster AS
Norway

In the EU, tires worn beyond the legal limit are a contributory factor in thousands of accidents per year. Fyster addresses this issue with a tread monitoring system that warns stakeholders in real time at a pre-set level before a tire becomes illegal. The system measures actual tire tread depth, which is more accurate than inferring tread depth from other vehicle data.

11:25

RFID on OTR tires from production to the field

Jos Uijlenbroek
Vice president RFID tire solutions
Fineline Technologies
Netherlands

Vulcanized RFID barcode bead labels are becoming common for the identification of tires in general, but especially for off-the-road (OTR) tires. The production methodology makes it difficult to apply identification methods before and/or after vulcanization. This presentation gives an overview of the use of RFID within the tire production processes and the digitization of manufacturing logistics in the age of Industry 4.0; the use of RFID bead labels to track and trace tires, especially OTR tires, from production processes all the way to the customer location.

11:50 - 14:00

Day 3: Thursday, February 27

Moderator

Martin von Wolfersdorff
Advisor
Wolfersdorff Consulting
Germany

09:00

Tire-to-tire recycling – a global industry update

Martin von Wolfersdorff
Advisor
Wolfersdorff Consulting
Germany

Tire sustainability can mean many things including CO2 reduction, ethical manufacturing and the use of recycled and bio-based materials. This presentation will look at tire-to-tire material recycling examples in the whole tire value chain from OEM car builders to tire makers and tire raw material suppliers, as well as recycling companies.

09:25

Novel rubber recycling options

Dr Georg Bohm
President
Appia LLC
USA

The talk will offer a more detailed understanding of the technical and commercial challenges associated with rubber recycling. It will also discuss new opportunities to convert ground rubber particles of spent tires (an inexpensive filler of marginal value) into a useful new raw material for use in tire compounds and other applications.

09:50

Recycling of elastomers: sustainability and value

Dr Fabio Bacchelli
Technical manager
Versalis
Italy

The rubber industry is facing an important challenge due to the growing focus on environmental sustainability. It needs to find a recycling technology that gives value to ELTs, in order to reuse them in the same applications where virgin rubber is used. Two different processes are used: devulcanization and micronization. For both, a deep knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of the recycled material is essential, in order to optimize the performance of the rubber good where it is added. The presentation provides an overview of both processes and shows the technical results achieved.

10:15

Sustainable fillers (rCB)

Fredrik Olofsson
Sales manager
Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB
Sweden

The ever-growing interest in sustainable technology and the increasingly decisive questions about how greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced mean that there is increasing interest in Scandinavian Enviro Systems' unique technology in the tire and rubber industry. Sustainable fillers and TPO with high bio content are now really starting to be introduced to the market based on Enviro's technology. The question now is more linked to capacity than whether or not the 'new' products work. The presentation will describe the company's progress so far, including a brief technology presentation, an introduction to sustainable filler and TPO plus rCB in the tire/rubber industry, capacity/plant establishment, and plans for the future.

10:40

Enhanced MRP performance by surface treatment

Chris Twigg
R&D manager
Kargro Recycling BV
Netherlands

Reactivating the vulcanization potential of micronized rubber powder (MRP) by chemical treatment improves the properties of the vulcanized materials so produced and broadens the range of possible uses of these materials.

11:05 - 11:25

11:25

Efficient fine grinding of rCB with fluidized bed jet mill

Christian Höfels
Process developer
Netzsch Trockenmahltechnik GmbH
Germany

The presentation will discuss: the design of an air jet mill with integrated dynamic air classifier for reproducible product quantities, advantages and disadvantages of low- and high-pressure operation, optimized compressor operation, importance and influences of air generation on the process, and reliable results and performance data.

11:50

Shaping the retreading process

Alessandro Villa
General manager
TRM - Tyre Retreading Machinery
Italy

The retreading sector is facing major challenges in the coming years to maintain its competitiveness in the market. TRM is shaping a new process model that introduces flexibility and automation in a segment historically characterized by an intense demand for labor, in order to improve efficiency and offer high quality to the end user.

12:15

Achieving a tire circular economy using high-performance sustainable material

Nicolas Schüwer
R&D manager
Tyre Recycling Solutions
Switzerland

Although material recycling of tire rubber could play a significant role in the treatment of end-of-life tires and decrease the environmental footprint of tires throughout their lifecycle, the amount of tire rubber being truly recycled is still extremely limited. The key issues in creating a truly circular economy are to understand the materials science and to guarantee constant and high quality of recycled products. This paper describes the physics of incorporating rubber waterjet powder into SBR-based compounds. It also looks at strategies to ensure the global availability of high-performance sustainable material.

12:40

The rubber technologist – a requalification possibility

Dr Fabian Grunert
Assistant professor
University of Twente
Netherlands

The automotive sector is facing continuous changes that also directly affect the tire industry. In particular, regulations regarding a reduction in CO2 emissions related to fuel consumption and rolling resistance force continuous improvement in tire performance. To be able to meet the future requirements of the automotive industry and keep the knowledge of employees up to date, the European DRIVES project was initiated to offer new requalification possibilities. One piece of training being developed is to become a rubber technologist. In addition to the basics of rubber technology, this training includes innovative green technologies considering bio-based polymers, fillers and additives, and recycling possibilities.

13:05 - 14:00