Crompton OSi Specialties today announced the introduction of patented silane coupling agent
13-Sep-2002
GREENWICH, CT September 11, 2002 - Crompton OSi Specialties today announced the introduction of patented NXT silane coupling agent that is a significant breakthrough in silica tire compounding technology. Compared to existing materials, the new generation NXT silane coupling agent enables improved processing, lower viscosity, better filler dispersion, fewer mix cycles and greater dynamic mechanical properties for silica-filled tread compounds. NXT silane also gives excellent age stability to the silica tread compound (allowing for longer storage and shipping) while reducing the volatile organic content (VOCs).
"Because of the lower fuel consumption, improved traction, higher skid resistance and better wear of silica passenger tires, sales of these tires have been growing at an average annual rate of more than 10%," said Mike Stout, global manager, Crompton OSi Specialties tire and rubber segment. "So, passenger tire tread formulations that use up to 100% silica filler have placed new demands on compounding technology. The major drawback of processing silica tire tread compound has been the necessity to repeatedly cool the compound over several processing steps, leading to an overall increase in the cost of the tire." NXT silane is the first member of a proprietary new generation of silane coupling agents that allows single-step compounding of rubber to make silica tire treads.
In addition to easier compounding, new NXT silica coupler provides additional important properties like lower viscosity, age stability and reduction in VOC's to the tire compound. NXT silane coupling agent allows higher temperature mixing and imparts improved silica hydrophobicity that facilitates dispersion without the re-milling and intermediate cooling steps that were necessary with the earlier generations of silica couplers. Therefore, the silica can be dispersed more easily in the rubber-silica mix without scorching and increased viscosity. Single-step-tread compounds exhibit improved dynamic and mechanical properties.
Dr. Ian Moore, vice president silanes, Crompton OSi Specialties said, "We work with our customers to help solve their problems. In the tire and rubber industry, our recent commitment has been to help find a simpler, and therefore less costly, compounding process for silica tire tread. And we created it in NXT silane coupling agent. Fifty years ago, our research and development scientists led the way in helping tire manufacturers provide reinforcement in mineral-filled rubber; today we are helping them manufacture high performance silica tires at lower cost, while simultaneously helping them meet more demanding regulatory requirements with environmentally friendly products."
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