Motorists around the world report that wet-surface performance
is a major concern when purchasing new tires. Our EPC
Compound reduces friction-related rubber hardening creating
more consistent wet braking and handling.
EPC Suppresses Sulfur Re-Crosslinking, Which Results From
The Heat Of Friction And Causes An Increase In A Tire's
Surface Deformation Hardness.
Sulfur re-crosslinking
increases the surface-deformation hardness of a tire by "crosslinking"
more- numerous rubber polymer molecules. Bonding among the
rubber polymer molecules is an important factor in rubber
elasticity. Tire manufacturers promote that bonding during
the vulcanization process by adding sulfur and applying heat
to the rubber. But subsequent sulfur re-crosslinking due to
the heat of friction when a tire is in motion can produce an
increase in surface-deformation hardness.
In a new tire ... Sulfur bridges
strengthen the tire by linking the rubber polymer molecules.
The polymers also bind to the particles of carbon black in
the rubber, which strengthens the tire further.
Re-crosslinking by the sulfur molecules
creates additional links between the polymers and increases
rubber hardness.
Our EPC reduces hardening by
suppressing the re-crosslinking of sulfur molecules.
Less re-crosslinking means more consistent wet-surface
braking and handling performance as the tire wears.
When a tire contains EPC ... Our
technology reduces hardening by suppressing the re-crosslinking
action of sulfur molecules. Even when friction generates
heat in a tire in motion, the sulfur re-crosslinking is
minimal, and so is the increase in surface-deformation
hardness.
EPC keeps rubber compounds softer
which helps provide more consistent wet braking and
handling as the tire wears. Less surface-deformation
hardening occurs when tires contain EPC. We have already
put this compound to work as a key factor in reducing
deterioration of performance. We are currently exploring
ways to use EPC to produce a quieter, more comfortable
ride.
