Momentive Performance Materials Inc. has announced its collaboration with Sumitomo Rubber Industries on the development of the tiremaker’s Enasave Premium tire.
Enasave earned the best rating (AAA) for rolling resistance under Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association’s (JATMA) labeling system. Launched at the Tokyo Motor Show last month, Enasave Premium is Sumitomo’s flagship in its fuel-efficient tire range.
The new tire is said to be the world’s first to use Momentive’s NXT Z 45 silane, a coupling agent for silica-based tire tread compound and an excellent candidate to consider for improved dynamic and physical properties, including rolling resistance and wet traction. The new silane can virtually eliminate the ethanol that is released during the manufacturing and use of silica tires.
According to the company, Momentive’s NXT silane technology can help save energy, increase manufacturing efficiency and improve automotive safety. In addition, energy consumption can be reduced through lower silane use levels and improved processing. NXT silane is also higher in renewable materials content than standard silanes.
“Our Enasave Premium tire proves that with the right technology, it is possible to achieve key environmental, safety and performance attributes in one product,” said Ikuji Ikeda, president, Sumitomo Rubber Industries. According to a press release from Sumitomo Rubber, NXT Z 45 silane plays an important role in the enhanced performance properties of the Enasave Premium tire, and Sumitomo Rubber was fortunate to have the ideal collaboration with Momentive to help them bring this important new product from concept to market.
“We have been building the NXT silane technology platform for tire performance improvement for more than a decade,” said Mike Stout, global marketing director, Tire and Rubber, Momentive Performance Materials. “Sumitomo Rubber’s exciting Enasave initiative brought together two leaders in their respective fields, each with a long history of innovation and market firsts and a deep commitment to sustainability. We take pride in using our technical resources to develop products that perform well while making a sustainable difference. Our work with Sumitomo Rubber has been especially gratifying in this way.” (Tyres & Accessories)
