Slicing it Extra Thin: Next Big Breakthrough Will Be Measured in Billionths, Not Billions - Tire Review Magazine

Slicing it Extra Thin: Next Big Breakthrough Will Be Measured in Billionths, Not Billions

What will be the next great tire breakthrough? What will make radial technology the sliced bread of our age?

If I’ve heard the question once, I’ve heard it a million times. It’s been six decades since the radial was invented – 30 years or so since it really hit the market here – but there hasn’t been an industry-changing invention since.

Some have tried, but the result was either badly burnt toast or something so untenable that badly burnt toast would’ve been an improvement.

But now I have the answer. Yes, THE answer.

Nanotechnology.

“Huh?” you say. Let me explain. Think of your favorite thing – anything. Now, think about what it would be like if it was, say, 100 times better. That’s what nanotech can mean to tires.

Nanotechnology is the fine (literally) art of engineering products at their molecular core, at one-billionth – 0.0000000001 – of a meter. Matter behaves in a vastly different fashion at this scale, scientists have found, and making nano-alterations can give familiar materials useful new properties.

With nanotech, scientists move this around and add that and realign a passel of particles to change the performance properties of basic elements – like carbon – to make them better, to make them do things we’d never imagined.

At this level a human hair is 10,000 times thicker. Yet those submicro changes can literally turn our industry – every industry – on its ear.

It’s already happening. You know those stadium Jumbotrons? Nanotech made them possible. Scratch-proof bedliners and bumpers? Nanotech. Stain-resistant Dockers? Nanotech. Longer-lasting tennis balls? Advantage nanotech. Golf balls that fly straighter? They’ll be here soon, thanks to nanotechnology.

The world as we know it will get much smaller. And very quickly.

Just as the transistor shrunk building-sized super computers down to today’s laptops and PDAs, experts say nanotech will lead to watch-sized PCs with more features, speed and capacity than that laptop.

Eventually, some suggest, entire computers could be woven into the fabric of a common dress shirt. Just watch the delete button, pal.

Engineers are working on nanotech-enabled implants to automatically administer drugs and adjust dosages based on a body’s reaction; a “lab-on-a-chip” so doctors can run complex tests in seconds, not weeks; a cooling wafer substitute for compressors in cars, refrigerators and air conditioners; and high-capacity, long-life portable power devices that deliver cheap, clean energy.

Beyond the future-tech dreams are ways nanotech could improve the products we already have. Like tires.

The alignment of steel molecules could be altered to create steel cords that are 10 times stronger than today’s, yet considerably thinner and lighter. Less steel means less raw materials.

The carbon nanotubes that gave us the Jumbotron? They can be modified further to make carbon act more like its diamond cousin yet remain incredibly flexible. That could eliminate steel in tires altogether. Lighter tires means lower weight and better fuel economy. And fewer sore backs.

Rubber compounds could finally defeat that age-old performance-characteristic trade off, yielding tires with unheard of treadlife, super low rolling resistance and max traction in all weather conditions, on all surfaces. A million-mile truck tire for every fleet.

Sidewalls could adjust on the fly, stiffening at freeway speeds for precise handling and softening when battling potholed city streets.

Tires with impenetrable rubber? Doable. Who could argue with flat-free, damage-proof tires?

Film-thin transmitters could contain a tire ID and monitor real-time inflation pressure, internal temperature and treadwear. They could be small, inexpensive and connected directly to dashboard readouts showing each tire’s condition and warning the driver when it’s time for new rubber. Or, they can be connected via telematics right to your dealership to help you anticipate a customer’s next visit.

Has nanotech made its way into tire development? Don’t know. Will it? Ditto.

Should it? Well, that’s a toughie.

This is what I do know. When it comes to research and development, the tire industry doesn’t have to take a back seat to any industry…unless it really wants to. The technology is well established. How quickly it’s integrated is all a matter of desire.

By the way, for you golfers, NanoDynamics Inc. (www.ndmxgolf.com) plans to launch its straight-flying golf balls later this year – at $5 a pop. But if you hit the ball straighter, you should never lose one!

You May Also Like

Look Inside Lamborghini’s VIP Lounge in NYC and Drive a Urus with Us

During a recent ride-and-drive with Pirelli, the tiremaker showcased its relationship with Lamborghini with a stop at the prestige OEM’s Lamborghini Lounge, a no-frills building tucked inside New York City’s Chelsea District. Inside, it’s where discerning soon-to-be Lamborghini owners can go and customize their vehicles (namely, the Huracán and Aventador) as part of the carmaker’s

Lamborghini Lounge vehicle personalized

During a recent ride-and-drive with Pirelli, the tiremaker showcased its relationship with Lamborghini with a stop at the prestige OEM's Lamborghini Lounge, a no-frills building tucked inside New York City’s Chelsea District. Inside, it’s where discerning soon-to-be Lamborghini owners can go and customize their vehicles (namely, the Huracán and Aventador) as part of the carmaker’s “Ad Personam '' customization program. When I say customize your vehicles, I mean you can even choose the color of thread that will sew their seats together. Just take a look...

Fleet Tire Market to Outpace Overall Tire Market to 2026

Fleet tire consumption is growing along with population and middle-class expansion regardless of the economic and transportation setbacks related to COVID-19. Thanks to the shift in mobility that is taking place to 2026 and beyond, which includes greater efficiencies in commercial transport and the use of car- and ride-sharing fleets for personal transportation, the fleet

Freightliner-Custom-Chassis-Electric-Walk-In-Van-1400
Looking for Opportunities Amid Supply Challenges

While the industry continues to battle supply issues, now is a good time to look at other aspects of your shop that you can control.

Forging a Path Forward

The skills we learned from being distanced because of the pandemic will stay with us, but think of it this way: As the world opens up, what opportunities will it offer you?

Forging a Path Ahead
How the State of Our Industry Impacts Your Day to Day

In August, Tire Review is publishing special “State of the Industry” articles comprised of the thought-leadership editorial that takes a look at various trends shaping the global tire industry through the eyes of subject matter experts and industry influencers.

State of the Industry service advisor customer

Other Posts

Finding Your Tire Shop’s Value Proposition

By following a few steps, any growing business in this field, new or old, will be better positioned to determine what their value proposition is, too.

State of the Industry service advisor customer
Waves of Change: Tire Review Makes Staff Changes

Tire Review is accelerating its efforts to keep you engaged, enthusiastic and curious about the growth your business can achieve.

TR Staff 1400
2021 Top Shop Competition Standouts Are the ‘Best of the Best’

These Top Shops lead by example, relentlessly focus on elevating their customers’ service experience, outshine their competitors, stand out in their community and commit to excellence, says Tire Review Editor Mary DellaValle.

Tire Review Top Shop Event
Customer Service Scripts vs. a Sales Process

When you manage and control the conversation, you have your best shot at controlling a favorable outcome.

AdobeStock_51503353