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EPC Suppresses Sulfur Re-Crosslinking,
Which Results From The Heat Of Friction
And Causes An Increase In A Tire's
Surface Deformation Hardness. |
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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. |
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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. |
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When heat arises from friction in a tire
in motion.
Re-crosslinking by the sulfur molecules
creates additional links between the
polymers and increases rubber hardness. |
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L E G E N D |
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Our newly
developed 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.
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When a tire
contains EPC.
Our newly developed
EPC
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 new compound to
work as a key factor in reducing
deterioration of we-surface performance. We
are currently exploring ways to use
EPC
to produce a quieter, more comfortable ride. |
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