Why are tires black?

A chance conversation over dinner with the Society of Automotive Historians in Britain has led me to research the topic of Colour and Pneumatics: why are tires, typically, black - and what colours have they been since their development in the 19th century?

For this, I’ve been privileged to get access to the extensive archive of ERJ (originally called The India-Rubber and Gutta-Percha and Electrical Trades Journal when first published in 1884).

The archived journals give tantalising clues as to the general use of pigments in rubber, such as for tobacco pouches and hot-water bottles, which became very popular in the 1920s. Readers may guess that it was the introduction of carbon black that launched the robust and durable pneumatic that we know today. But precisely when, and by whom?

I would really like to hear from any reader who can shed further light on this topic: this is one of those milestones that the rubber experts ought to be sure of!

 Yours sincerely

Paul Niblett

Retired Michelin employee

Email: paul@pkniblet.co.uk

(Image source: Nokian)