Bridgestone, Arlanxeo, Solvay launch tire technology platform

Brussels – Bridgestone, Arlanxeo and Solvay have launched a jointly developed tire technology platform claimed to enable tires to deliver “unrivalled strength and environmental performance.”

The introduction follows a 24-month collaborative effort between the three partners: combining their respective expertise in the fields of tire compounds, synthetic rubber and reinforcing-silica technologies.

In a 24 Feb virtual launch – moderated by ERJ editor Patrick Raleigh – Techsyn was stated to combine “chemically optimised synthetic rubber with tailor-made silica, interacting at a molecular level.”

Tires made with the jointly developed compounds were said to exhibit up to 30% better wear efficiency and a 5% reduction in rolling resistance – compared to conventional Bridgestone EMIA4 summer products.

The improvements are achieved without compromising any other performance parameters of the tires, said the Techsyn partners, noting a particular focus on ensuring less material loss via tire-wear.

“Techsyn, therefore, augments the sustainable performance of the tires it’s applied to by reducing overall fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and enhancing tread mileage,” according to the project team’s statement.

The partners also claim to have achieved a “unique” balance across rolling resistance, wear and wet-grip which can be adapted by adjusting compounds to meet varying tire-performance needs. 

For example, they said, the wear-advantage can be converted to instead enhance wet-grip by adapting the silica, polymer and tire compound technologies.

Techsyn can also be applied to different tire categories and vehicles and in combination with other Bridgestone tire technologies. 

“For example, when used alongside Bridgestone’s lightweight Enliten technology, it’s possible for the tire’s weight to be further reduced while retaining its performance,” the partners explained.

Bridgestone is preparing implementation of Techsyn for mass production, with various tire categories and vehicles in mind, while the partners have drawn up a technology roadmap to guide future developments.

“The partnership in which Techsyn is rooted has evolved to become one of the most unique we have ever been part of,” said Laurent Dartoux, president & CEO, Bridgestone EMIA

“At Bridgestone, we fundamentally believe that ground-breaking innovation and the future of mobility can’t be achieved without collaboration,” added Dartoux. 

Arlanxeo CEO Donald Chen said the three companies are together “championing different parts of the tire supply-chain… to develop a new technology platform that offers new ways to address challenges specific to the tyre industry.” 

Tires made with Techsyn, added Chen, will make a significant contribution to delivering a shared vision for sustainable product solutions,” held by the three partners.

For Solvay CEO Dr. Ilham Kadri, Techsyn “demonstrates what can be achieved when key actors in the value-chain join forces.” 

Concluded Kadri: “To protect our one and only planet, we must reinvent, collaborate and co-construct solutions to design tomorrow's cleaner mobility.”