Winter retread uses silicon carbide for grip

ERJ staff report (DS)

Reykjavik, Iceland -- A Icelandic company, New Industries Ltd, of Reykjavík has developed a system for incorporating small particles of the ultra-hard synthetic ceramic silicon carbide into retread formulations of passenger car tyres. The idea is to make winter-formulation retreads for consumer tyres.

The patented technique is licensed for use by several progressive producers of tyres in the manufacture of the Green Diamond Tire.

It is claimed to give grip similar to studded tyres in areas where studs are illegal. The ceramic particles fall out when the surrounding rubber wears away.

The company said that In Sweden the production has increased from 3,000 tyres in 1998-99 to 15,000 in 1999-2000 and is expected to exceed 70,000 in the 2006-2007 winter season.

Green Diamond Tires must be 'run-in' by driving 1,500 to 2,000 miles on clear, dry roads. It is during this driving period that the silicon carbide granules will begin to emerge. To protect the manufacturing equipment, Green Diamond Tires have a thin veneer of ungranulated tread rubber molded over the granules, which wears off in use.

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Press release from Green diamond