ExxonMobil opens plant to make new innerliner material

ERJ staff report (DS)

Houston, Texas (August 27, 2008) - ExxonMobil Chemical has commissioned a new plant in Pensacola, Florida that provides new capacity for the production of its new-technology innerliner material.

The new technology involves a plastic-like film which is flexible enough to operate within a tyre, yet impermeable enough to retain the pressurised air. The new ExxCore material offers similar air retention at 10 percent to 20 percent of the thickness at roughly the same density.

Exxon says the new material will improve pressure retention. As less air is lost through permeation, the pressure is maintained over a longer time, leading to improved fuel economy, longer life and better safety.

The new material is being made under licence from Yokohama Rubber Co. Exxon said Yokohama plans to begin manufacturing tyres with Exxcore inner liners later this year. In addition, Cheng Shin Rubber Company, the manufacturer of the popular “MAXXIS” brand, plans to debut a higher-performance, lower IPR tire with the new inner liner material in 2009.

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Press release from ExxonMobil