Nano- tech company Levidian, Avon Protection target EV tire wear

Cambridge, UK – Levidian and Avon Protection Materials Innovation (formerly Artis) are jointly developing graphene-based tire compounds to reduce the environmental impact of tires used on electric vehicles (EVs).

Early-stage research has shown “promising results” on the role of graphene in reducing degradation of EV tire treads, Cambridge-based nano-tech company Levidian reported 13 May.

The partners, it said, are now planning further studies into the use of Levidian net-zero graphene in tire sidewalls and inner liners, as well as in other rubber formulations.

According to Levidian, its patented LOOP 'plasma cracking' process strips carbon from methane to produce both hydrogen fuel and ‘net zero’ graphene.

The company believes its graphene materials can significantly improve the wear resistance of tires “while also delivering improvements in rolling resistance and vehicle range.”

Due to heavier weight and greater torque, EVs have been shown to accelerate tire degradation: increasing emissions of rubber particulate and 6PPD antiozonants to the environment.

With global EV sales expected to hit 17 million by the yearend, the tire industry needs to address these issues, said Ellie Galanis, Levidian 's director of commercial development.

According to Galanis, graphene could provide a solution: "enhancing mechanical performance without compromising on sustainability.”

The company wants tire manufacturers and research institutions to collaborate with it in “exploring the full potential of Levidian graphene."

Earlier this year, Levidian unveiled a prototype truck tire, which combines its graphene with carbon black in a new tread formulation.

The graphene-enhanced natural rubber and butadiene rubber tread compound was said to deliver “significantly enhanced mechanical and dynamic properties”

According to Levidian, independent testing showed that the addition of its graphene filler could reduce tire rolling-resistance by around 23%.