Dow has launched its first recyclable silicone self-sealing product, SiLASTIC™ SST-2650 Self-sealing Silicone, designed for the automotive industry as a light weight and durable solution for self-sealing tires.
“Dow is dedicated to leveraging its long-standing expertise in materials science to improve manufacturer and customer experiences in mobility – and this includes the emerging technology of self-sealing tires, which provide enhanced safety, convenience and weight-efficiency. With a growing consumer and enterprise awareness of environmental protection, we saw the demand for a more sustainable, higher performing solution.” said Jeroen Bello, global marketing director for mobility and transportation, Dow Consumer Solutions.
The new silicone solution has been successfully utilised in Bridgestone’s newly released B-SEALS, a recyclable tire sealant technology. “Through our collaboration with Bridgestone, Dow has developed a new self-sealing silicone and successfully applied it to B-SEALS. Embracing the philosophy of Seek Together™ and our commitment to sustainability, Dow is looking forward to working with more innovative partners to explore further possibilities of self-sealing tire solutions,” adds Jeroen Bello.
With growing demands for material circularity and sustainability in the global automotive industry, self-sealing tires are becoming a new solution which enable lighter weight vehicles. The new silicone sealant technology from Dow Inc is designed to form a self-sealing layer on the inner surface of a tire and only a thin layer of silicone sealant is required to achieve long-term puncture resistance. It provides high sealing performance following puncture, which enables driving for long distances without loss of tire pressure.
Use of conventional self-sealing solutions are limited, as it results in non-recyclable tires. In addition, the complex high temperature application process and need for extensive laser cleaning of the tire surface prior to coating increases energy consumption and environmental impact during production. Alternatively, Dow states SiLASTIC™ sealants can be separated from tires at the end of life, enabling further recyclability of both tires and silicone. Meanwhile, it also removes the need for spare tires, thus reducing vehicle weight, improving vehicle range and fuel efficiency.
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