Eastman technology for enhanced productivity nominated for Innovation Award
Scientists share insights on enhancing tire plant efficiency, improving tire performance, and replacing cobalt at the Tire Tech 2019
Hannover, Germany — March 6, 2019 — As we near the end of the Tire Technology Expo in Hannover, Eastman scientists have presented the latest insights on three major challenges facing the tire industry today: producing tires more efficiently and sustainably, enabling enhanced tire performance, and the search for stable and reliable raw materials.
In addition to have offered presentations at the event, the Eastman Tire Additives team celebrated the nomination of Eastman Crystex™ Cure Pro for the 2019 Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence in the Tire Technology of the Year category.
“The nomination was timely because this year marks the 75th anniversary of Eastman Crystex™ insoluble sulfur,” said Dr. Brock Thomas, Eastman’s Tire Additives Technology Director. “Crystex has evolved through the years with product innovations to meet the ever-changing needs of the tire industry.”
Crystex Cure Pro is the latest innovation in this storied history and offers tire manufacturers a revolutionary tool to meet their productivity goals. Crystex Cure Pro’s demonstrated value resulted in its presence on the shortlist of technologies nominated for the award.
“As tire manufacturers around the world look for ways to cut costs and differentiate their products, they rely on innovative material companies like Eastman for practical solutions that enable performance improvements and productivity gains. Our booth and presentations at Tire Tech 2019 showcased some of our most impactful technologies,” said Dr. Thomas.
These presentations outlined the contribution of Eastman Crystex Cure Pro insoluble sulfur to improved manufacturing productivity, approaches to using Eastman Impera™ performance resins to optimize wet and winter grip and wear, and opportunities to replace cobalt in steel skim formulations with Eastman Duralink™ HTS post-vulcanization stabilizer.
“Our customers have a great appetite for innovation — plant managers want to save energy and drive out costs; compounders want to improve label ratings and tire performance; and sourcing leaders want reliable raw materials,” Dr. Thomas added. “We were excited that we had the opportunity to talk about how our technologies can help customers meet their goals.”
Eastman technology team members gave three presentations during the conference:
Tuesday, March 5, 2019*, Performance resins in tread formulations: Optimizing for wet, winter, and wear by Dr. Gennaro della Vecchia
In his presentation, Dr. della Vecchia discussed the impact of Impera resins on tread compounds and how they improve wet grip, wear, and winter performance. He also explained how Impera resins enable significant improvements in abrasion without sacrificing wet grip. Dr. della Vecchia demonstrated why performance resins are essential tools for compounders looking to optimize high performance compounds.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019*, Replacing cobalt salts in steel skim formulations by Dr. Leandro Forciniti
Many in the tire industry want to reduce or replace cobalt fatty acid salts (CS) because of cost, regulatory issues, and supply chain concerns. With this presentation, Dr. Forciniti reviewed CS alternatives such as Duralink HTS. Dr. Forciniti presented evidence that this material interacts at the interface between the rubber and brass phase to create excellent steel cord adhesion compared to CS.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019*, Next-generation insoluble sulfur: Setting a new standard for productivity by Dr. Dominica Wong
During her presentation, Dr. Wong explained how material scientists engineered Crystex Cure Pro to have maximum performance characteristics to enable tire manufacturers to boost productivity. Dr. Wong outlined data showing possible productivity improvements and savings in operational and energy costs.
For more information or to connect with an Eastman expert, contact us. Keep up with the latest Eastman news by following Enhance Magazine | a chronicle of Eastman Innovation.
