Discrete and chemically functional carbon nanotubes for improved EV tires

Molecular Rebar Design L.L.C. has successfully developed new rubber composites with individualized carbon nanotubes under the brand name Molecular Rebar (MR), improving tire tread compound performance for use with electric vehicles.

MRD developed a novel carbon nanotube material that disperses well with other typical tire compound fillers and can be chemically functionalized for unique material property benefits. The new MR material is a discrete multi-wall carbon nanotube that binds into the rubber compound using functional silane chemical groups.

This Molecular Rebar-based tire tread material drastically improves DIN abrasion resistance by more than 25 percent (correlating to improved tire life), reduces tread weight by 6-7 percent and reduces rolling resistance by more than 20 percent (correlating to improved energy efficiency), when compared to an in-use, state-of-the-art, silica-silane tread compound. The formulations can be adjusted to maximize energy efficiency, to maximize wear or to have a blend of improvement depending on the tire performance needs of end-use customers.

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