Page 52 - RB-75-15-4

TECHNOLOGY
EKORUND: Increasing Resource Efficiency in Retreaded Tyres
Example of a possible use in PCAP tyres of earthmover vehicles
of the test tyres on different vehicle axles, different routes and the variability of the ground are under investigation.
Currently, there are about 570,000 tons of scrap tyres in Germany [4], while the worldwide retreading market is estimated at about 47.7 million trucks [5]. Nevertheless, efforts to enhance energy efficiency has, so far, played a subordinate role for the retreading industr y.
The high market share of retreaded tyres for commercial vehicles and the continuous growth of demand for a sustainable economy make the theme an important issue, on the
other hand.
The EKORUND-project is being carried out in close co-operation between industr y and research. The results should lead to the production of highly efficient retreaded tyres for trucks and earthmover vehicles. This would significantly improve environmental compatibility, economical and resource efficiency in the important field of road traffic, paired with the fulfilment of EU tyre label regulations.
[4] www.reifenpresse.de, 19.06.2015 [5] www.reifenpresse.de, 05.06.2015
The improvement of the energy and resource efficiency of commercial vehicle tyres is of great importance for an economic and ecological road freight transport. The new EU Tyre Label has been in force for new truck tyres since 11.01.2015: through more fuel efficient, safer and quieter tyres, economic advantages, environmental sustainability and safety should be reached and supported. Rolling resistance, wet grip and external rolling noise are, in this context, the parameters to be optimised. Germany has one of the largest commercial vehicle fleets in Europe, its driving performance increases constantly. Retreaded tyres play an important role on commercial vehicles (trucks, buses and earthmovers). In the retreading process, scrap tyres are peeled off, buffed and provided with new treads of high quality rubber.
These tyres are already resource- efficient by definition. Anyway, this remarkable feature can significantly increase if rubber compounds containing recycled rubber can be used for the production of new treads.
In 2010/2011, the Deutsche Gumtec AG, as part of a research and development project with a partner from the retreading
industr y, could already demonstrate that up to 15 per cent of PCAP can be added to the original compound without qualitative restrictions.
The same team aims to explore deeper these findings in its latest, not yet concluded, EKORUND project. Within the framework of funding initiative "small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) innovative: Energy and Resource Efficiency", the German BMBF supports its purpose to develop optimised composite materials for treads of commercial vehicle tyres with a high percentage (20-25 per
cent) of PCAP- Gumtec Powder® and to perform real practical tests on the road.
Material optimisation of tyre treads is essentially determined by the correlation between rolling resistance, wet grip and abrasion. The EKORUND - project wants to demonstrate that, through the use of rubber powder, a certain optimisation of rolling resistance is possible, preserving, in any case, the wet grip, abrasion and lifespan of retreaded tyres at the same quality level.
This rubber powder has been gained through the Gumtec process starting from rubber residues, originated from the peeling off and buffing of tyres and during tread production. It is possible to build up a closed-loop material cycle around the tyre retreading procedure using treads containing PCAP, since the required rubber residues accumulate in the factories of the EKORUND project’s
partners.
Investigations of the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM Halle, also an EKORUND project partner, could show in greater detail, technical and scientific statements of the EKORUND team relating to the influence of several PCAP features (particle size and surface structure of rubber particles and material composition, for instance) on meaningful tyre parameters.
After thorough laborator y studies and technical compound adjustments, treads with a 20 per cent share of PCAP in rubber composites based on different recipes have been produced for trailers, construction vehicle, truck and earthmover (EM) tyres.
All the retreaded tyres of the different test series are currently being assessed and examined in practice. Here are both the daily use
Recamic for Mumbai’s Tyre Grip
Michelin has extended its move into the Indian radial tyre market by licencing a Michelin certified RECAMIC retread outlet in Vashi, Mumbai.
The plant is destined to bring high quality retreads to the Western
standards provide our tyres with multiple lives. Higher retreadability has a direct impact on the financials of a fleet owner, in addition to significantly contributing to a greener environment. Michelin Recamic delivers reliable retreads,
Indian market.
The new Recamic store from Michelin will provide quality retreading solutions for all ranges of truck and bus tyres and will help to reduce operational costs to truck and bus fleet owners with higher tyre mileage and fuel savings by improving on the multiple lives of the casings. Designed and certified to offer retreads for all casings, the state-of-the-art plant will offer the Michelin Group brand Recamic tread for use on Michelin casings. Mr. Mohan Kumar, Commercial Director, Michelin India said, “We are excited about this new centre in Mumbai. Michelin’s new tyre design technology, proven tread designs and new tyre manufacturing
designed for truck and bus application so that the fleet owners maximise their tyre assets.”
Mr. Raj Sarvaiya Director of Tyre Grip said, “We are pleased to be associated with Michelin, a global leader in tyre technology. Mumbai is a major trade and a transportation hub. Tyre Grip is ISO 9001 certified for process and documentation and we place the highest emphasis on the quality of the services that we offer to our customers. The fleet owners and operators of this area can be assured of obtaining the highest quality service and advice, all under one roof at this newly opened store.”
52 Retreading Business