Graphene as an Antioxidant and Antiozonant in Tire Sidewall Compounds

Abstract

Tire sidewalls have an important function in achieving optimized tire performance. The sidewall compound must show good abrasion resistance, aging resistance, tear strength, low hysteresis and minimal contribution to whole tire rolling resistance, and good adhesion to adjacent components in the tire. In addition, in both the original equipment, or OE market and the premium performance markets, appearance is also of considerable importance. The current system of waxes, antioxidants, and phenyl diamine antiozonants are very effective in meeting the need of the tire end-user. However recent concerns centered on environmental impact of N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine and specifically 6PPD, and staining and discoloration of the tire sidewall surface raise issues that should be addressed. Specialized grades of graphene can offer a mechanism by which tire appearance and environmental questions can be overcome. Pristine graphene can improve compound resistance of ozonolysis and oxidation by both replacing the current antiozonants and antioxidants used in tire compounds, improve tire sidewall appearance, and also improve tire sidewall resistance to scuffing, abrasion, and tearing.