Bridgestone and Dow partner to develop breakthrough tyre sealant technology
Bridgestone Americas and Dow have partnered to develop B-SEALS, a recyclable, silicone-based tyre sealant technology. The extended mobility solution will be introduced at the upcoming 2022 Silicone Expo in Detroit (June 21-23), and represents more than four years of joint research and development between the two companies.
Tyre sealant is a problem for recyclers as it contaminates the tyres for processing. Tyres with sealants cannot always be used for recycling.
B-SEALS technology provides excellent sealant performance in the event of a puncture without compromising sustainability. Unlike conventional sealants that are difficult to separate from tyres, this silicone-based sealant can be efficiently removed after application, promoting tyre repairability and potentially extending the amount of time a tyre is in service. Because it’s removable and recyclable, B-SEALS sealant technology also supports end-of-life tyre recycling and enables tyre material circularity.
Bridgestone will initially offer tyres with B-SEALS sealant technology to original equipment manufacturers looking to reduce vehicle weight and improve overall efficiency as more electric vehicles come to market.
“We envision a future where tyres are the ultimate enablers of sustainable mobility,” said Nizar Trigui, Chief Technology Officer and Group President, Solutions Businesses, Bridgestone Americas. “Not only will tyres be able to self-seal following a puncture, but we are also developing technologies that will relay real-time tyre health information to a driver or fleet manager so that they can make more informed vehicle maintenance decisions. Our collaboration with Dow demonstrates how we are using innovation and collaboration to make mobility safer, more efficient and more sustainable.”
“Dow is delighted to commercialise the world’s first silicone self-sealing tyre solution to better provide passengers with safety, durability, comfort, and sustainability benefits,” said Charlie Zimmer, Global Business Director of Dow Performance Silicones & Specialty Materials. “As a global materials science leader, we look forward to a strong collaboration with Bridgestone to enable sustainable mobility through our novel tyre solution — advancing our collective journey to a carbon-neutral world.”
