The group claims its phase transfer catalysis method makes silane more affordable

The group claims its phase transfer catalysis method makes silane more affordable

Dow Corning has developed a technology that it claims reduces the cost of producing green tyres. The company has developed a method of using phase transfer catalysis (PTC) to make silane – employed in the silica treatment component that is used to make green tyres – more affordable.

Martin Harvey, Dow Corning’s global market leader for the materials manufacturing industries, told PRW.com: “This material is being used commercially on a global basis in Europe, North America and Asia.” He claimed the products could be used in tyres without changing their formulation.

Harvey said: “We expect the market to continue to grow as areas continue to invest in it. It is a good market for us.” The silanes are currently produced in Michigan. However, staff from Dow Corning’s facility in Barry, South Wales, were involved in the development of manufacturing the material using the PTC process.

Green tyres, which were first developed in the early 1990s, use silane-treated silica as a reinforcing filler and to reduce tyre rolling resistance. This in turn reduces fuel consumption by up to 5%.

“As more green tyres come on the road, the amount of fuel and pollution savings could be staggering,” Harvey said. “Wider use of green tyres could save millions of barrels of oil a year and would also reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly.”