Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable alternatives in the automotive industry has driven the exploration of renewable resources to replace petroleum-derived materials. Tyre wax, a critical component in tyre compounds, plays a key role in protecting rubber from ozone degradation by forming a surface layer of migrating hydrocarbons. However, these hydrocarbons can crystallize on the surface, giving the tyre a dull appearance. To enhance both appearance and durability, sorbitan monostearate-a non-petroleum-based chemical-was investigated for use in the sidewalls of Passenger Car Radial (PCR) tyres. The study found that sorbitan monostearate did not affect vulcanization, processability, or the stress-strain behavior of the compound. Performance evaluations, including dynamic mechanical analysis at 30 °C, 70 °C, and 100 °C, as well as fatigue-to-failure testing, showed comparable results to traditional petroleum-based waxes. Moreover, sorbitan monostearate demonstrated superior ozone damage resistance and improved the tyre surface’s shininess, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and effective antiozonant in tyre formulations.

Keywords:Petroleum wax; Hydrocarbons; Synthetic rubbers; Petroleum; Gas chromatography