What Raw Materials Are Used to Make Tires

The manufacturing of modern tires, be they for commercial, construction or agricultural purposes, is undoubtedly an elaborate process involving numerous compounds and materials. As tyres happen to be an important feature in many industries, one is often directly or indirectly affected by the tyres that are used; thus, having a basic understanding of the raw materials employed in their production will stand you in good stead, and described below are some of the important materials that are used.

The importance of raw materials 

The creation of tires involves the use of a number of essential raw materials. By combining raw materials in various ways, tyre designers are able to craft products that have the capability to withstand the elements of the conditions in which they are used. Engineers and chemists attempt to use the raw materials available to come up with ideal ‘recipes’ for the type of tyre they are developing. For instance, the rubber compounds used in a tyre will affect its durability and traction; some of these compounds will provide superior grip whilst others may offer long-lasting durability. The raw materials commonly used in tyre production include elements such as synthetic rubber, natural rubber, steel and polyester, and carbon black. These useful raw materials are described in greater detail below. 

Natural rubber 

Generally, the most important raw material employed in tire production would be natural rubber. This elastic, sticky material is obtained from the sap produced by rubber trees. It happens to be a vital component in tire manufacturing due to its special properties that provide durability and traction. Natural rubber is obtained from a number of countries including Asian nations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia, while it is also important that it is sourced and used in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. An example of one of the biggest tyre manufacturers for the construction and agriculture industries that uses natural rubber sustainably for its products is GRI Tires. 

Synthetic rubber 

Another very significant component used in tire production is synthetic rubber. As its name indicates, this form of rubber happens to be artificial rather than having a natural origin. Often, synthetic rubber is used in the tyre industry by combining it with natural rubber to boost a tire’s durability, grip and ability to withstand extreme levels of temperature. Additionally, numerous manufacturers make use of synthetic rubber with the objective of improving various useful attributes of a tire such as rolling resistance and longevity. Undoubtedly, synthetic rubber would be a very useful component in the production of high-performance modern tires including those used in such fields as construction when the terrain is often rough. 

Carbon black 

The similarly useful carbon black may be regarded as an essential element in the creation of sophisticated modern tires. It happens to be a fine black-hued powder that is created by burning natural gas or oil using limited quantities of air. This substance is used in the production of tyres to augment the products’ abrasion resistance and durability. Additionally, carbon black works towards reducing the build-up of heat in a tire, thereby enhancing its working lifespan. Interestingly, this material also acts to provide tires with their usual black colour.

Steel and polyester 

Steel and polyester are two more components that are commonly used in the production of tires. Steel is often used in the production of tires due to its inherent properties of durability and strength ideal for vehicles used for construction or agriculture. In the course of tire production, steel cords and wires are employed to craft the beads of the tires, as well as to fashion steel belts. Finally, polyester happens to be an artificial fibre which is frequently made use of in the production of tires as well; it is a fabric utilised in the cords in the sidewall of the tires and can offer benefits like improved strength and enhanced efficiency.