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Goodyear Engineers Find Innovation in
Volcanic Materials AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 12, 2005 — While the U.S. Geological Survey lists a number of sites as potential centers for impending volcanic eruptions, engineers and scientists at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company continue to develop products that actually make positive use of the byproducts of lava flows. One of the key elements in the new Goodyear Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology is volcanic sand, used in the tire's Ice Zone helps to create a rough surface on the treadface. As the tire is used, the volcanic sand elements present microscopic cavities that work as tiny traction edges for better grip on slick surfaces. "The volcanic sand is added to the tire as a ground pumice material in the rubber," said David Poling, Goodyear engineering team leader. "The pumice creates a constantly rough and textured surface that proves very effective in delivering superb gripping power." Scientists and seismologists from the U.S. Geological Survey monitor the possibility of volcanic disturbances at a number of U.S. sites. Listed among the 25 most dangerous volcanic centers are Mt. Kilauea in Hawaii, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Ranier in Washington, Mt. Hood in Oregon, Mt. Shasta in California, and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. These sites are listed by the government agency as "high threat." The volcanic material used in Goodyear's TripleTred tire actually comes from southeastern Idaho. The unique tire ingredient is mined from an area near Malad City, where several volcanoes blasted away millions of years ago. "The material we provide began as magma in the earth. When it erupted through the surface, it transformed from a liquid to a highly porous product known as Amorphous Aluminum Silicate," said Joe Thomas, of Hess Pumice Products, the world's largest supplier of finely ground processed pumice. "In effect, it is volcanic sand, non-crystalline in nature and with abrasive qualities." Such volcanic pumice also is used in everyday products such as soaps and cleaning materials, glass, cement and plastics. For Goodyear engineers, the volcanic material plays an important role in the special rubber recipe used in the new tire. The Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology features three zones – Water Zone, Ice Zone and Dry Zone – that help promote superb traction in any kind of weather. This gives drivers confidence on rain-drenched highways, icy or snowy roads, or dry pavement. The Water Zone has a new silica-based compound that helps to provide traction in wet conditions while also maximizing treadwear. The Ice Zone compound is comprised of polymers that help to provide enhanced low-temperature flexibility for excellent winter performance. Traction-enhancing particles and fibers made from volcanic sand and fiberglass create increased micro-textures for superb traction on icy or slick roads. The Outer Dry Zone features a rubber compound inspired by the technology used in Goodyear's ultra-high performance and racing tires. This new compound helps provide superb grip on dry surfaces. The volcanic sand in the tire's "winter formulated compound" is complemented by the use of glass fibers. These tiny fibers are designed to create a pitted surface in the tread that "resembles a textured lunar surface," according to Poling. The new tire includes the Fortera Premium Utility Package, with these features:
"It is our challenge to constantly search for new technology, even in volcanic sand, to allow Goodyear to provide breakthroughs that deliver relevant performance advantages to our customers," said Sanjay Sivanandan, vice president, Goodyear consumer tires. For more information about the new Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology, visit www.goodyearfortera.com. For more information about Goodyear tires, or to find the nearest Goodyear retailer, go to www.goodyeartires.com. |
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