Jun 26 2006
Production of an innovative material, offering industry and consumers performance breakthroughs in a range of rubber-based products, was officially launched at the DuPont Research, Development and Engineering Center in Kingston, Ontario.
This innovative material is a composite of an elastomer and DuPont™ Kevlar® pulp. The strength of DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber, most frequently known for helping to save lives in bullet-resistant protective apparel - also provides significant performance improvements in this new form in products such as automotive, motorcycle and bicycle tires, hoses and belts, seals and gaskets, rubber-covered rolls, pump liners, diaphragms and molded goods.
Previous research in using this engineered elastomer with Kevlar® in automotive tires, for example, showed significant improvements in ride and handling, reduced rolling resistance and heat generation, and increased durability. Increased wear resistance is of special environmental interest, since it can help to extend the life of the tire. Similar results were achieved in bicycle and motorcycle tires, which also demonstrated improved puncture resistance.
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