The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company on December 10 announced that it has signed a collaboration agreement and letter of intent with Monolith for the development and potential use of carbon black produced from methane and/or bio-methane for tires.
A press release by the company said Goodyear is a leader in the industry in embracing this form of carbon black produced through a plasma-based methane pyrolysis process, which will help advance Goodyear’s work to identify and use more sustainable materials.
“At Goodyear, we’re committed to sustainability and making a positive impact by our choice of the materials we use,” said Mr Chris Helsel, Senior Vice-President, Global Operations and Chief Technology Officer. “Our collaboration with Monolith is one example of how we are using sustainable materials in quality products that deliver a better future.”
Carbon black is a key ingredient in tyres, providing compounds in the tires with strength, improved tear resistance, and increased abrasion resistance. A typical consumer tyre is made of 15-20% carbon black by weight. Traditional carbon black comes from the combustion of residual oil or coal tar oil.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Goodyear on high-quality, clean carbon black for Goodyear and support their ongoing mission to make their tyres more sustainable,” said Mr Rob Hanson, Co-Founder and CEO, Monolith.