Green Tire

Green tires, are so-called because the silica/silane technology enables the production of high-performance tires with lower borring resistance. Lower rolling resistance results in better fuel economy and lower impact on the environment.

But unlike carbon back, which can easily and homogeneously be incorporated in elastomers, silica is difficult to disperse and is known to have low compatibility with elastomers. A silane coupling agent is thus absolutely necessary. The silane/silica technology provides tires with :

Good abrasion resistance (long useful life)
Reduced rolling resistance (improved fuel economy)
Better grip on wet surfaces
Better overall balance of properties

Some applications of this technology have shown as much as a 5% improvement in fuel economy. Dow Corning offers several sulfidosilane products useful in the application.