Levidian, a UK climate technology business, has been developing a prototype truck tyre that combines net-zero graphene with carbon black in a new tread formulation that could unlock a future of more sustainable, higher performance tyres.
Levidian says the graphene-enhanced natural rubber and butadiene rubber tyre tread compound, as typically used in commercial vehicle tyres, has been shown to deliver significant improvements in the mechanical and dynamic properties of the tyre.
Independent testing by the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC) in the UK has shown that the addition of Levidian’s net-zero graphene can deliver a reduction in rolling resistance of around 23%. Initial results have also indicated potential for reduced compound density that could allow for lighter tyres overall. Overall, Levidian claims this design could deliver substantial improvements in fuel efficiency of 3-4%.
Levidian’s graphene is produced as part of LOOP, a decarbonisation solution that allows tyre producers to drive down the emissions of their manufacturing processes and products through the production of clean hydrogen and high-quality graphene, which can be used as a reinforcing, tread-grade carbon filler.
“By deploying our technology, HGV operators could achieve improvements in fuel economy of at least 3% – that’s an annual saving of over £300m on fuel, and a reduction in emissions of almost half a million tonnes of CO2 equivalent for UK operators alone,” said Ellie Galanis, director of commercial development at Levidian.
Levidian also says its solution would offer tyre manufacturers the opportunity to drive down the emissions associated with production, and also secure their supply chains by producing their own graphene on site for direct application into their tyres.
