quote:
Originally posted by mikep:
Anyone know the benefit(s) of using canola oil in winter tire compounds? When I asked about the differences between the new Nokian RSI (rain, snow, ice) and the ol' standard HakkaQ, the use of canola oil in the compound was among the 5-6 differences stated. Other than obvious "green" factors, what could be the benefit?
Canola oil has been used for quite some time in the production of synthetic rubber. Here's what the manufacturer says:
ttp://www.nokiantyres.com/passengercars_product_en?product=610495&name=NOKIAN+HAKKAPELIITTA+4
Strength from canola oil
A significant part of the oil used in the tread blend is environmentally friendly Finnish canola oil, which improves the tyre’s grip in winter and wet conditions as well as its durability.
http://www.nokiantyres.com/release_en?id=631101
A NATURAL RECIPE: WINTER TREAD COMPOUND MADE WITH
CANOLA OIL
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 has a unique tread
compound: it contains Finnish canola oil, which not only improves the tyre's cold weatherp roperties and enhances its tear resistance but also improves the tyre's environmental friendliness.
Nokian Tyres purchases canola oil as cold-pressed
crude oil and refines it for tread manufacturing. The new environmentally friendly canola oil-based tread rubber does not contain environmentally harmful HA-oils with PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).
Pressed from seeds of the canola plant, which is a
member of the cabbage family, canola oil is a
biodegradable and renewable natural resource that is an environmental alternative to non-renewable
petroleum-based oils.
In its efforts to find more environmentally friendly materials, the R & D department at Nokian Tyres carefully researched and tested the properties and possible uses of canola oil. Tests and measurements showed that canola oil is particularly suitable for Nordic winter tyres as it improves both grip and tear resistance without any drawbacks on other properties.
Exact formulas for the new canola tread rubber
compounds as well as mixing procedures are business secrets. The new rubber compound used in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 is tailor-made to achieve the optimum effect together with the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 tread pattern and construction.