TIRE INDUSTRY REQUIREMENTS AND THE STATE-OF-THE-ART IN STEEL CORD TECHNOLOGY

Towards the end of 20th century, tyre technology is at a level of maki ng products almost as durable as vehicles they are mounted to. Among o ther raw materials, steel cord also offers numerous opportunities to t yre designers for this ongoing perfection of the tyres. Higher tensile strengths, higher stiffness/weight ratio cords can contribute to weig ht reduction achievements bringing substantial cost and rolling resist ance improvements, Its superior compression modulus and buckling resis tance gives it a unique place In the tyre reinforcement work. The comp act cord, on the other hand, is an excellent solution for the truck ty re carcass fretting fatigue problem, making ''one million kilometer ty re'' a reality. Further improvements to make it fully rubber penetrate d is the challenge for steel cord developer