Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) and Dow have partnered to develop B-SEALS, a recyclable, silicone-based tire sealant technology. The extended mobility solution will be introduced at the upcoming 2022 Silicone Expo in Detroit (June 21-23), and represents more than four years of joint research and development between the two companies.
B-SEALS technology provides excellent sealant performance in the event of a puncture without compromising sustainability. Unlike conventional sealants that are difficult to separate from tires, this silicone-based sealant can be efficiently removed after application, promoting tire repairability and potentially extending the amount of time a tire is in service. Because it’s removable and recyclable, B-SEALS sealant technology also supports end-of-life tire recycling and enables tire material circularity.
Approximately, one-third of all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. are not equipped with a spare tire, leading to increased demand for extended mobility solutions such as self-sealing and run-flat tire technologies. Bridgestone will initially offer tires with B-SEALS sealant technology to original equipment manufacturers looking to reduce vehicle weight and improve overall efficiency as more electric vehicles come to market.
“We envision a future where tires are the ultimate enablers of sustainable mobility,” said Nizar Trigui, Chief Technology Officer and Group President, Solutions Businesses, Bridgestone Americas. “Not only will tires be able to self-seal following a puncture, but we are also developing technologies that will relay real-time tire health information to a driver or fleet manager so that they can make more informed vehicle maintenance decisions. Our collaboration with Dow demonstrates how we’re using innovation and collaboration to make mobility safer, more efficient and more sustainable.”
“Dow is delighted to commercialize the world’s first silicone self-sealing tire solution to better provide passengers with safety, durability, comfort, and sustainability benefits,” said Charlie Zimmer, Global Business Director of Dow Performance Silicones & Specialty Materials. “As a global materials science leader, we look forward to a strong collaboration with Bridgestone to enable sustainable mobility through our novel tire solution — advancing our collective journey to a carbon-neutral world.”
The introduction of B-SEALS silicone-based tire sealant is the latest example of how Bridgestone is working to deliver its 2050 sustainability commitments of carbon neutrality and tires made from 100% renewable materials. In April, the company announced a partnership with LanzaTech to convert end-of-life tires into new materials, including sustainable ethanol, while also exploring processes to create sustainable synthetic rubber that does not rely on chemicals derived from oil. Bridgestone also continues to advance its R&D initiative aimed at diversifying the world’s natural rubber supply by commercializing use of guayule natural rubber in tires by 2030.
Bridgestone’s collaboration with Dow to develop B-SEALS sealant technology aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, which establishes eight values starting with the letter “E” to solidify Bridgestone’s commitment to a more sustainable world. B-SEALS sealant supports the “Extension”, “Ecology” and “Ease” values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment.