Linglong develops new biomaterials

The new raw materials should help the company reduce its dependence on imported rubber and improve the performance of its tires.

At the China International Industry Fair (CIIF), which took place September 15-19 in Shanghai, Linglong presented tires made from new biomaterials that may be used in the tire industry in the future.

The development of new materials will help reduce import dependence on natural rubber, a key raw material for the tire industry, Linglong said. At the company's stand, in particular, a winter tire made from rubber obtained from dandelions was presented, as well as a truck tire, in the manufacture of which eucommia was used - a plant traditionally cultivated for obtaining gutta-percha. In addition, the company is studying the suitability of other materials of natural origin.

The company began work on biomaterials for tire production in 2017, and over the past three years, the Peking University of Chemical Technology, as well as other universities and industrial enterprises, have become partners of the manufacturer in the framework of the project, together with which new types of raw materials for the tire industry are created. Linglong notes that all materials presented in Shanghai have been tested by third parties, and tests have shown that they are superior in performance to traditional rubbers.

“Our research does not stop, and we can expect new breakthroughs in the development and application of bio-rubber and products made from it, which will have improved consumer qualities,” the company concluded.