Enhancing airless tire performance for military vehicles: natural rubber compound with carbon black Fillers N220 and N550 with dynamic mechanical analysis approach

During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has become more aware of environmental concerns and the importance of sustainability. Using natural rubber instead of synthetic rubber is one step toward a greener environment in a variety of technological applications, including the fabrication of vehicle tires. The objective of this work is to optimize the formulation for the production of airless tires, primarily for military vehicle applications, using natural rubber. Two natural rubber types, SIR 20 and RSS 1, with carbon black variants N220 and N550 as reinforcing agents present novel synergistic effects, and potentially tailor the properties of the rubber compound more precisely to meet the demanding requirements of military vehicle tires. A comprehensive assessment was conducted to evaluate various physical, damping, processing, and mechanical properties under standard conditions and subsequent aging at 70 °C for 72 h. Comparative analysis against control samples revealed notable improvements, particularly in abrasion resistance, crucial for tire wear. The combination of RSS 1 and CB N220 showed significant enhancements in strength and rigidity, suggesting their viability as alternative fillers. Leveraging dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results, the rubber compound underwent optimization to meet airless tire requirements, encompassing durability, comfort, and performance. This nuanced understanding of rubber’s viscoelastic behavior holds paramount importance in designing puncture-resistant airless tires with optimal performance attributes. Combination of innovative materials and advanced characterization techniques to address the specific challenges of enhancing airless tire performance for military vehicles in challenging operational environments.