Exploring experimental and finite element analysis to examine nano zinc oxide as a replacement for rubber‐grade zinc oxide in passenger car tire bead filler compounds

The investigation demonstrates the potential of nano zinc oxide as a substitute for conventional rubber grade zinc oxide in the bead filler compound of passenger car tires, aimed at reducing heat generation while preserving mechanical and reinforcement properties. Experimentation showed that introducing nano zinc oxide increased compound viscosity, indicating enhanced filler networking. Cure rates accelerated due to the higher surface area of nano zinc oxides, while the Payne effect indicated improved dispersion levels in experimental compounds. Notably, the variant with four parts per hundred rubber of nano zinc oxide exhibited mechanical properties akin to the control, alongside a 28% reduction in tan δ and improvements in hysteresis loss ratio and specific heat values. Morphological analysis confirmed superior dispersion in experimental compounds. Finite element analysis demonstrated decreased temperature generation and a reduced percentage contribution of the bead filler to overall heat energy in tires, leading to a 3% drop in rolling resistance. These findings suggest that nano zinc oxide can effectively replace conventional zinc oxide, enhancing fuel economy in tires, thereby offering a green initiative to reduce fuel consumption in passenger car radial tires through improved hysteresis at the bead area via bead filler compound modification. Highlights Nano zinc oxide replaces rubber grade zinc oxide reducing heat generation. Nano zinc oxide improves compound viscosity, enhancing filler networking. Variant with four parts per hundred rubber of nano zinc oxide matches control's mechanics, with 28% lower tan δ. Morphological analysis confirms dispersion, coupled with aggregation. Simulation shows lower temperature generation and 3% less rolling resistance. Demonstrating how nano zinc oxide can successfully substitute conventional zinc oxide to improve fuel economy in tires represents a green initiative aimed at reducing fuel consumption in passenger car radial tires.