Tires May Become Transparent
German scientists have discovered an alternative to zinc oxide that is widely used nowadays in tire production and inflicts a lot of harm on environment.
At first sight it is very simple to make tires. You only need to vulcanize rubber, natural or synthetic with the help of a vulcanizing agent the role of which is performed by sulphur, as a rule. Of course, you also need to add other components such as fillers and softener into the compound to ensure necessary operational features.
But the main eco-related problem hides in zinc oxide for it is rather toxic especially for water creatures, that’s why ecologists have been for a long time striving to find an adequate alternative to it.
The research group from Leibnitz offers to substitute zinc oxide by the LDN, Layered Double Hydroxide, a zinc-based substance with a peculiar three-layer structure. Its outer layers are comprised of positively charged hydroxides of any metal while inner layer includes anions in free movement. Nowadays the LDH is achieved on the base of magnum, zinc, iron, nickel, copper, cobalt, cadmium, aluminum and other metals.
The LDH allows reducing zinc expenditure by ten per cent in comparison to traditional technology. It is a great impact to environment protection as tire-making industry consumes nowadays 500 tons of zinc oxide per year.
But the most interesting thing about this invention is that the new rubber may be transparent, and the scientists don’t know what it may lead to as regard to the sphere of its use.
However, tires won’t be transparent. But they’ll for sure become more eco-friendly as in addition to zinc oxide reduced consumption, the LDH compound will provide for lower rolling resistance, with results in lower fuel consumption of a vehicle equipped with such tires.
Formula 1 – Pireli Tires Need 2-3 Pit-stops on Races.
This year Pirelli Company appears the only one to provide tire for the world-known Formula-1 races that started in Valencia in February. The company has designed new tires exclusively for the event to equip all the racing vehicles taking part in it. Still, Pirelli warns that the new tire is less durable than Bridgestone tires used in the year 2010. That’s why the number of pit-stops is likely to be increased to 2 and even 3 during the competitions.
The Italian manufacturer assures that the increase in number of pit-stops will make the races even more spectacular, but Formula-1 Association doesn’t approve of this idea. It maintains that racing vehicles require more durable tires.
It is the first time for Pirelli to provide tires for such an important event in the world of auto sport as Formul-1 races. This means a high level of responsibility the company takes. For it is a sportsman who wins in the race, but in case of his loss it is the tire supplier who is to blame.
The tires that are designed for the race are used for the first time as well, so nobody can predict their behavior in different driving conditions, for instance, on wet roads. Still, the tire was tested in quite extreme conditions, in Abu-Debbie, a desert area, where optimal driving environment was artificially created. They treated a 5,5-km track measuring with 114 liters of water and held drive-tests at night so that the moisture doesn’t evaporate.
European Winter Tire Legislation (N-S)
Winter hasn’t come to an end yet, so planning a tour around Europe it is reasonable to investigate into its winter tire legislation. There’re no common rules here, yet every country has its own norms and regulation one has to know in order to stay on the safe side.
Norway – people entering the country are not obliged to have winter tires on their vehicles, but they are highly recommended to do so. In general, all the drivers in Norway must use tires matching weather conditions and if necessary equip them with anti-skidding chains. So you feel it that you won’t do without winter tires here.
Poland – Nobody would ask you to show winter tires as you drive in into the country, but taking into account that snow removal isn’t the best here, summer tires would be problematic and even risky to use.
Romania – There’s been no particular rules as regard to winter tire there, but recently there’s appeared a law that makes the use of winter tire from November 1st till March 1st obligatory. The new law joins into force in 2011.
Slovakia – Winter tire must be used there.
Slovenia – Winter tires must be used in a period between November 15th till March 15th. Though the rules tell that tread depth of such tires should be 4 millimeters, Slovenian law-makers decided that 2 millimeters would be enough.
Sweden – You can come to this country with summer tires mounted on your car, though the Swedes themselves are made to use special winter tires. It’s worth mentioning that you’d better follow their example for snow-covered roads are not treated with sand here. The necessary tread depth for tires is 3 millimeters.
Switzerland - It’s not compulsory to change to winter tire here, but is highly recommended to do so. If for instance your summer tires would cause a road accident, you would be made responsible for it. In this case insurance won’t be paid at all. It’s your own choice whether to equip your tire with studs or chains, but they may be a must on some roads even for four-wheel drive vehicles. At the same time, studs are forbidden on major highways while on other roads you’ll have to drive slower on studded tires – 33 mph and 50 mph in the city and outside it. So, as you have already noticed, winter tires are not that bad for driving in Switzerland.
Look also - European Winter Tire Legislation (A-L)
European Winter Tire Legislation (A-L)
Although it isn’t necessary to drive with “M+S” branded tires everywhere in the Old World, it is still a must to use winter tires only on some roads or mountain passes. Continental company has summed up the rules that different European countries follow as regard to winter tires.
In 1992 the EU has defined winter tire as the tires featuring tread picture and internal construction optimized for driving on slush and in light snow, but they said nothing about the structure of rubber compound. Nevertheless, it was explained that only those tires that offer 7 per cent better braking performance than standard “M+S” tires can be given a snowflake marking.
So, let’s set off for a trip around Europe
Austria – Here winter tires must be used in a period from November 1st till April 15th. The tires tread should measure at least 4 millimeters in depth. Moreover, on some roads you’ll have to use anti-skidding chains. Studded tires can be used on vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons.
Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg – There’s no law concerning winter tires, but studded tires are forbidden. Here you’d better use “M+S” - marked tires in winter.
The Czech Republic – Winter tires are a must on some highways from November 1st till March 31st, which is indicated by special road signs.
Denmark – Nobody is made to use winter tire here, but the Danes themselves use it to ensure their safety. Winter temperatures are low in the country, that’s why winter tires would be your good companion here. Studs are permitted yet rarely used.
Estonia - Winter tires are to be used from December 1st till the end of February, though depending on the weather the terms may be shifted. Studs are forbidden.
Finland – they drive on winter tires from December 1st till the end of October. The law is applied to those coming from outside the country.
France – there’s no law about winter tires, but you’d better use them in the French Alps. On some roads anti-skidding chains are required. Studded tires can be used from November till March at moderate speeds (33 mph and 50 mph in and outside the city respectively).
Germany – According to German road rules drivers must equip their cars in accordance with weather conditions and use winter tires depending on the situation. Vague wording it may be, drivers can be fined if they violate these rules.
Italy – Winter tires are not necessary except for on some roads. Studded tire owner must keep to moderate-speed driving – 30 mph in the city and 55 mph on highways.
Latvia - Winter tires are a must from December 1st till the end of February.
Lithuania – From November 1st till April 1st.
