Surface engineering of boron nitride nanotubes for use as advanced fillers in the tire industry

非弹性效应引起轮胎的滚动阻力。正因为如此，一部分本应用于运动的能量以热量的形式损失了。这些能量损失直接影响到汽车的燃油经济性。此外，某些用于减少轮胎磨损的添加剂实际上可能会加剧导致滚动阻力的滞后效应。下一代添加剂可以发挥混合作用：减少磨损，同时防止滚动阻力和相应的能量损失。氮化硼纳米管是一种新型纳米材料，可能能够解决这一挑战。直到最近，这些都是在非常小的范围内合成的，限制了它们的工业利益。然而，Tekna Plasma Systems最近开发了一种大规模生产工艺，这将使米其林等潜在用户从适当和稳定的供应中受益。为了确保生产商和用户之间的兼容性，我们提出了一个合作研究项目，Tekna的氮化硼纳米管将被广泛研究和表面改性，以促进其融入米其林的弹性体橡胶配方。完成后，该项目将为魁北克的Tekna开发一个新的市场，并增加米其林北美（加拿大）（专门从事高级轮胎添加剂的分公司）的活动，为魁北克和加拿大带来实质性的利益。

Inelastic effects cause rolling resistance in tires. Because of this, a portion of the energy that should be used for movement is lost as heat. These energy losses have direct repercussions on a vehicle's fuel economy. Moreover, certain additives used to reduce tire wear may actually accentuate the hysteresis effects that cause rolling resistance. Next generation additives could serve a hybrid role: reduce wear while preventing rolling resistance and its corresponding energy losses. Boron nitride nanotubes are a new class of nanomaterials that may be able to tackle this challenge. Until recently, these were only synthesized at a very small scale, limiting their industrial interest. However, Tekna Plasma Systems has recently developed a large-scale production process, that would allow potential users such as Michelin to benefit from an appropriate and stable supply. In order to ensure compatibility between producers and users, we propose a collaborative research project whereby Tekna's boron nitride nanotubes will be extensively studied and surface modified in order to facilitate their incorporation into Michelin's elastomeric rubber formulations. Upon completion, this project will bring about substantial benefits for Quebec and Canada, through the development of a new market for Quebec-based Tekna and increased activities at Michelin North America (Canada)(the branch specializing in advanced tire additives).