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TOGWT
03-11-2008, 10:25 AM
Tyres:
Are manufactured from a composite of rubber and polymer compounds such as rubber with reinforcing materials such as fabric and wire, natural rubber or Polyisoprene is the basic elastomeric used in tyre making. Styrene-butadiene co-polymer (SBR) is a synthetic rubber which is often substituted in part for natural rubber based on the comparative raw materials cost.

Tyres are subjected to more abuse than any other component part of the vehicle. As well as airborne contaminants they also have other formidable adversaries, ultra violet radiation (UVR) ozone, oxygen, petroleum distillates, formaldehyde, asphalt, road dirt and grime, and rain water.

Over time, rubber degrades. Vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced when they are six years old to prevent sudden failure, even if the tire looks undamaged. In tropical climates, tires degrade sooner than in temperate climates.

a) To provide protection from ultra violet radiation (UVR) a sacrificial absorber (carbon black) is used to convert UV radiation into harmless light wave energy and dissipate it.

b) Oils, and antiozonants are added to provide flexibility, and form a protective barrier between the Ozone and oxygen (Ozone is an allotropic form of oxygen, an oxidizer (an oxidizer is any compound that spontaneously emits oxygen) either at room temperature or under slight heating.

c) As the tire rolls, additional antiozonant is forced to the surface of the tyre; and is exposed to the ozone in the air, it turns brown (oxidation) the technical term for this effect is blooming. It can vary by brand, but blooming also occurs most in newer tires, and will get less and less as time goes on. A factor that exacerbates it is the use of harsh cleaners that remove the outer layer and promote more antiozonant to permeate during flexing

If the tyres are parked for extended periods the antiozonant and oils dry out, UV light radiation combined with air (Ozone and Oxygen= Oxidation) which accelerate the tyre degradation process, resulting in drying, discoloration and cracking.

To provide the necessary protection from the negative effects of UV radiation, water, oxidation and any airborne pollutants, a water-based tyre dressings containing antiozonant technology protect rubber compounds from cracking and deteriorating from exposure to ozone as well as providing resistance to oxygen and heat

d) Many chemical compounds react vigorously at ambient temperatures as the oxidizing process takes place between water and the tyre polymer-binding agents. Water tends to wash away the natural oils and micro-waxes that help to maintain the tyres flexibility.
(See also Vinyl and Rubber Dressing, Good Silicone, Not so Good Silicone)



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sparkie
03-11-2008, 06:14 PM
We call them tires over here....:D

Thanks for all the good info...:applause:

TOGWT
03-12-2008, 03:38 AM
We call them tires over here....:D
Thanks for all the good info...:applause:

You have no idea how I tire of that correction :D

Tire with an British accent = Tyre Im the MAN

My book has it - Tyres / Tires:

jaredpointer
03-12-2008, 07:58 AM
You have no idea how I tire of that correction :D

Tire with an British accent = Tyre Im the MAN

My book has it - Tyres / Tires:

Don't you mean "tyre" of that correction? :D

Good info, thanks.

budman3
03-12-2008, 10:17 AM
c) As the tire rolls, additional antiozonant is forced to the surface of the tyre; and is exposed to the ozone in the air, it turns brown (oxidation) the technical term for this effect is blooming. It can vary by brand, but blooming also occurs most in newer tires, and will get less and less as time goes on. A factor that exacerbates it is the use of harsh cleaners that remove the outer layer and promote more antiozonant to permeate during flexing





© TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved



TOGWT, what do you suggest to use for cleaning tires? Just soap and water? An APC? A dedicated Tire Cleaner? A wheel and tire cleaner combination? A white wall cleaner (Westley's bleche white)? Other?

TOGWT
03-12-2008, 10:44 AM
Tyre Cleaner:
For any type of protect ant to work well on rubber first remove any brake dust, road tar, grease and grime, wax and dead rubber from the surface to properly clean it. A tyre cleaner needs to be strong enough to tackle a heavy build-up of tire dressings and road grime, but not damage wheel coatings. It should strip the tyres down to the original rubber surface, this is especially important when you apply a new dressing, as dressings won't adhere to, or create the right shine on dirty rubber.

This tyre cleaner is a strong concentrate; spray-and-rinse tires, without scrubbing, if you are starting on an old, neglected surface, use a fairly stiff tyre brush for the first application and a spray & rinse at least 3-4 times a year - HiTemp Tire Cleaner - http://www.topoftheline.com (http://www.topoftheline.com/)

Eimann Fabrik Tire Cleaner & Whitewall Brightener is specifically designed to clean tires also contains optical brighteners to clean and refresh whitewalls and white lettering. Some tire cleaners contain bleach to brighten whitewalls but bleach can turn the carbon black in tyres a dull gray colour –
http://classic-motoring.stores.yahoo.net

Note: Westleys Bleache White- contains Butyl Cellosolve (2-butoxyethanol)Sodium Met silicate and Sodium Hydroxide, which are acidic, none of which are particularly paint, rubber or human friendly. It will stain / etch clear coat painted wheels and zinc rotors as well as drying out tyres

budman3
03-12-2008, 10:49 AM
OK thanks for the information, I wasn't exactly sure what you meant by "harsh cleaners". I really need to get a dedicated tire cleaner, TOL looks like it'll be the one.