Sunday, December 27, 2009
AROMATIC TYRE TREADS NEW GROUND
Australian city streets may soon be wreathed in the sweet smell of
lavender following the launch of the world’s first scented car tyre.
Korean company Kumho has developed what it calls Aroma Technology tyres
which give off a perfumed scent when the rubber compound is warmed up
by road friction.
Kumho says the perfume – predominantly lavender with hints of mint,
iris and white musk – can be smelt within a 10-metre radius of the
vehicle.
Kumho says the Aroma Technology tyre, in addition to smelling more
pleasant than conventional tyre rubber, has distinct practical
advantages.
The molecules in aromatic oils are more stable than conventional
petrochemical oils when heated, reinforcing the bonding of the rubber
compound and improving the visco-elasticity of the tyre.
The result is that the Aroma tyre has above-average traction and
braking performance, improved ride comfort and very low noise
characteristics.
Kumho says comparison tests against a conventional compound tyre with
the same tread pattern show that the Aroma compound reduces braking
distances by 7.5 per cent, improves ride comfort by 7.0 per cent and
lowers noise by 7.0 per cent.
Kumho has further reduced noise levels by using a supercomputer to
design the tread pattern, applying Chaos Random Technology (CRT) to
minimise low-pitched tyre hum.
The company says the Aroma tyre’s lavender scent will last for about
one year of average use, but that even after that time the tyre will
continue to exhibit superior performance characteristics.
Kumho chose lavender oil as the base for the Aroma Technology because of its therapeutic qualities.
The essential oil of the lavender flower has long been used in herbal
remedies as an anti-inflammatory and as an infusion for the soothing of
coughs and colds.
Kumho says the idea to develop the Aroma tyre was the result of an
intra-company staff competition for the best new idea.
The company has recently been making a name for itself with a series of
technological innovations, including a drift racing tyre that gives off
either red, blue or yellow-coloured smoke, and an over-sized 32-inch
low profile tyre for the latest generation of high performance four
wheel drive wagons.
The Kumho Aroma Technology tyre is now available in a range of sizes for 15, 16 and 17-inch wheels.
For details of sizes and to find your nearest Kumho dealer, go to www.aromatyres.com.au
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