Tyres do not typically carry the weight of our vehicles but it is only the air inside them does. There are three basic elements which determine the load capacity of a tyre namely, the size of the air chamber formed between the tyre and wheel, the strength provided by the engineering construction of tyre to hold air pressure, and the amount of air pressure actually in the tyre.

Most flat tyres or zero pressure air  are the result of slow leaks that go unnoticed and allow the tyre's air pressure to escape over time (Fig.1). Therefore, monitoring tyre air pressure in real-time is extremely important. Fortunately, in these days we practically have such devices inbuilt in tyre, called, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS, Fig.2. Run Flat Tyres (RFT) are typically designed passenger car tyre or light truck tyres or SUVs to run even when they are flat  or when there is zero inflation pressure. It is more of a safety issue - it's design allows you to continue driving in deflated condition to a point were you can safely get the tyre changed or repaired. To all RFT, therefore, it is was required to fit in TPMS system (Fig.2) to indicate driver that the tyre is running with low pressure or tyre is failed and is under zero pressure now.

Tyre pressure sensor (pressure transmitter) converts the physical quantity 'tyre pressure' into an industry-standard signal , that enables the driver if the tyre pressure is becoming low or the tyre has already failed during driving (Fig.2). Mandates for TPMS technology in new cars have been continued to proliferate in the 21st century in Russia, the EU, Japan, South Korea and many other Asian countries. As of November 2014, the above fitment rate stands had been to ~ 54% of passenger cars.

 

Tyre pressure has profound influence on vehicle safety and efficiency. Tyre-pressure monitoring (TPM) was first adopted by the European market as an optional feature for luxury passenger vehicles in the 1980s. The first passenger vehicle to adopt TPM was the Porsche 959 in 1986, using a hollow spoke wheel system. In 1996 Renault used the Michelin PAX system. In the United States, TPM was introduced by General Motors for the 1991 model year for the Corvette in conjunction with Goodyear run-flat tyres. The system uses sensors in the wheels and a driver display which can show tyre pressure at any wheel, plus warnings for both high and low pressure (Fig.2). It has been standard on Corvettes ever since.

The dynamic behavior of a pneumatic tyre is closely connected to its inflation pressure. Key factors like braking distance and lateral stability require the inflation pressures to be adjusted and kept as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Extreme under-inflation can even lead to thermal and mechanical overload caused by overheating and subsequent, sudden destruction of the tyre itself. Additionally, fuel efficiency and tyre wear are severely affected by under-inflation. Tyres do not only leak air if punctured, they also leak air naturally (air permeability), and over a year, even a typical new, properly mounted tyre can lose from 3 to 9 psi, roughly 10% or even more of its initial pressure.

Maintaining proper tyre inflation is essential to vehicle handling, overall tyre performance, and load carrying capability. A properly inflated tyre will reduce tread movement, reduce rolling resistance, and increase water dispersion. Reduced tread movement gives the tyre a longer tread life. Reduced rolling resistance, the force required to roll a loaded tyre, results in increased fuel efficiency. Increased water dispersion decreases the possibility of hydroplaning. Both over-inflation and under-inflation can cause premature tread wear and possible tyre failure. Over-inflation can result in decreased traction and the inability to absorb road impact. Overinflated tyres will show premature wear in the centre of the tread. On the other hand, under inflation will cause sluggish tyre response, decrease fuel economy, excessive heat buildup, and tyre overload. An under inflated  tyre will show premature wear on both outside shoulders (Fig.3).

 

The European Union reports that an average under-inflation of ~ 6psi ,  produces an increase of fuel consumption of 2% and a decrease of tyre life of 25%. The European Union concludes that tyre under-inflation today is responsible for over 20 million liters of unnecessarily-burned fuel, dumping over 2 million tones of CO₂ into the atmosphere, and for 200 million tyres being prematurely wasted worldwide. In 2018, a field study on TPMS shows that TPMS fitment reliably prevents severe and dangerous under-inflation and hence yields the desired effects for traffic safety, fuel consumption and emissions. The above study also showed that there is no difference in effectiveness between dTPMS and iTPMS and that the TPMS reset function does not present a safety risk.

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TMPS) is an electronic system in the vehicle that monitors tyre air pressure and alerts the driver when it falls dangerously low. This system involves a pressure sensor (Fig.4) fitted in tyre air filling valve. However, a given TPMS system can only work with compatible sensors in the tyres.  

 

TPMS notifies on vehicle dash board when vehicle’s tyre pressure is low or is going flat and this help to maintain proper tyre pressure (Fig.2). TPMS can directly or indirectly, increase vehicle safety on the road by improving your vehicle’s handling, decreasing tyre wear, reducing braking distance and bettering fuel economy. The significant advantages of TPMS are summarized as follows:

• Fuel savings: For every 10% of under-inflation on each tyre on a vehicle, a 1% reduction in fuel economy will occur. In the United States alone, the Department of Transportation estimates that under inflated tyres waste 2 billion US gallons (7,600,000 m³) of fuel each year.

• Extended tyre life: Under inflated tyres are the major cause of tyre failure and contribute to tyre disintegration, heat buildup, ply separation and sidewall/casing break downs. Further, a difference of 10 psi in pressure on a set of duals literally drags the lower pressured tyre 2.5 metres per kilometre (13 feet per mile). Moreover, running a tyre even briefly on inadequate pressure breaks down the casing and prevents the ability to retread. It is important to note that not all sudden tyre failures are caused by under-inflation. Structural damages caused, for example, by hitting sharp curbs or potholes, can also lead to sudden tyre failures, even a certain time after the damaging incident. These cannot be proactively detected by any TPMS.

• Improved safety: Under-inflated tyres lead to tread separation and tyre failure, resulting in 40,000 accidents, 33,000 injuries and over 650 deaths per year only in USA. Further, tyres properly inflated add greater stability, handling and braking efficiencies and provide greater safety for the driver, the vehicle, the loads and others on the road.

 

• Environmental efficiency: Under-inflated tyres, as estimated by the Department of Transportation, release over 26 billion kilograms (57.5 billion pounds) of unnecessary carbon-monoxide (CO) pollutants into the atmosphere each year in the United States alone.

A TPMS reports real-time tyre-pressure information to the driver of the vehicle, either via a gauge, a pictogram display, or a simple low-pressure warning light (Fig.2).  

TPMS can be divided into two different types – direct (dTPMS) and indirect (iTPMS). TPMS are provided both at an OEM (factory) level as well as an aftermarket solution (replacement market). TPMS is increasing consumer demand for avoiding traffic accidents, poor fuel economy, and increased tyre wear due to under-inflated tyres through early recognition of a hazardous state of the tyres.

A sensor based TPMS has a pressure monitoring sensor fixed inside the wheel and tyre  assembly(Fig.5). This is usually clamped to the wheel and constantly monitors the internal pressure of the tyre . This information is relayed to a receiving unit on the vehicle body which is connected to a processing unit in the electronics system of the vehicle. This alerts the driver to a loss in tyre pressure.

 

There are two different types of systems being used today: Direct TPMS and Indirect TPMS. Direct (dTPMS) uses a sensor mounted in the wheel to measure air pressure in each tyre. When air pressure drops 25% below the manufacturer’s recommended level, the sensor transmits that information to the computer system of car and triggers your dashboard indicator light (Fig.2).

 

Indirect (iTPMS) works with Antilock Braking System’s (ABS) wheel speed sensors. If a tyre’s pressure is low, it will roll at a different wheel speed than the other tyres. This information is detected by the computer system of car , which triggers the dashboard indicator light (Fig.2). The purpose of the TPMS is to alert you when tyre pressure is too low and could to create unsafe driving conditions. If the light is illuminated, it means your tyres could be underinflated, which can lead to undue tyre wear and possible tyre failure.

Direct TPMS

Direct TPMS (dTPMS), is a directly measuring hardware-based systems. They could be fitted in each wheel, most often on the inside of the valve (Fig.6), there is a battery-driven pressure sensor which transfers pressure information to a central control unit which reports it to the vehicle's instrument cluster or a corresponding monitor. Some units also measure and alert temperatures of the tyre as well.

These systems can identify under-inflation in any combination, be it one tyre or all, simultaneously. Although the systems vary in transmitting options, many TPMS products (both OEM and aftermarket) can display real time tyre pressures at each location monitored whether the vehicle is moving or parked. There are many different solutions, but all of them have to face the problems of exposure to hostile environments. The majority are powered by batteries which limit their useful life.  A direct TPMS sensor consists of the following main functions requiring only a few external components, that is mounted to the valve stem inside the tyre:

 

• Pressure sensor
• Analog-digital converter
• Microcontroller
• System controller
• Oscillator
• Radio frequency transmitter
• Low frequency receiver
• Voltage regulator (battery management)

 

InDirect TPMS

Indirect TPMS (iTPMS)  uses to detect the differing speed of revolution of a wheel with a reduced circumference, caused by a reduction in tyre pressure . There may be  dashboard icons for low pressure warning icon  or system failure icon (Fig.2). This system uses the ABS  or the Antilock Braking System of the vehicle to monitor the rotation speed of the individual wheels. If a deflation of a tyre occurs the resulting increase in wheel speed triggers the TPMS and advises the driver accordingly (Fig.7).

Advantages of the ABS based system include the fact that the system uses technology and equipment that is already fitted to the vehicle. Also there are no sensors fitted inside the wheel/tyre assembly which makes the tyre fitting process easier than the sensor based systems.

Dr Samir Majumdar, Rubber Consultant (India & Asia pacific), has served in leading tyre companies like JK Tyre, Kyoto Japan Tire, among others. He was technical and R&D head (Asia Pacific) in ExxonMobil. He has authored several research papers and technical books. smajumdar501234@yahoo.co.in

Evonik, a global speciality chemicals company, has completed a EUR 52 million expansion of its silicone platform at the Essen Goldschmidtstrasse site in Germany, constructing a new production plant and a large tank farm. The facility raises output capacity for organomodified silicones, a core product group in the company’s global silicone network.

The Essen site operates as a central node in that network, closely tied to Evonik facilities in Geesthacht, Obernburg and Wittenburg in Germany, Pandino in Italy, Shanghai in China and Hopewell, Virginia, in the United States. The expansion strengthens the resilience of this international production system by lessening the need to ship intermediates and finished goods between locations.

Logistics infrastructure has been optimised to support more efficient operations. A new 150-metre pipe bridge links four production units and 15 manufacturing assets to the tank farm, which comprises five stainless-steel tanks, the tallest standing 24 metere and holding substantial quantities of key raw materials. The result is steadier production, more robust supply chains and reduced reliance on short-term deliveries. The tank farm has enlarged the Essen site from 32 to 35 hectares.

The project was executed with the site fully operational and despite constrained space, drawing on roughly 80 Evonik employees and over 230 contractors from 25 partner companies. Essen Goldschmidtstrasse also features in Evonik’s newly developed long-term plans, which assign a clear profile to each of six major production sites – Essen Goldschmidtstrasse, Marl, Wesseling, Darmstadt/Weiterstadt, Rheinfelden and Hanau – as guidelines for future development. Under this framework, Essen Goldschmidtstrasse is positioned as a centre of excellence for customer-specific formulations.

Lauren Kjeldsen, the Evonik Management Board member responsible for the Custom Solutions segment, to which the business belongs, said, “This expansion strengthens our silicone production platform, enhancing supply chain resilience and creating a strong foundation for profitable growth. This latest investment highlights the important role that our innovative German sites play in the success of our global operations.”

Roberto VilaKeller, head of the responsible Business Line Interface & Polyurethane Additives, said, “The investment in Essen strengthens our global production network and further enhances our ability to serve customers reliably around the world. It significantly expands our production capabilities, reduces potential bottlenecks and creates opportunities for future growth in attractive markets.”

Thomas Kufen, Mayor of Essen, said, “At a time when industrial investment is more important than ever, projects of this scale send a strong signal for Essen’s economy and the wider region. They secure high-quality jobs, strengthen competitiveness and demonstrate the international attractiveness of our city as an industrial hub.”

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has published its Monthly Natural Rubber Statistical Report for September 2026, a month marked by broad-based price gains. Firm fundamentals, constrained supply and steady downstream demand combined with geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty to lift prices. Renewed Middle East conflict and disruptions to major shipping routes weighed on sentiment, while energy markets were especially affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on transiting vessels, which raised risks to global energy supplies and strengthened the crude oil risk premium.

According to the report, physical prices for most major grades advanced. SMR-20 in Kuala Lumpur averaged USD 2.50/kg, up 7.96 percent month-on-month, and STR-20 in Bangkok rose 5.80 percent to USD 2.53/kg. RSS-3 in Bangkok slipped 0.30 percent to USD 2.79/kg, while RSS-4 in Kottayam eased 1.39 percent to USD 2.88/kg. Latex-in-bulk in Malaysia gained 3.60 percent to average USD 1.79/kg. Cautious tyre-manufacturer purchasing, limited to immediate needs after earlier increases, weighed on the RSS market. Latex drew support from tight supply, as persistent rainfall disrupted tapping and limited fresh and concentrated latex availability, while glove, healthcare and industrial demand held stable.

Trade flows diverged. China's imports grew 2.56 percent month-on-month, India's 11.36 percent and Malaysia's 17.85 percent, whereas Viet Nam's fell 3.40 percent. Exports rose 3.07 percent in Thailand, 7.30 percent in Malaysia and 1.91 percent in Cambodia, while Indonesia edged down 1.40 percent and Viet Nam recorded the steepest decline at 9.72 percent.

Global production is projected at 15.039 million tonnes in 2026, up 0.6 percent from 14.953 million tonnes in 2025, with September output estimated at 1.4 million tonnes. Uneven rainfall and elevated temperatures slowed supply recovery across Southeast Asia. Global demand is forecast to rise 0.4 percent to 15.356 million tonnes from 15.301 million tonnes, with the largest volume increases among ANRPC member countries. Prospects depend on vehicle sales, tyre production, shipping conditions and weather-related disruptions, while expanding electric-vehicle markets in China, India and Europe support modest growth.

The ringgit traded between RM4.04 and RM4.10 per US dollar, and the baht between THB 32.89 and 33.55. The SHFE January 2027 contract averaged CNY 19,070/tonne, up 5.3 percent month-on-month, and the SGX December 2026 contract averaged USD 2.41/kg, up 7.6 percent. Brent crude averaged USD 114.16 per barrel, a 25.3 percent monthly increase driven by geopolitical risks and shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Birla Carbon, a leading global supplier of carbon materials, will exhibit at the International Rubber Conference (IRC) 2026, scheduled for 2–6 November in Nagoya, Japan, at Booth B. The company aims to address application-specific demands arising from the shift towards electric mobility, which places greater emphasis on tyre wear and energy efficiency while requiring automotive rubber components to balance durability with ride comfort.

A Very High Structure (VHS) lineup awaits manufacturers of passenger car, light truck, truck and bus tyres. These grades were engineered to meet electrification requirements and tightening standards such as Euro 7, delivering gains in tread wear, energy efficiency and tyre longevity.

Sustainability also features prominently. The company's Continua Sustainable Carbonaceous Materials (SCM) and Sustainable Carbon Blacks (SCB) lines, which contain higher levels of recycled or bio-based material, are intended to help tyre makers pursue circularity targets. Their dependable quality and ability to be supplied at scale in large volumes make them viable for production use, and the Continua range carries ISCC PLUS certification.

Mechanical rubber goods round out the display. Grades aimed at bushings enhance mixing and dispersion, contributing to fatigue life and component durability, while formulations for mounts pair low hysteresis and low stiffness with reinforcement so that durable parts can be produced without sacrificing ride comfort. Drop-in grades for extrusion reduce defects, scrap and screen-pack changes while raising throughput and extending service life. Simulation and technical expertise help customers assess materials, and global production plus Asian capacity growth support long-term supply.

Amit Kumar, President – Asia, Birla Carbon, said, “Asia’s tyre and rubber manufacturers are shaping the next phase of mobility, and their material requirements are becoming increasingly stringent. As the clear leader in our industry, Birla Carbon aims to grow alongside our customers, combining application-focused innovation with dependable local supply. We see performance and circularity as priorities that must progress together. By expanding our capabilities in Asia and strengthening customer partnerships, we aim to help manufacturers meet evolving market needs and build greater long-term competitiveness.”

Zeon Corporation broke ground on a multi-product research and prototyping complex at the Kawasaki Innovation Frontier Port in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on 16 October with a ceremony held beforehand to seek safety during construction. The company expects the complex to shorten the path from laboratory work to mass production for established and emerging businesses alike, making it central to its long-term growth strategy.

Set inside an existing building within the port's Research & Development Center area, the complex is slated to begin operating in January 2028. Its design aims to move products past the laboratory stage and into medium-scale sample output more quickly, clearing a bottleneck on the route to full-scale manufacturing.

Zeon's core production methods – polymerisation, hydrogenation, coagulation and drying – will be built into the complex, which is engineered to handle diverse manufacturing conditions and operating approaches. Beyond serving established and new businesses, the polymer design company envisions the site as a centre for technology development and a platform for rolling out new processes and operational, analytical, and measurement technologies within and beyond the company. It will eventually host development and prototyping work across a wide range of technologies, including contract prototypes commissioned by outside parties.

The Kawasaki Innovation Frontier Port is the umbrella name for the site combining the neighbouring Kawasaki Plant and Research & Development Center. The label underscores the location's role in breaking new ground by merging innovation, research and development and production and casts the Kawasaki waterfront as a port that propels innovation. Once a co-creative innovation facility begins operating in December 2026, the two sites will function as one continuous operation, turning out ever more sophisticated products and production methods and reinforcing their standing as a launchpad for technology.