Yokohama & Dr. Bo Persson Develop First Model to Predict Rubber Wear On Uneven Roads

Rubber Wear & Tear Analysis

Japanese tyre major the Yokohama Rubber Co in joint-research with Dr. Bo Nils Johan Persson have successfully developed in December 2024, the world’s first theoretical model to predict the rubber wear-rates on uneven road surfaces and the size distribution of wear particles.

Dr Persson is a leading a leading expert in the study of rubber friction and contact, contact, friction, wear and lubrication, including rubber friction. He is associated with Peter Grunberg Institute (Germany) and Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics (China).

He also runs a company called Multiscale Consulting (Germany) that supports companies in the rubber industry and beyond in addressing various challenges.

What’s more Dr. Persson’s unique approach to contact mechanics and rubber friction have been documented in numerous peer-reviewed academic journals and verified by other scientists, proving its effectiveness in solving a wide range of problems.

The new research was selected as the most noteworthy item and featured as the cover story in the 21 February 2025 edition of ‘The Journal of Chemical Physics’ published by the American Institute of Physics.
Yokohama Rubber known for its extensive track record in rubber research and advanced technological development capabilities, entered into a contract with Multiscale Consulting to collaborate with Dr. Persson in studying friction and wear on rubber and road surfaces.

The partners successfully developed what they claim is the world’s first theoretical model for multiscale (ranging from nanometre to centimetre levels) rubber wear behaviour on uneven road surfaces, for which theorisation had been difficult in the past. Experiments measuring rubber wear behaviour when sliding in both dry and wet conditions at different contact pressures and sliding speeds showed that the theoretical model’s predictions of wear-rates (mass loss per unit of sliding distance) and size distribution of wear particles aligned closely with the experimental results, confirming that the model could be used for such predictions.

Going forward, Yokohama Rubber plans to continue conducting research with Dr. Persson and Multiscale Consulting in order to pursue the development of tyres with high-level wear resistance.

In addition, Yokohama will continue to focus on reducing tyre wear, which is a leading demand for EVs to have reduction in environmental issues.

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MAXAM Tire Elevates Industry Veteran Ed Petros To Lead Forestry And Port Segments

MAXAM Tire Elevates Industry Veteran Ed Petros To Lead Forestry And Port Segments

MAXAM Tire North America has promoted Ed Petros to Forestry & Port Segment Manager, a move that bolsters the company’s leadership in two critical speciality tyre divisions. The promotion underscores MAXAM’s focus on deepening its expertise in these sectors.

With over four decades in the commercial tyre industry, Petros brings a background rooted in a family tyre business and a degree from the University of Pittsburgh. His career includes senior roles at a major OTR tyre dealer, a leading retreading organisation and Bridgestone/GCR, covering Earthmoving, Mining, Forestry and Port applications. Over seven years at MAXAM, he has helped drive customer support, growth and market strength.

Jimmy McDonnell, Senior Vice President, MAXAM Tire North America, said, “Ed’s promotion is a reflection of the tremendous impact he has made throughout his time at MAXAM. His decades of industry knowledge, unwavering commitment to our customers and dedication to continuous improvement have helped shape our success. Ed is well-positioned to lead the continued growth and development of our Forestry and Port segments.”

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Dr M N Aji Promoted to General Manager – Process Technology at HF Group

Dr M N Aji Promoted to General Manager – Process Technology at HF Group

HF Group has promoted Dr M N Aji to the position of General Manager – Process Technology, elevating him from his previous role as Senior Manager – Process Technology. The appointment reflects his extensive contribution to process technology and mixing solutions across Asian markets and global operations.

Dr Aji has been associated with HF Group since 2013, leading process technology initiatives and supporting tyre manufacturers worldwide with advanced mixing solutions and technical troubleshooting. Over the course of nearly three decades in the rubber and tyre industry, he has built expertise spanning tangential, intermeshing, tandem, kneader and open mill mixing technologies.

Before joining HF Group, Dr Aji held roles at Satya Sai Polymers, Mold Teck Plastics and MRF Tyres, where he gained experience across scooter, motorcycle, passenger vehicle, truck radial, off-the-road and aircraft tyre segments.

A recognised speaker and academic contributor in the field of rubber processing and mixing technology, Dr Aji holds a PhD in Polymer and Rubber Processing and Characterisation Techniques from the UK, along with MTech, BTech and Diploma qualifications in Polymer Technology. He has conducted workshops and delivered lectures for universities, research institutions and tyre manufacturers in India and overseas.

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Epsilon Carbon Appoints Munish Kumar Rathi As President And Business Head For Carbon Black

Epsilon Carbon Appoints Munish Kumar Rathi As President And Business Head For Carbon Black

Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Munish Kumar Rathi as its new President and Business Head for Carbon Black.

With more than 25 years of extensive global leadership experience, Rathi brings a strong background in profit and loss management, multi-site manufacturing leadership, strategic planning and business transformation. His career is marked by a demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence and foster sustainable growth across various international markets.

The company is anticipating that his leadership will play a key role as Epsilon Carbon continues to expand its global footprint and accelerate innovation within the carbon black business segment. The organisation has formally welcomed Rathi to the team, expressing confidence in his capacity to guide future strategic initiatives. This move underscores Epsilon Carbon’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team in pursuit of long-term global competitiveness.

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TVS Srichakra Approves INR 2.2 billion Capacity Expansion For Madurai plants

TVS Srichakra Approves INR 2.2 billion Capacity Expansion For Madurai plants

TVS Srichakra has approved capital investment of up to INR 2.2 billion to expand production capacity at its manufacturing facilities in Vellaripatti, Madurai.

The expansion will cover the company’s two-wheeler tyre and off-highway tyre plants, with investment of up to INR 1.1 billion allocated to each facility.

TVS Srichakra said the two-wheeler tyre plant currently has capacity of about 21 million to 23.5  million tyres a year and operates at utilisation levels of around 80 to 85 percent. The company plans to add about 5 percent capacity, with completion targeted in the first half of FY2028-29.

The off-highway tyre plant has existing capacity of about 75 to 85 metric tonnes a year and operates at utilisation levels of 75 to 80 percent. TVS Srichakra plans to increase capacity at the plant by about 25 percent, with the addition scheduled for the first half of FY2027-28.

The company said the investment would be financed through a combination of internal accruals and debt.

TVS Srichakra said the expansion is intended to meet growing demand for its two- and three-wheeler tyres and off-highway tyre products.

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