Tire overlay composition

A method of decreasing noise generated by a tire shoulder, comprising the steps of.

• (a) identifying a mechanism generating the noise,
• (b) providing an elastomeric compound for the crown of a tire overlay,
• (c) introducing into the elastomeric compound short reinforcing polymeric or non-polymeric fibers with an orientation that is adapted to reducing tire noise based on the identified mechanism in step (a), and
• (d) introducing into the shoulder of a tire overlay, cords comprising continuous reinforcement fibers that are placed adjacent to the crown compound of step (c).

A process for producing a tire, comprising a composite overlay, the composite overlay further comprising:

• an elastomer;
• and
• from 0.1 to 10 parts per hundred parts by weight of the elastomer of short polymeric or non-polymeric fibers;
• the fibers being characterized as having a length of from 0.1 to 8 mm, a tenacity of at least 6 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 10 grams per dtex,
• wherein a major portion of the fibers are substantially oriented in a plane substantially parallel to or orthogonal to the circumference of the tire;
• the process comprising the steps of
• (a) compounding in a high shear mixer, roll mill or extruder an uncured elastomer comprising short polymeric or non-polymeric fiber, elastomer and other additives,
• (b) calendering or extruding the uncured elastomer into one or more layers or sheets in which the fibers are aligned in the desired direction,
• (c) assembling the first stage components of a tire assembly in sequence on a drum,
• (d) assembling the second stage components of a tire assembly, including the sheet of step (b) being located in the shoulder section of an overlay, in sequence on a bladder press tool, and
• (e) placing the tire assembly in a mold and curing the elastomeric compounds by heat and pressure.

A process for producing a tire comprising a composite overlay, the composite overlay further comprising:

• an elastomer;
• and
• from 0.1 to 8 parts per hundred parts by weight of the elastomer of short polymeric or non-polymeric fibers;
• the fibers being characterized as having a length of from 0.1 to 8 mm, a tenacity of at least 6 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 10 grams per dtex, wherein a major portion of the fibers are substantially oriented in a plane substantially parallel to or orthogonal to the circumference of the tire;
• the process comprising the steps of
• (a) compounding in a high shear mixer, roll mill or extruder an uncured elastomer comprising short fiber, elastomer and other additives,
• (b) calendering or extruding the uncured elastomer into one or more layers or sheets in which the fibers are aligned in the desired direction,
• (c) assembling the first stage components of a tire assembly in sequence on a drum,
• (d) assembling the second stage components of a tire assembly, including the sheet of step (b) being located in the crown section of an overlay, in sequence on a bladder press tool, and
• (e) placing the tire assembly in a mold and curing the elastomeric compounds by heat and pressure.