Which elastomer is commonly used for tyres?

Which elastomer is commonly used for tyres?

• A. Butadiene rubber
• B. Natural rubber
• C. Neoprene
• D. Silicone

Answer: (A)

Tyres rely on an elastic material that can deform under load, return to shape, and resist wear across a wide temperature range. Butadiene rubber is a synthetic elastomer that offers excellent abrasion resistance and resilience, plus good performance at the high temperatures tyres generate. These properties make it a staple in tyre treads and sidewalls, often used in blends with natural rubber to balance grip, durability, and flexibility. Natural rubber is very elastic but wears more quickly and ages with heat, while neoprene and silicone are chosen for other specialist uses, not as the primary tyre material.

Tyres rely on an elastic material that can deform under load, return to shape, and resist wear across a wide temperature range. Butadiene rubber is a synthetic elastomer that offers excellent abrasion resistance and resilience, plus good performance at the high temperatures tyres generate. These properties make it a staple in tyre treads and sidewalls, often used in blends with natural rubber to balance grip, durability, and flexibility. Natural rubber is very elastic but wears more quickly and ages with heat, while neoprene and silicone are chosen for other specialist uses, not as the primary tyre material.