Review of Tyre Cord Adhesion

Steel cord has been the main reinforcing material for tyres, hoses and conveyor belts for many decades, indeed the first steel reinforced tyres appeared over ninety years ago. However, it was not until the emergence of radial tyres that steel cord became a common form of reinforcement and understandably the adhesion between brass-coated steel cord and rubber compound became a significant factor governing the performance and durability of car and truck tyres. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve a high level of adhesion and sustain this level throughout the service history of the tyre. 

---

This chapter will discuss the state-of-the-art of bonding rubber compounds to brass, a technology primarily used on steel tyre cords. The literature is reviewed since 1991 when the previous review was published [1]. An updated mechanism for the rubber adhesion mechanism of brass is presented. Some new developments, such as proposed alternatives to brass, are also discussed. 

---