Articles

Breakthrough Family of Silanes Can Improve Rolling Resistance and Wet Traction

ALBANY, N.Y., February 11, 2010 — Momentive Performance Materials presented information regarding

the NXT family of silanes and the improvement of tire rolling resistance and wet traction at the Tire

Technology Show 2010 held February 9-11 in Cologne, Germany. W. Michael York, Momentive’s Global

Program Leader/Tire, gave the conference presentation. Momentive offers a portfolio of silanes to the

rubber and tire market and has served as a leader in tire technology for more than 60 years.

NXT silanes can help improve rolling resistance while retaining or improving wet traction. The NXT family

of silanes has a unique molecular structure that can dramatically improve silica dispersion, improve

processing, reduce hysteresis by shortening bond distance, and increase bond strength. These

performance attributes typically can be achieved simultaneously with dynamic properties representative

of equivalent or improved wet traction.

Starting in 2012, European legislation will require that a label displaying tire rolling resistance, wet grip

and noise ratings be attached to a passenger car or light truck tire at the point of sale. In the United

States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has followed suit and established an

informational program requiring that a label disclosing rolling resistance, wet traction and wear ratings of

a passenger tire be provided to consumers to educate them concerning the effect of tires on automobile

fuel efficiency, safety and durability. The new labeling requirements underscore the importance of

improving rolling resistance without losing wet traction.

For more information about these new NXT materials, please call 800.295.2392 in North America

(+607.786.8131 everywhere else) or visit www.momentive.com.

About Momentive Performance Materials

Momentive is a global leader in silicones and advanced materials, with a 70-year heritage of being first to

market with performance applications for major industries that support and improve everyday life. The

company delivers the science behind the solutions, by linking custom technology platforms to

opportunities for customers. Momentive Performance Materials Inc. is controlled by an affiliate of Apollo

Management, L.P. Additional information is available at www.momentive.com.

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*NXT is a trademark of Momentive Performance Materials Inc.

Media Contact-Americas 

Nancy Pitts 

Nancy.Pitts@momentive.com 

+001-203-801-0836

Media Contact-Europe, Middle East & Africa

Fabienne Verrey-Kalaidjian

Fabienne.Verrey-Kalaidjian@momentive.com

 +41 (0) 22 792 2856

Media Contact-Asia/Pacific

Joyce Sun

Joyce.Sun@momentive.com

+86-21-507 937 39