Pirelli & C has patented a vehicle tyre featuring a structural element made from a cross-linked elastomeric material that incorporates carbon nanotubes. These nanotubes are produced using a catalyst based on iron and/or aluminium oxides, which is free from cobalt, nickel, and molybdenum. GlobalData’s report on Pirelli & C gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Pirelli & C, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Pirelli & C's grant share as of June 2024 was 66%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Tyre with carbon nanotubes using specific catalysts

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Pirelli & C SpA

The patent US12031035B2 describes a novel catalyst primarily composed of iron oxide and/or aluminum oxide, which is notably free from cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and molybdenum (Mo). The catalyst is synthesized through a specific process involving the preparation of two aqueous solutions: one containing soluble salts of Fe3+ and Al3+, and the other containing ammonium hydroxide. The process includes careful control of molar concentrations, pH levels, and drying and calcining conditions to produce a catalyst with defined properties, such as a grain size between 10 to 150 µm, an apparent density of 0.300 to 0.900 g/cm³, and a surface area ranging from 50 to 500 m²/g. The catalyst can also have a nominal iron content exceeding 30% by weight, with potential higher thresholds specified.

Additionally, the patent outlines a method for producing carbon nanotubes using the described catalyst, which involves loading it onto a porous material within a reactor and introducing gaseous hydrocarbons at elevated temperatures. The resulting carbon nanotubes are characterized by extremely low levels of Co, Ni, and Mo, with a carbon to residual catalyst weight ratio exceeding 10:1. Furthermore, the patent details the application of these carbon nanotubes in the manufacturing of vehicle tires, where they are incorporated into cross-linkable elastomeric materials. The tires are designed with various structural elements, ensuring that the carbon nanotubes maintain a high carbon content and low residual catalyst percentage, enhancing their performance and durability.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.