ADVANCEMENTS IN TYRE INNER LINER TECHNOLOGIES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF MATERIALS AND PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

The tyre inner liner is a thin, air-impermeable layer composed of natural or synthetic rubber, engineered to retain internal air pressure, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and prolonging tyre service life. This paper presents a comprehensive and timely review of the current state of research on tyre inner liners, with a particular emphasis on material development and performance optimization. It introduces the fundamental role and design principles of inner liners, followed by a critical analysis of recent advancements in the selection of elastomers and functional fillers. The review also addresses the recycling and reuse of inner liner materials, highlighting environmentally sustainable and economically feasible approaches. A key novelty of this work lies in its coverage of a research area that has received minimal attention in the existing literature. Despite the critical importance of inner liners in tyre performance and sustainability, comprehensive reviews on this topic are exceedingly scarce, resulting in a significant knowledge gap. By systematically synthesizing available research and identifying emerging trends and challenges, this review not only fills a crucial void in the academic and industrial literature but also provides valuable guidance for researchers, entrepreneurs, and tyre manufacturers seeking to develop next-generation, sustainable tyre technologies.