New Fibers in Tire Cords

Cotton, rayon, nylon, and steel have been used to make satisfactory tires. These four fibers vary widely in appearance and characteristics. They were used successfully in spite of these differences where many other fibers were inadequate. The most critical factors are cost per pound per unit of strength as built in the tire and fatigue life for reversing loads at operational temperatures. New fibers should have enough of the basic requirements, a feature quality for some needed and spectacular performance, and a price such that our customers will buy our tires.