Rubber

natural and synthetic (hundreds of polymer types)

Reinforcing chemicals

carbon black, silica, resins

Anti-degradants

antioxidants/ozonants paraffin waxes

Adhesion promoters

cobalt salts, brass on wire, resins on fabrics

Curatives

cure accelerators, activators, sulfur

Processing aids

oils, tackifiers, peptizers, softeners

A P195/75R14 all-season passenger tire, the most popular size, weighs about 21 pounds and has approximately:

• 4 lbs.of 8 types of natural rubber
• 5 lbs. of 8 types of carbon black
• 1 lbs. of steel cord for belts
• 1 lb. of polyester and nylon
• 1 lb. of steel bead wire
• 3 lbs. of 40 different kinds of chemicals, waxes, oils, pigments, etc.
• 6 lbs of 5 different types of synthetic rubber

Typical percentages of the Synthetic Rubber and Natural Rubber rubber mix in various types of tires:

• Passenger Tire 55% 45%
• Light Truck Tire 50% 50%
• Race Tire 65% 35%
• Off-highway Tire (giant/earthmover) 20% 80%