Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of lubricating the interface between a supporting ring and inner surface of a tire for use with a rim for a tire having two beads, comprising the step of providing a lubricant on a surface of said supporting ring, said lubricant comprising at least 60 percent by weight of polydimethylsiloxane, from about 7 to about 13 weight percent of amorphous silica, and from about 7 to about 13 weight percent of hydroxy-terminated dimethyl siloxane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of lubricating the interface between a supporting ring and inner surface of a tire for use with a rim for a tire having two beads, comprising the step of providing a lubricant on a surface of said supporting ring, said lubricant comprising at least 60 percent by weight of polydimethylsiloxane, from about 7 to about 13 weight percent of amorphous silica, and from about 7 to about 13 weight percent of hydroxy-terminated dimethyl siloxane.

Abstract: A pendulum device is used to test the rolling resistance of a material. The device includes a rolling unit for contact with the material being tested, an assembly for initiating pendulum motion of the device, and measuring the amplitude of the pendulum motion over time. The rate of decrease of the amplitude of the pendulum motion is a measure of the rolling resistance of the material.

Abstract: This invention discloses a rubber composition having a high modulus and excellent processability which is comprised of a blend of (1) at least one elastomer selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, synthetic polyisoprene rubber, natural rubber, isoprene-butadiene rubber, isoprene-butadiene-styrene rubber, nitrile rubber, carboxylated nitrile rubber, and EPDM rubber, (2) at least one thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer containing an aliphatic spacer, wherein the thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer exhibits no apparent crystalline to nematic transition, wherein the thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer exhibits nematic order above its glass transition temperature, and wherein the glass transition temperature of the thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer is within the range of 20.degree. C. to 180.degree. C., and (3) carbon black.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire and an innerliner for use in a pneumatic tire are provided by the invention. The innerliner comprises a multilayer structure including a barrier layer and an adhesive layer. The barrier is a blend of high chlorine content chlorinated polyethylene elastomer and low chlorine-content chlorinated polyethylene elastomer. The adhesive can include a nitrile rubber composition or an ultra high molecular weight elastomer.