Science of the Polymers

Science of the Polymers is one of the most important branch of Materials' Science. The interest of Pirelli Labs is focused on different families of polymers between plastomeric and elestomeric types, as they are or in combination with reinforcing materials as fillers and fibers.

These materials can be of natural origin or synthesized through polymerization processes. An example is the tyre for car: it contains natural rubber (poly-isoprene 1-4 cis) obtained from the tropical plant Hevea Brasiliensis and SBR (Styrene - butadiene - rubber) obtained for chemical synthesis.

Commercial polymers are not only applied as available. Pirelli Labs is also actives in their modification through opportune processes (reactive processing), introducing functional groups or grafting lateral polymer chains in order to give specific chemical - physical properties or to improve the compatibility with fillers, fibers or others polymers.

Main applications are:

• Polymers blending for UHP tyres;
• High ionic conductivity materials for fuel cells applications;
• Nanocomposite materials with gas barrier behaviour;
• Special Material for Building Construction;
• Flame Resistant or retardant materials for building construction protection;
• Thermoplastic composite for structural applications;