Thermo-oxidative ageing in tyre-grade elastomers: an experimental investigation and coupled chemo-thermo-mechanical modelling

This thesis investigates how heat and oxygen gradually change the rubber materials used in tyres. It combines laboratory experiments with computer modelling to study how ageing affects stiffness, flexibility and strength, and why thicker rubber parts can age unevenly from the surface to the centre. The research shows that different tyre compounds respond differently to ageing and develops a model that predicts these changes over time. The work can help tyre engineers assess long-term material performance, improve durability predictions and support the design and evaluation of longer-lasting tyre components.