Demand for Automotive Tires Continues Despite Supply Chain Challenges

For nearly two years, the automotive supply chain has been struggling with pandemic-related shortages of parts and chips. However, demand continues to grow - the global automotive tires market is expected to grow from USD 126K million in 2020 to USD 172K million by 2026, at a CAGR of 5.2%.

Tires are typically made from rubber polymer. The physical and chemical properties of these rubber polymers determine the performance of each component and the overall performance of the tire. The inner lining is made from another rubber material, which is the barrier that keeps the tire inflated.

The gas barrier property plays a key role in the performance and usable life of a rubber tire. The Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) test is one of the most important methods to assess rubber's barrier properties. The lower the OTR, the better the oxygen barrier, which helps ensure a longer product life. Rubber products are usually tested for OTR in the form of flat sheets, and OTR data is usually reported in the units of cc/(m2*day).

The OX-TRAN® 2/12 Wide Range Oxygen Permeation Analyzer

Designed for busy QC labs who need to perform a high volume of permeation film testing on a regular basis, the new OX-TRAN 2/28 H can complete more testing in less time while reducing annual maintenance costs.
With a unique four cell testing capability, it can test four barrier film samples at the same time, providing twice the throughput of traditional OTR instruments. The new dual film horizontal cartridge is removable for easy sample preparation, and the user-friendly operator interface provides real time status of testing against target limits.



The OX-TRAN 2/28 H uses our trusted Coulox sensor, thus meeting the popular ASTM D3985 standard. With a temperature range of 20 to 60 C, it provides the testing capability commonly used for testing rubber as well as many other barrier materials. This analyzer utilizes our next generation analytics that significantly reduces the overall exam time while still providing the accurate and reliable results that has made MOCON the most popular permeation analyzers for over 55 years.

Ensuring the Performance and Lifetime of Rubber Tires

Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) testing is an important specification to assess rubber’s gas barrier properties. To simulate the increased heat in tires due to friction with the road, rubber’s OTR testing is commonly done at elevated temperatures. At higher environmental temperatures, these rubber samples can also stretch or sag. Rubber manufacturers need dependable OTR testing with high throughput to get their product to market sooner, and ensure quality control.
To meet the rubber tire industry’s specific needs, the capability to test OTR at higher temperatures is crucial. When it comes to permeation testing instruments, manufacturers also need a special test cell that can accommodate rubber-type materials, which are thicker and stretch at higher temperatures. The clear choice is the OX-TRAN 2/28, which can test OTR up to 60C, and features a unique side-by-side Dual-Film Cartridge for thicker samples up to 1/8”.