EPC reduces the rubber hardening that can result from the heat of friction. In other words, EPC is better than conventional rubber compounds in terms of keeping rubber soft. And it accomplishes this without adversely affecting tread life. Bonding among the rubber polymer molecules and carbon black is an important factor in rubber elasticity. Tire manufacturers promote bonding in the vulcanization process by adding sulfur and applying heat to the rubber.
Sulfur bridges strengthen the tire by linking the rubber polymer molecules.
But subsequent re-crosslinking of the sulfur under the heat of friction caused by every day driving results in an increase in rubber hardness. The newly developed EPC reduces hardening by suppressing the re-crosslinking action of the sulfur molecules. Even when friction generates heat in a tire in motion, a tire with EPC experiences minimal sulfur re-crosslinking. Less re-crosslinking means less rubber hardness and more consistent performance over the life of a tire. Dual Layer Tread exposes high-grip rubber as wear progresses.