Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Rockcor, Inc.

Rocket Research Corporation

Peter L Stang

Joel V Van Ornum

A carbon reinforced, partially cross-linked butyl rubber matrix sealant composition as described is particularly suitable for use as a self-healing tire puncture sealant. The sealant composition comprises a high average molecular weight butyl rubber and a low average molecular weight butyl rubber in a ratio of high to low molecular weight butyl rubber of between about 20/80 to 60/40, in admixture with a tackifier present in an amount between about 55 and 70 weight % of the composition. A partially hydrogenated block copolymer may be included in the admixture.

Elastomeric sealant composition

A vehicle tire is disclosed having an internal circumferential layer of self-sealing composition on an internal surface, particularly behind the tire tread. The sealant layer is initially made up of the combination of specific quantities of a high molecular weight curable butyl rubber, a low molecular weight curable butyl rubber, a liquid polybutylene tackifier, a partially hydrogenated block copolymer of styrene and a conjugated diene, carbon black and suitable curing agents for the butyl rubber components. When cured, this sealant layer effectively heals most punctures one-quarter inch in diameter or less in a vehicle tire at temperatures over the range of about - 20.degree. F. to 270.degree. F. without significant loss of air.

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Port Tobacco, MD, United States of America

Peter L Stang