Siping (rubber) wear and extends the life of the tire. Both Bridgestone and Michelin sell snow tires that are siped at the factory, while Saf-Tee Siping and Grooving sells machines that can sipe most standard vehicle tires. Siping can also be done by hand. Siping tires may void the manufacturer's warranty. Claims that extended life is achieved by siping may only apply to certain environments, operating temperatures, and rubber compound builds. Siped soles are a characteristic feature of boat shoes. Siping (rubber) Siping is a process of cutting thin slits across a rubber surface to improve traction in wet or icy conditions.
Synthetic rubber Synthetic rubber A synthetic rubber is any artificial elastomer. These are mainly polymers synthesized from petroleum byproducts. About of rubbers are produced annually, and of that amount two thirds are synthetic. Global revenues generated with synthetic rubbers are likely to rise to approximately US$56 billion in 2020. Synthetic rubber, like natural rubber, has uses in the automotive industry for tires, door and window profiles, hoses, belts, matting, and flooring. The expanded use of bicycles, and particularly their pneumatic tires, starting in the 1890s, created increased demand for rubber. In 1909, a team headed by Fritz Hofmann, working at the Bayer