Yiwen Luo

Yiwen Luo completed a PhD in materials engineering at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium in 2001, after which Luo was involved in new material development of air compressors for Atlas Copco Airpower NV (Belgium). Since 2005, Luo has held various positions in product and application development in the tire reinforcement business unit and has been head of BARDEC since 2021.

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Presentation

Future-ready strength for next-gen tires

In an increasingly competitive tire industry, R&D faces the ever-greater challenge to develop more fuel-efficient and sustainable tires that support the future of mobility. This demands purpose-driven innovation that anticipates future needs, with tire reinforcement being a key component. Bekaert’s Mega Tensile (MT) technology is the result of innovation for both performance and sustainability, driven by the company's purpose to establish the new possible. The higher-strength technology significantly reduces tire rolling resistance through thinner steel cords, and as a result, less steel and rubber are required in tire manufacturing. This responds to environmental goals of dematerialization, improved fuel efficiency and carbon footprint, as well as better EV range. Bekaert offers a perspective on next-gen tire reinforcement to develop the (next) best tire yet.