| abstract |
A short fiber-reinforced rubber composition comprises a masternbatch (A) comprised of (a) a first diene-based elastomer, (b) a polyolefinnhaving a melting point of 100-150°C, and (c) short fibers of a thermoplasticnpolymer having amide group in its main chain, and a second diene-basednelastomer (B) kneaded with the master batch (A), in which an amount ofnthe component (c) is 5-30 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight inntotal of the first diene-based elastomer and the second diene-basednelastomer. Further, a rubber sheet (8) having a thickness of 0.5-2.0 mmnand made of the short fiber-reinforced rubber composition is inserted in angiven zone of a tire sidewall portion (6), whereby the stiffness of thensidewall portion is enhanced to simultaneously establish the steeringnstability and the ride comfort and reduce the rolling resistance. |