Apollo Tyres Ltd

Internship overview – Silane–Silica Optimisation at Apollo Tyres

Apollo Tyres Ltd, a leading international tyre manufacturer with plants in India and Europe, is offering an internship on “Optimizing Silane for Silica Types” at its Global R&D Centre in Enschede, Netherlands. This role is part of the PV Compound Development and Industrialization team and focuses on improving filler–rubber interaction in silica‑filled compounds used for all‑season and winter tyre treads.

Important dates

Job posted: 12 February 2026
Application deadline: 31 October 2026

About the team – PV Compound Development and Industrialization

Around 160 employees work at Apollo’s Global R&D in Enschede to develop new car tyres for the Apollo and Vredestein brands. Within this centre, the All‑season/Winter tread compound development group designs, develops, and industrialises advanced rubber compounds aimed at delivering reliable traction, braking, and durability on dry, wet, snowy, and icy roads. The group balances grip, rolling resistance, and wear life, making it a strong learning environment for students interested in advanced materials and tyre technology.

Background and objective of the assignment

Silica is widely used as a reinforcing filler in modern tyre compounds, but its hydrophilic surface tends to interact poorly with non‑polar rubber polymers and to form strong filler–filler networks. To overcome this, tyre technologists use silane coupling agents that chemically bridge silica and rubber, improving dispersion, reducing compound viscosity, and enhancing dynamic performance.

The silane amount required depends heavily on:

Silica properties, especially surface area and silanol (Si–OH) density.
The chemistry and functionality of the silane used.

High surface‑area silicas generally require higher silane loadings, while lower surface‑area grades need less; incorrect dosage can cause poor filler–rubber coupling, processing issues, and sub‑optimal mechanical properties.

Primary objective:
Evaluate and determine the optimal silane loading to maximise filler–rubber interaction in rubber compounds filled with different silica types.

Specific goals:

Examine how different silica grades influence processing behaviour and compound performance when silane level is varied.
Compare different silane types in terms of coupling efficiency and dosage requirements.
Determine the silane dosage window that delivers good processing, improved filler dispersion, and balanced mechanical properties.
Develop a practical “toolbox” or guideline for selecting silane type and level based on silica characteristics.

Key tasks and responsibilities

During this internship, you will:

Conduct a literature review on silica fillers, silane coupling agents, and their role in rubber compounding and tyre performance.
Prepare rubber compounds using multiple silica types with systematically varied silane dosages under lab guidance.
Characterise and analyse compounds for processing behaviour and relevant properties (e.g., viscosity, reinforcement indicators, dynamic properties), and summarise trends.
Consolidate findings into clear reports and presentations, helping the team define selection rules for silica–silane combinations.

Candidate profile

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Technology, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
Good command of English; Dutch is an advantage.
Basic computing skills with Microsoft Office; experience with MATLAB or Minitab is beneficial for data analysis and modelling.
Good communication skills and ability to adapt quickly to an international R&D work environment.
Knowledge of rubber compounds and a basic understanding of tyres is an advantage, but strong motivation to learn can compensate for limited prior exposure.

What Apollo Tyres offers

Exposure to industrial tyre development processes and advanced filler–rubber technology.
Hands‑on experience in laboratory compounding, testing, and data analysis.
A dynamic and innovative internship environment with your own workspace at the Enschede R&D facility.
Internship allowance ranging from EUR 600 to 850 per month for a full‑time position.

Additional details:

Start date: 01 June 2026.
Internship nature: Full‑time.
Location: Colosseum 2, 7521 PT Enschede, Netherlands.
For further details, the posting lists the contact email: hr.rd.eu@apollotyres.com.

How to apply – official Apollo Tyres application link

To view the official posting and apply, use the Apollo Tyres careers portal for this internship (Job ID req2023):

Application link:
https://apollotyres.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/2023?c=apollotyres

Applications must be submitted only through the official Apollo Tyres careers site or other channels mentioned there. GrowInJob.com does not collect CVs, conduct interviews, or charge any fees.

If you are exploring similar internship opportunities at Apollo’s Enschede R&D, you may also be interested in:

GrowInJob.com advice for candidates

Connect formulation to performance: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise projects where you related composition or processing changes to measurable performance differences in polymers or composites.
Highlight analytical and lab skills: Mention specific lab techniques (mixing, rheology, mechanical testing, thermal analysis) and any experience running structured experiments or DoE studies.
Show interest in sustainable tyre technology: Silica–silane systems are key to low‑rolling‑resistance “green tyres”; linking your interests to fuel efficiency and emissions reduction can strengthen your application.
Clarify availability and goals: Clearly state your internship period, credit/Thesis requirements, and what you hope to learn about filler–rubber interaction and tyre materials.

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To apply for this job please visit apollotyres.csod.com.