Sustainable Rubber Solutions: A Study on Bio-Based Oil and Resin Blends

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Engineering

Background:

• The tire industry faces pressure to achieve carbon neutrality and use 100% sustainable materials by 2050.
• Petroleum-based plasticizers like Treated Distillate Aromatic Extract (TDAE) are common but unsustainable.
• Replacing TDAE with bio-based alternatives can negatively impact the glass transition temperature (T_g) and tire properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of a plasticizer blend as a sustainable alternative to TDAE.
• To determine if a blend of bio-based oil and resin can achieve similar T_g values as TDAE in rubber compounds.
• To evaluate the impact of such blends on tire performance characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A blend of cycloaliphatic di-ester oil (Hexamoll DINCH) and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon resin (Escorez 5300) was formulated at various ratios.
• The glass transition temperature (T_g) of the resulting vulcanizates was measured.
• Curing characteristics, Payne effect, rolling resistance, wear resistance, stress-strain behavior, and wet grip were evaluated.

Main Results:

• A 50/50 blend of Hexamoll DINCH and Escorez 5300 matched the T_g (-19 °C) of a TDAE-containing reference compound.
• The blend exhibited similar curing characteristics and cured Payne effect compared to TDAE.
• The blend showed comparable rolling resistance, slightly reduced wear resistance, improved stress-strain behavior, and enhanced wet grip.

Conclusions:

• Plasticizer blends offer a viable strategy for achieving sustainable tire compounds without compromising critical performance properties.
• The combination of Hexamoll DINCH and Escorez 5300 presents a promising bio-based alternative to TDAE.
• This research supports the tire industry's transition towards sustainability through innovative material solutions.