Support with sustainable carbon black technology evaluation
Companies across the carbon black, tire and general rubber goods seeking to develop products that align with a circular economy, meet sustainability requirements, and reduce CO2 emissions face a range of technical challenges.With decades of rubber and elastomer performance and testing expertise across a range of applications and an extensive heritage in tire testing and consultancy, together with expertise in market consultancy and custom research - Smithers is the perfectly placed independent partner to help companies successfully navigate these challenges.
A structured approach to introducing and positioning a new aCB or rCB material
The first step on the path to manufacturing readiness is evaluating and ‘proving’ the performance of new materials and formulations containing alternative and recovered carbon blacks. Smithers uses a structured approach to provide technical and scientific evaluation and evidence to guide and support companies on their path to market.The Smithers four-step process for sustainable carbon black assessment and positioning:
- Classification of the sustainable carbon black filler
- Step one focuses on laboratory assessment of the morphology of the aCB / rCB against current standards and the developing ASTM D36 committee standards.
- Data is compared against virgin carbon black to understand how and where the new filler can be used within rubber compounds and the potential applications.
- Performance assessment of a rubber compound containing the alternative filler
- Step two assesses the effects of the new filler on the processability, mechanical and dynamic performance within a rubber compound.
- Steps one and two complement each other in determining the positioning of the alternative filler in terms of non-reinforcing or reinforcing properties.
- The aCB / rCB performance is assessed across a range of properties, relevant to the intended application. It is compared against a control compound which utilizes comparable virgin carbon black.
- Optimization of new compounds
- Optimization of the rubber compound containing a proportion of an aCB / rCB may be required to offset any potential changes in the performance, for example hardness, cure rate, stress-strain properties and processability.
- The level of optimization will be dependent on the nature and type of the alternative filler and the targeted application and market.
- Market positioning and technical justification of the new material
- Step four focuses on starting the process of taking the assessed aCB / rCB to market.
- Our experts offer holistic support with technical justification and market approach.
- This draws on the knowledge gained from the prior steps - concluding where and how the aCB / rCB can be effectively introduced into rubber products.
- Smithers support includes generating detailed technical data sheets, training, supporting visits and trials.
- As pricing is key in differentiating an aCB / rCB from virgin carbon black, Smithers will provide market research and cost benefit analysis to support with development of pricing structures.
Contact one of our experts today to find our more or download a brochure.
Sustainable Carbon Black Technology Evaluation
