Can synthetic rubber be used for car tires?

Under the leadership of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, four Fraunhofer Institutes are now developing alternative, bio-based raw material sources for synthetic rubber, which will enable completely new types of rubber for car tires.

Why is synthetic rubber a cost-effective raw material?

Over the decades, the oils and gas industry has optimized the extraction and processing of crude oil and natural gas, resulting in the availability of cost-effective raw materials for synthetic rubbers.

Can natural rubber alternatives be commercialized?

Fortunately, with the help of large rubber manufacturing companies, the commercialization of natural rubber alternatives such as those from Guayule and Russian dandelion has been realized.

How to produce sustainable rubber?

Another approach to producing sustainable rubber was achieved with the use of raw materials from natural sources in rubber product development. This includes materials in the form of monomers, as well as compounding materials such as fillers or additives.

Are synthetic rubber products sustainable?

Moreover, rubber and plastic products disposal have been a major issue for many decades, causing environmental pollution and the expansion of landfills. Sustainable synthetic rubber products could be realized through the incorporation of materials from biological sources. They are renewable, low cost, and most importantly, biodegradable in nature.

Why is synthetic rubber important?

Synthetic rubber is indispensable today, especially for car tires and technical rubber goods. Until now, the raw materials for its production have largely been obtained from fossil sources.