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The Rubber and Plastics Research and Control Laboratory (LRCCP) announces the first results of the Bioproof evaluation programme, a research and development project aimed at identifying, testing and validating renewable raw materials from the organic sectors and recycling waste or waste from production and end-of-life parts. The aim of this project is to diversify and secure the supply of raw materials in the rubber sector.
Rubber manufacturers, despite current deflationary trends in the raw materials market, are all aware of the scarcity of resources in the long term and the need to multiply sources of supply (bio-materials) and to recycle waste or end-of-life products (recycled products).
Bioproof was born from this observation, onJune 1, 2013, for a period of 5 years, and brings together 10 companies: EFJM, EMAC, Geficca, ITC Elastomères, KSB, Sacred, Wattelez, the LRCCP, project carrier for the consortium, as well as Hutchinson and Michelin who bring their expertise as sponsors. It represents a total budget of 4.6 million euros, supported by Future Investments (BPIFRANCE).
Two major axes are explored
Bio-based products, this route offers a wide range of products that can replace different constituents of rubber formulations. Elastomers can be completely or partially bio-based. Starch, cellulose or lignin, which are an almost inexhaustible source of the plant world, offers new solutions as loads. The use of vegetable oils, as plasticizers, is also promising.
Recycled products, the recycling of tires at the end of life is a societal, environmental and economic issue. Each year, approximately 17 million tonnes of used tires are produced. Once processed, they are an economically and technically interesting secondary raw material for many applications. The same is true for other end-of-life rubber items, as well as waste and waste from production.
First publications, first review
After two years of confidentiality, the consortium will soon make the reports accessible to the entire rubber industry via its website. A partial return is also made to the suppliers of these new products in order to guide them and accompany them in their research and development process for rubber applications.
Halfway through the project, Bioproof has already identified and tested 12 families of bio-sourced and recycled raw materials for a total of 66 raw materials and 35 suppliers. Depending on the applications, the rheometric, mechanical and dynamic properties were studied as well as cold-holding and aging, studies conducted always in comparison to a known petro-sour reference.
Of all these bio-sourced and recycled raw materials, 14 are produced on an industrial or pre-industrial scale and are therefore potentially available in sufficient quantities for industry.
Development agreements have been concluded with developers and suppliers of renewable materials, as well as with recyclers. Bioproof thus works for a greener and more responsible sector while preserving and improving the competitiveness of the rubber sector.
Find out more: www.cfcp-caoutchouc.com
