The Laboratoire de recherches et de contrôle du caoutchouc et des plastiques (LRCCP) has announced the initial results of the Bioproof evaluation program, an R&D project designed to identify, test and validate renewable raw materials derived from biological processes and the recycling of production waste or scrap and end-of-life parts. The aim of the project is to diversify and secure the supply of raw materials to the rubber industry.
Despite current deflationary trends in the raw materials market, rubber manufacturers are all aware that resources will become increasingly scarce in the long term, and that they need to multiply sources of supply (bio-materials) and recycle waste or end-of-life products (recycled products).
Bioproof was born out of this realization, on 1er The 5-year project, launched in June 2013, brings together 10 companies: EFJM, EMAC, Geficca, ITC Élastomères, KSB, Sacred, Wattelez, LRCCP, the consortium's project leader, and Hutchinson and Michelin, who are contributing their expertise as sponsors. It represents a total budget of €4.6 million, supported by Investissements d'Avenir (BPIFRANCE).
Two major avenues are being explored
Biosourced products: this route offers a wide choice of products that can replace various components in rubber formulations. Elastomers can be totally or partially biobased. Starch, cellulose and lignin, which are virtually inexhaustible sources in the plant world, offer new solutions as fillers. The use of vegetable oils as plasticizers is also promising.
Recycled products, end-of-life tire recycling is a social, environmental and economic challenge. Every year, some 17 million tonnes of used tires are produced. Once processed, they constitute an economically and technically interesting secondary raw material for numerous applications. The same applies to other end-of-life rubber articles, as well as production waste and scrap.
First publications, first results
After two years of confidentiality, the consortium will shortly be making the reports available to the entire rubber industry via its website. Partial feedback is also given to suppliers of these new products, to guide and support them in their R&D efforts for rubber applications.
Halfway through the project, Bioproof has already identified and tested 12 families of biosourced and recycled raw materials, for a total of 66 raw materials and 35 suppliers. Depending on the application, rheometric, mechanical and dynamic properties have been studied, as well as cold resistance and ageing, always in comparison with a known petro-sourced reference.
Of all these biobased 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 signed with developers and suppliers of renewable materials, as well as with recyclers. In this way, Bioproof is working towards a more ecological and responsible industry, while preserving and improving the competitiveness of the rubber sector.
Learn more: www.cfcp-caoutchouc.com
