ENGINEERINGNET.EU -- The product, BioIsoprene, can be used for the production of synthetic rubber - which in turn is an alternative for natural rubber - and other elastomers. The development will help reduce the tire and rubber industry’s dependence on oil-derived products.
Currently, the two companies have demonstrated proof of the technology through the production of a prototype tire made with the new monomer.
“Finding a replacement for oil-derived materials is the right thing to do from a business standpoint, but it’s also the right thing to do for the environment,” said Jean-Claude Kihn, chief technical officer for Goodyear.
The two companies first signed on to the collaboration in 2008. In May of 2011, DuPont acquired Danisco and its Genencor division which has spearheaded the research and development activities around the new product.
The two companies have invested jointly for more than four years. To date, technical progress has exceeded expectations, state both companies in a press release. Additional investments to establish pilot plant operations and manufacturing infrastructure are expected.
(picture: Goodyear)
