Specialty chemicals company LANXESS will highlight its innovative additives and solutions dedicated to sustainable tyre production at the Tire Technology Expo 2024 in Hanover, Germany. The expo, running from 19th to 21st March, will see LANXESS exhibit at booth 3022, presenting products aimed at significantly reducing the environmental impact of tyre production processes.
Under the slogan "Less is more," LANXESS is advocating the efficient use of resources by integrating its specially designed products into tyre manufacturing processes. “The concept emphasizes that the more LANXESS products are introduced into manufacturing processes, the less resources and cleaning are required,” explained Dr Dietmar Hoff, Global Head of Auxiliaries at LANXESS' Rhein Chemie business unit.
A central focus of LANXESS’s presentation is the industry's shift toward sustainability, highlighted by the introduction of a sustainable variant of its TMQ antidegradant. By the end of 2024, more than half of the contents of LANXESS's TMQ will derive from sustainable raw materials, certified under ISCC Plus (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification). The certification ensures traceability and reliability of sustainable sourcing.
The sustainable variant maintains all technical properties of traditional TMQ. Therefore, tyre manufacturers adopting this eco-friendly option will not require additional product approvals. Antidegradants like TMQ play a crucial role in tyre longevity by preventing degradation due to external factors such as oxygen exposure and heat. Without effective protection, tyres can experience embrittlement, cracking, and reduced durability.
LANXESS will also showcase Rhenodiv BO-3300 Pearls, a modern release agent designed to enable clean and efficient batch-off processes in rubber manufacturing. This silicone-free solution significantly reduces the need for cleaning production equipment, leading to improved sustainability and operational efficiency.
Release agents facilitate the crucial moulding stage of tyre manufacturing, traditionally leaving silicone residues that must later be removed for subsequent production steps. Rhenodiv's silicone-free, water-based formulations mitigate this issue, streamlining processes and promoting a cleaner manufacturing environment.
Further enriching LANXESS’s product line is Rhenocure DR/S, a new secondary accelerator and dispersion aid tailored for rubber compounds. Containing 50% polyethyleneimine absorbed onto silica, this additive significantly improves compound performance. Its aromatic-free formulation prevents harmful byproducts during vulcanisation, ensuring safer manufacturing.
Dr Andreas Lang, Head of Marketing Bound Systems at Rhein Chemie, highlighted Rhenocure DR/S’s practical advantages: “With Rhenocure DR/S, we are setting a new standard of excellence in rubber compound additives, empowering engineers with a reliable, innovative solution for optimized tyre manufacturing.” Benefits include rapid dispersion, simplified handling, reduced blooming, and notably improved silica dispersion within tyre treads, enhancing overall tyre performance.
LANXESS’s Rhein Chemie business unit remains a leading provider of additives and solutions for tyre manufacturers globally. Its comprehensive product range includes vulcanising agents, processing accelerators, zinc oxide, anti-reversion agents, and mastication agents, all engineered to meet stringent industry standards. The extensive release agent portfolio further complements LANXESS’s commitment to supporting sustainable and efficient tyre manufacturing practices.
Industry professionals attending Tire Technology Expo 2024 can discover these innovations and more at LANXESS's booth 3022.
Further information about LANXESS's products and solutions can be found on their official website at rch.lanxess.com.
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