Classification of Rubber Additives
Conventional / Eco-friendly / Low-carbon Types
Based on environmental protection and sustainable development requirements, rubber additives can be divided into three categories: conventional, eco-friendly, and low-carbon. Their core differences are as follows:
1. Conventional Type
Concept: These are traditional additives, most originating in the 20th century. They focus primarily on performance optimization and cost control, and some contain harmful substances (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, nitrosamines, etc.).
Characteristics: May contain aniline and various amine derivatives, sulfur-containing compounds, etc.
Applications: Mostly used in products with low environmental requirements (e.g., low-end tires, industrial rubber goods). They may pollute the environment or pose health risks, such as releasing toxic and harmful gases during processing.
Advantages: Low cost and excellent performance.
Representative Products: Accelerators such as DPG, Antioxidant D, etc.
2. Eco-friendly Type
Concept: Reduce environmental and health hazards by replacing harmful components and optimizing processes, complying with relevant international regulations (e.g., REACH, RoHS).
Composition: Free of or low in nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Applications: Automotive components, food-contact grade rubber products.
Advantages: Reduced toxicity, though at the potential expense of some properties (e.g., heat resistance).
Representative Products: Accelerators such as TBzTD/TIBTD/ZBEC; Antioxidants such as DTPD; Vulcanizing agents such as DTDC; Peptizer DBD, etc.
3. Low-carbon Type
Concept: On the basis of conventional and eco-friendly types, further reduce carbon footprint through bio-based raw materials, energy-saving processes, or biodegradable designs.
Composition: Bio-based plasticizers (e.g., vegetable oil derivatives), renewable fillers, adhesives, etc.
Applications: Green tires, high-end rubber products.
Advantages: Low carbon throughout the entire life cycle (from raw material to disposal), but with higher costs.
Comparative Overview
Aspect | Conventional Type | Eco-friendly Type | Low-carbon Type |
|
Core Objective | Performance/Cost priority | Reduce harmful substances | Reduce carbon emissions | |
Regulatory Compliance | Basic standards | Compliance with REACH, etc. | Carbon neutrality or carbon footprint certification | |
Typical Substances | Accelerator NOBS, Antioxidant D | Accelerator TBzTD | Bio-based silica, cashew nut shell oil |
Development Trends
The use of conventional additives is gradually declining; eco-friendly additives are increasing and will become the mainstream, while low-carbon additives represent the future direction.
Selection Considerations
A balance must be struck between performance, cost, regulatory requirements, and future needs. For example, eco-friendly and low-carbon types are preferred for high-end customer requirements.