Avoiding Potentially Hazardous Emissions in Rubber Compounding and Processing

Avoiding Potentially Hazardous Emissions in Rubber Compounding and Processing

Steven Monthey*, Scott Zemanek, Dr. Martin Saewe,

Greater environmental and performance demands are being placed on newly developed rubber compounds for almost all industries.  In automotive applications the engine compartments have shrunk causing internal temperatures to increase beyond the resistance of conventional diene polymers.  In tires, the push for low rolling resistance has created a different set of processing problems.  These trends require the rubber compounds to perform at a higher level.  The challenge is that these compounds may contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment or the people working with them.  Many standard chemicals used in these rubber compounds at one time met the requirements for release fumes and other VOC’s during mixing, processing and in their final application.  Today that might not be the case. 

In this paper we outline where “fumes” originate and will look at a few specific problem areas that can be addressed to minimize, if not eliminate, some health, safety and environmental concerns.  You will learn about how to eliminate carcinogens such as N-nitrosamines and o-toluidine for specific applications.  You will also be introduced to a new low VOC silane and zinc free process aid for silica filled compounds that help meet the requirements of the new environment challenges.