Ekodyne™ Functional Compound – Characterization and Dynamic Properties

Renewable materials, such as micronized rubber powder (MRP) and devulcanized reclaim, have been used for years as standard ingredients in tire tread compounds by most major tire manufacturers.  These materials offer both sustainability and cost benefits.  Usage is typically 3-5% of the compound.  Attempts to increase loadings beyond this level can be hindered, however, by reduction in either properties or processability of the compound.  Lehigh has developed new materials that overcome these limitations.  EkoDyne™ functional compound is a new class of materials that offer significant improvements, such as chemical devulcanization and functionalization, preservation of the underlying polymer structure, excellent physical and dynamic properties, low compound viscosity, and good tack and cure characteristics.  This presentation will provide details on EkoDyne™ functional compound, including materials and process characterization as well as physical and dynamic properties.