Research Partnership: Improving Sustainability in Rubber Compounds

Press Release 14.08.24

Adoxima Pty Ltd and GB Sekhar Group Partner to Improve Sustainable Rubber Compounds

In an era where sustainable solutions are no longer optional but essential, Adoxima Pty Ltd and GB Sekhar Group have announced a research partnership aiming to transform the rubber industry. This collaboration merges Adoxima’s expertise in advanced metal oxide nanomaterials with GB Sekhar’s innovative rubber processing techniques, aiming to create a revolutionary rubber composite.

What’s Happening?

Adoxima and GB Sekhar are combining their strengths to develop a cutting-edge rubber composite that enhances both performance and environmental sustainability. Adoxima’s advanced DNC Technology is designed to manufacture advanced nanomaterials at scale, while GB Sekhar’s expertise in disruptive rubber processing ensures the design and development of a product that meets the highest standards of performance and eco-friendliness.

Why It Matters Now

The rubber industry faces critical challenges, including the need for materials that offer superior performance while supporting sustainability goals.  Ferrão et al. (2008) reported that the use stage of tyres accounts for 87% of the total impacts, while the production stage is responsible for 12%.

This partnership is not just addressing these challenges but redefining the approach to rubber technology. The objectives of the advanced nanomaterials from Adoxima are to enhance the rubber’s durability and efficiency. This innovation is especially crucial for electric vehicles (EVs), which require tyres that handle greater weight, higher torque, and more stress. The enhanced durability, lower rolling resistance, and improved heat dissipation of the new composite could significantly improve tyre performance and energy efficiency for EVs, potentially extending their range and reducing replacement frequency.

Material Validation

This collaboration aims to reshape the industry with a composite that delivers exceptional performance and aligns with global sustainability objectives. The new material will undergo thorough testing by the Malaysian Rubber Board, ensuring it meets and exceeds industry standards. The impact? Improved critical attributes and performance across various applications and a significant step towards reducing environmental footprints.

Why Malaysia?

"If we can reduce the wear and tear of the rubber compound without exponentially increasing manufacturing costs then we have a major achievement on our hands. Malaysia is the world's largest rubber products producer holding over 60% of the world's market share. Focusing on where we can have the greatest impact as fast as possible is essential as we push to support the industry with the 2050 sustainability objectives."

- Kristoffer Collopy (Director & Co-founder of Adoxima).

Register below to stay up to date with current projects and announcements at Adoxima.

Register