Last Updated on: 20th December 2024, 04:36 am
Perpetuus Advanced Materials has introduced its first nano-engineered graphene-enhanced masterbatch compounds, tailored specifically for commercial, passenger, and industrial tyre manufacturing. The initial release will soon expand to include polymer and elastomer masterbatches for use in industries such as hoses, seals, gaskets, V-belts, and conveyor belts.
By utilising its environmentally friendly plasma treatment process, Perpetuus incorporates its advanced graphenes into the masterbatch. This innovation is now available in industrial quantities, enabling tyre manufacturers to seamlessly integrate this breakthrough material into their existing production workflows.
The Perpetuus plasma process is uniquely environmentally safe, avoiding traditional wet acid, solvent, or surfactant treatments. This eliminates the need for energy-intensive drying stages and the disposal of post-production toxic waste. The dry plasma process significantly reduces energy consumption and aligns with Perpetuus’s dedication to sustainable, large-scale production.
The graphene masterbatch combines Perpetuus’s surface-engineered, plasma-treated graphenes with natural rubber, carbon black, and other standard industry fillers, forming an advanced base material for tyres and other rubber products.
Integrating this masterbatch into tyre tread formulations offers remarkable performance improvements. Road tests have shown up to a 40% reduction in tyre tread wear, enhanced braking, and improved handling, particularly in wet conditions. The superior dispersion and bonding of ingredients also minimise PM2.5 tyre wear particles, a major contributor to air pollution, resulting in cleaner air quality.
John Buckland, CEO of Perpetuus Advanced Materials, said: “In the 20 years since graphene was discovered, almost every use for the material has been developed in laboratories around the world, however the lack of affordable high quality graphenes has prevented known commercial applications coming to market. Our plasma treated surface engineered graphenes solve this problem which are now available in commercial quantities to all sectors of industry.”
This innovation supports key regulatory initiatives, including the UK’s Clean Air Act 2022 and the EU Clean Air Policy, which aim to ensure citizens’ right to clean air. Additionally, reducing tyre-derived particles and chemicals in road runoff offers potential benefits for aquatic ecosystems and urban water quality.
Perpetuus’s masterbatch comprises over 90% of the essential ‘dry mix’ components required for tyre production and is delivered in convenient pre-mixed 25 kg blocks. This eliminates the need for plasticisers, process oils, compatibilisers, and resins—many of which are toxic and have been banned in several EU countries. Furthermore, this innovation improves factory air quality by reducing airborne ‘fly material’, enhancing safety and occupational health.
Looking ahead, Perpetuus Advanced Materials plans to launch its GRAPHENE C6 range of motorcycle and PCT tyres in 2026. Additional graphene masterbatch formulations, including Styrene Butadiene Rubber, will also be introduced for passenger car tyres. The flexibility of the masterbatch production process positions it as a sustainable solution for various rubber applications across multiple industries.
For more information on Perpetuus Advanced Materials and its Sustainable Graphene Natural Rubber Masterbatch, visit PerpetuusAM.com.
