Degussa in jv to improve rubber
15 Jan 2000
Silica and organosilane producer Degussa AG is taking part in a research joint venture for the production of rubber filler systems. The aim is to test new manufacturing methods for the production of premixes and evaluate their potential in a pilot plant.
The plant will be operated with Pulverkautschuk Union and located at PKU's site in Marl, Germany. The pilot plant provides Degussa with an opportunity to investigate polymers and to develop polymer filler systems.
'Our target is rubber products based on carbon blacks, silicas and adhesion promoters with the aim of simplifying mixing,' says Degussa's Martin Hess.
Adding filler materials to rubber is a complex and costly discontinuous process.. The use of powdered rubber should make a considerable improvement to the mixing process. The partners hope to simplify the processing procedure, culminating in a continuous mixing approach, that will reduce costs and boost quality.
