Next-Gen Tire Chemistry Innovation

On November 17th, Perpetuus Advanced Materials, a UK-based company, announced the launch of an amine-functionalized graphene material as a potential alternative to the 6PPD (6-p-phenylenediamine) antioxidant in tires.

Perpetuus claims that by using plasma-functionalized graphene nanosheets (GNPs), the masterbatch can completely replace 6PPD in rubber formulations, thus preventing the formation of harmful 6PPDQ byproducts.

The UK company states that the masterbatch covers over 90% of the dry-mix components used in tire production, replacing several process oils and additives, while improving workplace air quality while maintaining ease of mixing.

John Buckland, CEO of Perpetuus, stated that the “plug-in” solution offers “the same anti-degradation properties as 6PPD, but without the toxic quinone byproduct.”

He noted, “This isn’t theoretical; it’s now effective in both formulation and scale. The only remaining question is whether regulators and manufacturers are ready to act. Their graphene-reinforced elastomer masterbatch can be shipped in ‘industrial batches’ as pre-mixed sheets or blocks directly integrated.” Leaching 6PPD from tire wear particles has been found to be harmful to certain species of salmon and trout in the United States through the conversion byproduct 6PPDquinone (6PPDQ).

While 6PPD is most relevant to tires, it is also present in other rubber products, including hoses, belts, seals, and vibration damping brackets.

Perpetuus further claims that the new masterbatch can be used in various rubber and tire products without affecting performance or durability, and can be seamlessly adopted throughout the commercial supply chain.

Learn More:

• Recovered Carbon Black (rCB Technology & Applications)
  → https://kleanindustries.com/products/recovered-carbon-black/
• Tire Pyrolysis Systems & ELT Conversion
  → https://kleanindustries.com/products/tire-pyrolysis/
• Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) & Circular Feedstocks
  → https://kleanindustries.com/insights/
• Klean Circular Economy Projects
  → https://kleanindustries.com/projects/
• Waste-to-Value Technology Solutions
  → https://kleanindustries.com/solutions/

Build the Next Generation of Sustainable Tire Materials with Klean Industries

The emergence of graphene-based alternatives to 6PPD signals a major inflection point in the tire industry: material innovation is now being driven by environmental risk and regulatory pressure.

While traditional additives like 6PPD have been essential for tire durability, they are increasingly under scrutiny due to their environmental impact—particularly the formation of toxic byproducts.

Klean Industries enables companies to align with this next generation of materials:

• Production of high-quality recovered carbon black (rCB) for sustainable tire compounds
• Integration of circular feedstocks into advanced material systems
• Proven tire pyrolysis platforms supplying consistent, scalable inputs
• Expertise in developing closed-loop tire manufacturing ecosystems
• Strategic support for transitioning to low-toxicity, high-performance materials

As tire manufacturers move toward safer and more sustainable chemistries, the opportunity lies in controlling both material inputs and processing technologies.

Contact Klean Industries to develop your circular tire material strategy » GO.