Sustainable Tire Chemistry

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.