(Aug 06, 2021) South Korean chemicals maker Kumho Petrochemical has developed a sustainable rubber compound from rice mill by-product. According to Kumho Petrochemicals, it is producing silica from rice bran extracts.
The eco-friendly silica is used for improving the fuel efficiency, braking power and wear resistance of synthetic rubber for tyres.
Natural silica contained in the ash of carbonised rice bran is extracted and converted into bio-silica that can be used for petrochemical products.
This method can reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide by up to 70% percent compared to existing methods, the company said. The bio-silica will be supplied to major tyre and shoe makers, locally and overseas.
In view of this development, Kumho Petrochemical is planning to double its synthetic rubber production capacity from the current 63,000 tonnes to 123,000 tons by the end of next year.
Read: Kumho to boost NB latex capacity with planned production line