THE SafeRubber project has received EC funding under the FP7 framework to develop a new, safe, multifunctional accelerator curative molecule, which can replace thiourea-based accelerators in the vulcanisation process.
Thiourea-based accelerators are used in the vulcanisation of polychloroprene rubber, primarily ethylene thiourea (ETU), as it produces the highest performance rubber cure system.
The ETU has been found to be inherently toxic, being classed as a Category 2 carcinogen as per the EU classification, IARC and EPA, and under the REACH directive, it will be classified as a CMR substance (Carcinogenic/Mutagenic/toxic for Reproduction), which will lead to legislation banning or severely limiting its use that will have a massively negative impact on the SME members, who are already under threat.
Additionally, as Asian countries do not have to meet EU Health and Safety regulations, they enjoy a lower cost base and therefore are able to import over EUR80 million of chloroprene rubber in to the EC per annum (total market is EUR240 million), further reducing the competitiveness of the SME members.
As association groups (AGs) representing a range of SME rubber producers, the SME-AGs have initiated the ‘SafeRubber’ project to produce an effective solution to these problems, in order to enhance the competitiveness of the European SME synthetic rubber manufacturers. Project Goal – The consortium believe a solution can be developed that will deliver; An IP protectable method for producing polychloroprene rubber, with reduced costs associated with health and safety – protecting them from the current dominance of large enterprises; A 90% reduction in the quantities of MgO and ZnO required during vulcanisation, achieved through using a multi-functional accelerator – allowing the SME members compete on cost with Far Eastern suppliers; Reduced environmental impact through reduced feedstock (of MgO and ZnO) and effluent hazards associated with the process – further reducing costs –