Traditional tire manufacturing relies heavily on petroleum-derived carbon black and synthetic silica fillers, consuming over 8.5 million metric tons annually. Recent environmental regulations and supply chain pressures have intensified the need for renewable alternatives that can match or exceed the reinforcement properties of conventional fillers—particularly surface area (>190 m²/g), dispersibility, and rubber-filler interactions.

The fundamental challenge lies in achieving comparable mechanical performance and processing characteristics while transitioning from well-understood petroleum-based fillers to bio-derived alternatives with inherently variable properties.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including silica derived from rice husk ash, surface-treated microcrystalline lignocellulose, biomass-derived carbon black replacements, and functionalized agricultural waste products. These and other approaches focus on maintaining critical tire performance metrics while reducing environmental impact and dependence on petroleum-based materials.

1. Hydrothermal Cracking and Fractionation Process for Tire Material Recovery and Reuse

THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO, 2025

Recycling end-of-life tires into new tires with high efficiency by converting the waste tires into valuable feedstocks for tire production. The tires are hydrothermally cracked to separate oil, water, and solids. The oil is fractionated to extract wax and process oil. The wax is refined and the process oil is steam cracked to make tire components like elastomers, resins, and additives. The solids contain fillers like carbon black and silica. The recovered fillers, wax, and process oil are then used to make new tires, with at least 50% of the tire weight coming from recycled tire materials.

US2025163236A1-patent-drawing

2. Bio-Based Polyurethane Materials: Technical, Environmental, and Economic Insights

piumi jayalath, kalyani ananthakrishnan, soyeon jeong - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

Polyurethane (PU) is widely used due to its attractive properties, but the shift a low-carbon economy necessitates alternative, renewable feedstocks for production. This review examines synthesis, and sustainability of bio-based PU materials, focusing on resources such as lignin, vegetable oils, polysaccharides. It discusses recent advances in polyols, their incorporation into formulations, use bio-fillers like chitin nanocellulose improve mechanical, thermal, biocompatibility properties. Despite promising material performance, challenges related large-scale production, economic feasibility, recycling technologies are highlighted. The paper also reviews life cycle assessment (LCA) studies, revealing complex context-dependent environmental benefits materials. These studies indicate that while materials generally reduce greenhouse gas emissions non-renewable energy use, performance varies depending feedstock formulation. identifies key areas future research, including improving biorefinery processes, optimizing crosslinker advancing methods unlock full potential commercial applications... Read More

3. The Effect of Nano-Biochar Derived from Olive Waste on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites

muhammed ihsan ozgun, vildan erci, emrah madenci - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

The increasing demand for the development of environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-derived materials has increased research efforts on sustainable polymer composites. This study systematically examined effect nano-biochar derived from agricultural wastes such as olive pulp mechanical and thermal properties epoxy-resin-based First, biochar was produced by pyrolysis at 450 C turned using ball milling. Composite samples containing different rates between 0 10% were prepared. composite characterized techniques SEM-EDS, BET, FTIR, XRD, Raman, TGA, DMA analyses. Also, tensile strength, elastic modulus, Shore D hardness, stability, static toughness evaluated. best performance observed in sample 6% nano-biochar; ultimate strength 17.37 MPa 23.46 compared pure epoxy, modulus hardness increased. However, a decrease brittleness higher additive rates. FTIR analyses indicated that interacted strongly with epoxy matrix its stability. results showed olive-pulp-derived could be used improve structural composites an inexpensive filler. As result, this contributes production new polymer... Read More

4. Rubber-Based Sustainable Textiles and Potential Industrial Applications

bapan adak, upashana chatterjee, mangala joshi - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

This review explores the evolving landscape of sustainable textile manufacturing, with a focus on rubber-based materials for various industrial applications. The and rubber industries are shifting towards eco-friendly practices, driven by environmental concerns need to reduce carbon footprints. integration textiles in products, such as tires, conveyor belts, defense is becoming increasingly prominent. discusses adoption natural fibers like flax, jute, hemp, which offer biodegradability improved mechanical properties. Additionally, it highlights elastomer sources, including from Hevea brasiliensis alternative plants Guayule Russian dandelion, well bio-based synthetic rubbers derived terpenes biomass. also covers additives, silica fillers, nanoclay, plasticizers, enhance performance while reducing impact. Textilerubber composites cost-effective traditional fiber-reinforced polymers when high flexibility impact resistance needed. Rubber matrices fatigue life under cyclic loading, jute can manufacturing process involves preparation, composite assembly, consolidation/curing, post-proce... Read More

5. Biobased Composites: A Sustainable Pathway for Modern Applications

behrooz maleki, pouya ghamari kargar, samaneh sedigh ashrafi - IntechOpen, 2025

Biobased composites, which combine natural fibers with biopolymers, represent a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based materials. These composites leverage renewable resources, reducing environmental impact and enhancing biodegradability. The integration of agricultural waste, such as hemp, flax, jute, biopolymers polylactic acid (PLA) polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) fosters advancements in material performance, including improved strength, stiffness, thermal properties. Applications span various industries, automotive, construction, consumer goods, where they contribute lightweight structures energy-efficient designs. Furthermore, the use biobased supports circular economy principles by minimizing waste promoting resource efficiency. Research continues focus on optimizing processing techniques properties through modifications fiber treatment matrix formulation. As demand for eco-friendly materials grows, offer promising pathway toward development, aligning global efforts reduce carbon footprints promote stewardship. However, current scientific knowledge regarding long-te... Read More

6. Biomass-derived Fillers

ganggang zhang, jianhan wu, baochun guo - Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025

Towards a global sustainable future and circular economy, the utilization of renewable high-performing biomass-derived fillers for rubber industry is highly desirable but challenging. Carbon black (CB), produced by incomplete combustion or thermal decomposition petroleum hydrocarbons, most dominant reinforcing filler, followed mineral fillers. However, manufacture CB has considerable carbon footprint due to its fossil-based resources; have higher density are generally incompatible with rubbers. It important find abundant, sustainable, cost-effective as substitutes petroleum- coal-derived Biomass-derived fillers, such cellulose nanocrystals, lignin, polysaccharides, biochar, rice husk silica, been extensively explored substitute This chapter provides comprehensive review their applications in industry. The structure, morphology, properties introduced. surface modification processing methods high-performance composites critically reviewed.

7. Green Functional Ingredients

siwu wu, baochun guo - Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025

One of the approaches to develop sustainable rubber products is replace petroleum-based materials with renewable and materials. Many global tire manufacturers have committed using entirely for production by 2050. This requires development suitable bio-based raw materials, from elastomers ingredients. Rubber generally consist complicated material formulations, including more than ten kinds ingredients such as activators, processing oils, antioxidants, fillers, tune processing, curing, physicochemical properties rubbers. chapter aims provide an overview three types potentially discuss their impacts on overall performance systems.

8. Green Tyres

kunal manna, indranil dey, ketaki samanta - Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025

This chapter offers an elaborative background regarding the significance of green tyres over traditional considering their respective environmental impacts. The focus is on sustainable ingredients like alternatives natural rubber, bio-based elastomers/synthetic rubbers, processing oils, reversible crosslinking strategy, sustainable/bio-resourced fillers and tyre cords for compounding rubbers. also discusses economic assessment production cost a better understanding viability process. Several case studies have been exercised systematically documented in each section this exploring thorough literature survey area.

9. Circular and Green Sustainable Polymer Science

a pizzi - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

The intense search for polymeric materials derived not from oil but renewable resources, based on novel approaches and aiming to achieve superior performances lower costs, is evident across the entire field of polymer chemistry today [...]

10. Bio-Based Lignin-Rubber Masterbatch with Esterified Lignin for Enhanced Dispersibility

NANJING TECH UNIVERSITY, 2025

Fully bio-based, highly filled lignin-rubber masterbatch for replacing carbon black in rubber. The masterbatch is prepared by mixing modified lignin with rubber. The lignin is modified by esterification with acetic acid and oleic acid to improve compatibility with non-polar rubbers. The modified lignin has reduced hydroxyl group content compared to unmodified lignin. The esterification reaction provides hydrophobic groups to decrease lignin polarity. This improves lignin dispersibility in the rubber matrix.

US12269952B2-patent-drawing

11. Microwave-Assisted Surface Devulcanization Process for Rubber Compound Recycling

1307843 BC LTD, 2025

Recycling waste tires into useful rubber compounds using microwave-assisted surface devulcanization. The process involves separating metal and fibers from waste tires, micronizing the vulcanized crumb rubber, applying a dose of microwave energy to sever sulfidic crosslinks, mixing the devulcanized rubber with plastic and oil, and extruding it to produce recycled rubber compounds like crumb rubber or end-of-life tire compounds. The microwave devulcanization step enables efficient recycling of waste tires without harsh solvents or chemical compatibilizers.

12. Polysaccharide-Elastomer Masterbatch with Reduced Water Content via Coagulated Dispersion Mixing

NUTRITION & BIOSCIENCES USA 4 INC, 2025

Polysaccharide-elastomer masterbatch for making reinforced rubber compositions with reduced water content. The masterbatch is made by mixing a polysaccharide dispersion with an elastomer latex and then coagulating and drying the mixture. This avoids adding water during masterbatch production, allowing lower water content in the final rubber compound. The polysaccharide provides reinforcement and reduces rolling resistance compared to carbon black. The masterbatch can be used in applications like tires, belts, footwear, coatings, etc.

US2025109259A1-patent-drawing

13. Review of Bio‐fillers Dedicated to Polymer Compositions

malgorzata latosbrozio, kamila rulka, anna masek - Wiley, 2025

Biofillers are functional substances that increasingly added to polymer compositions due their unique properties and sustainable nature. There is a lack of review publication comprehensively describes biofillers from different natural origins in various types polymer, although there many publications focusing on narrow range biofiller applications. The aim this the correlation between effect properties, including mechanical thermal degradation processes etc. scope work covers analysis cellulose (nanocellulose, bacterial cellulose, plant waste raw materials), starch, proteinbased (of animal origin) mineral fillers, as well methods modification improve compatibility with polymers. systematises current knowledge used polymers, indicates challenges faced by use biofillers.

14. Rubber Composition with Cellulose Fillers and Thiosulfuric Acid-Amino Cross-Linking Agent

NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD., 2025

Rubber composition containing a rubber component and cellulose-based fillers that exhibits favorable strength. The composition includes a rubber component, cellulose fillers, and a cross-linkable compound with thiosulfuric acid and an amino group. Kneading the components improves strength. The thiosulfuric acid group facilitates crosslinking during vulcanization, and the amino group enhances filler interaction. This provides improved rubber properties compared to using cellulose fillers alone.

US20250092235A1-patent-drawing

15. Tire Tread Rubber Composition with Bio-Based Lignin-Derivative Modified Silica

ZHONGCE RUBBER GROUP CO LTD, 2024

A tire tread rubber composition containing bio-based compound modified silica that improves dispersion and compatibility of silica in rubber compounds compared to traditional modification methods. The modification uses a bio-based lignin derivative with reactive functional groups that can react with silica. This reduces the silica's hydroxyl content to improve dispersion in rubber. The modification is done using a catalyst and acetylating agent in a simple one-step process. The modified silica can be used in tire treads without issues like gumming or scorching.

CN117757160A-patent-drawing

16. Tire Incorporating Recycled and Bio-Based Materials in Tread and Reinforced Rubber Plies

GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER, THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO, 2024

A more sustainable tire design with reduced environmental impact by using recycled and bio-based materials in the tire components. The tire comprises a tread with a rubber composition containing recycled and bio-based styrene butadiene rubber, natural rubber, polyisoprene, silica, and bio-based or recycled hydrocarbon resin. The reinforced rubber plies have coatings with recycled or bio-based elastomers, fillers, and plasticizers. The bead can be made with recycled steel. The tread uses recycled and bio-based materials like rice husk ash silica, recycled carbon black, terpene resin, and bio-based antidegradants to further reduce environmental impact.

EP4339236A1-patent-drawing

17. Rubber Composition with Biomass Filler and Diene Elastomer Reinforced by Lignosulfonate

BEIJING LINGLONG TYRE CO LTD, SHANDONG LINGLONG TYRE CO LTD, 2024

Environmentally friendly rubber composition reinforced with biomass filler like lignosulfonate for tire applications. The composition contains diene elastomer, carbon black, biomass filler, antioxidant, zinc oxide, stearic acid, phenolic resin, accelerator, and sulfur. The biomass filler improves tensile properties and reduces hysteresis heat generation compared to traditional carbon black-reinforced rubber. The composition has good balance of properties like elongation, tensile strength, and aging resistance.

18. Rubber Composition with Renewable Content Including Mass Balanced Polymer, Bio-Derived Plasticizer, and Filler System

GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER, THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO, 2024

Rubber composition that can be used for different applications in conjunction with tires components, preferably tires treads or tire tread components components, and which has a majority weight percent of renewable content. The composition includes a blend of at least two rubber elastomers comprising or consisting of: greater than 50 phr of at least one mass balanced polymer; at least one bio-derived plasticizer; and a bio-derived filler system comprising silica and carbon black.

19. Tire Tread Composition Incorporating Biomass-Derived Reinforcing Filler from Sugarcane Bagasse Ash

TVS SRICHAKRA LIMITED, 2024

Tire tread rubber composition with lower rolling resistance using biomass derived reinforcing filler from sugarcane bagasse ash. The composition contains natural rubber, neodymium catalyst polymerized butadiene rubber, carbon black, silane coupling agent, and biomass filler. The biomass filler replaces some of the carbon black. The composition has better processability, lower rolling resistance, and lower payne effect compared to conventional carbon black filled tires. The biomass filler provides lower rolling resistance and better processing while maintaining tire performance.

20. Rubber Composite Incorporating Cuttlefish Juice Nanoparticles and Zinc Oxide-Stearin Activator

BEIJING INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICAL MAT CO LTD, BEIJING INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICAL MATERIALS CO LTD, 2024

Rubber composite material with improved properties and reduced environmental impact compared to conventional rubber compounds. The composite is made by modifying natural rubber with cuttlefish juice, a biodegradable filler extracted from squid ink. The cuttlefish juice spherical nanoparticles contain melanin and protein/polysaccharide. The composite also uses zinc oxide and stearic acid as activator instead of conventional carbon black. This provides similar property enhancements but with reduced environmental pollution concerns from filler emissions and waste disposal.

CN117362768A-patent-drawing

21. Tire Rubber Composition Incorporating Renewable Carbon Black Feedstock

22. Rubber Compounds with Functionalized Diene Polymers and Biomass-Derived Silica Fillers

23. Composite Material from Recycled Tire Carbon Black with Vegetable Oil Soapstock and Emulsifier

24. Vulcanizable Rubber Mixture with High Filler Content and Devulcanized Tire Tread Regenerates

25. Tire Rubber Composition with Bio-Based Modified Liquid Reclaimed Rubber and Lignin-Derived Additives

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