New rubber material a big hit with industry

KOCHI: Imagine a tyre with an effective inner lining of natural rubber compared to synthetic ones currently used, at a lesser cost or cheaper gloves and condoms that ensure more safety in preventing disease.

This could be a reality once the Rubber Research Institute of India ( RRII), the research wing of Rubber Board, transfers the technology for natural rubber nano composites it has developed.

The institute has acquired patent for latex- based and dry rubber-based nano material, which has 50 times air retention capacity than virgin material.

It ensures more safety as nano composite constitutes an impermeable membrane. “The next step is to commercialise the product through collaboration with tyre and non-tyre manufacturers. We will have to sign a memorandum of understanding with companies for technology transfer,” said Siby Varghese, deputy director, RRII.

Tubeless tyres are in vogue now but the manufacturers use a synthetic rubber halobutyl for inner linings. “The halobutyl compounds are costly. So, natural rubber nano composite is a good idea if the prices are reasonable,” said Swaranjit Singh, material director, JK Tyres.