Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist Lei Jong has discovered a method using defatted soy products to improve the strength of rubber products.
Defatted soy products do not contain soybean oil. All of the steps and the equipment for ARS's method are the same as current commercial practices.
However, ARS's method uses defatted soy flour (DSF) in place of carbon black, which is used in automobile tires and other products to increase their mechanical strength.
This invention can be used in various industries such as rubber, plastic, and coatings to significantly improve the strength and biodegradability of a variety of polymer products. Polymer products include components that are made of rubber and plastic.
Various organic and inorganic fillers, such as carbon black, have been used to reinforce polymer materials. The advantage of using this technology versus other conventional fillers is that defatted soy products give a higher reinforcement effect in rubbers at a comparative or lower cost.
The advantage is a cost saving by partial replacement of carbon black. The technology provides a high- performance and low-cost alternative to petroleum-based carbon black and other inorganic fillers. It also improves the biodegradability of cross-linked rubbers that are known to be difficult to recycle or dispose.
More info: Lei Jong, 309-681-6240, jongl@ncaur.usda.gov
