Omya launches filler for lower-carbon rubber compounds

Omya has launched Omyaprene 50 C, a functional filler developed to reduce carbon black consumption and the carbon footprint of selected rubber compounds. According to the company, the product can replace up to 50 wt. % of virgin and recovered N550, N660 and N770 carbon black grades in validated formulations. The stated application areas include ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) compounds, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/styrene butadiene rubber (NBR/SBR) flooring compounds and natural rubber (NR) formulations. Laboratory and industrial evaluations conducted by Omya indicate that key properties, including tensile strength, compression set, elongation at break and tear resistance, can be maintained within the validated application areas. The filler is commercially available for customer evaluation.

"With Omyaprene 50 C, manufacturers can take a meaningful step toward reducing carbon black consumption and supporting lower compound carbon footprints, while continuing to meet demanding performance requirements," said Christophe Roux, Commercialization Manager Material Science Polymers, Europe, Middle East & Africa.

Carbon footprint comparison

Omyaprene 50 C is manufactured at Omya's production site in Omey, France. The company estimates its product carbon footprint at less than 0.18 kg CO2-e per kilogram. Omya compares this figure with approximately 2.77 kg CO2-e per kilogram for conventional carbon black.

The difference is intended to help rubber manufacturers reduce the overall carbon footprint of compounds through partial substitution of carbon black. The achievable reduction depends on the formulation and the proportion of carbon black replaced.

Processing in validated formulations

Omya reports that the functional filler can provide lower mixing torque and improved flow properties while preserving established extrusion and curing conditions. Omyaprene 50 C is compatible with both sulfur- and peroxide-curing systems.

These processing characteristics are intended to enable partial replacement of carbon-intensive raw materials without compromising the mechanical and processing performance required by the validated formulations. The reported substitution level and performance results relate to selected application areas evaluated by the company.

Commercial availability

Omyaprene 50 C is commercially available. Rubber manufacturers can request evaluation samples and test the filler in their own formulations. Omya also provides application information and technical resources on the product page.