ECC

Materials and process development focuses on advancing elastomeric materials and optimizing manufacturing processes. This involves researching and developing new elastomer formulations, exploring innovative processing techniques, and improving the properties and performance of elastomeric materials. The goal is to create elastomers with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, as well as develop efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes.

Our expertise in materials and process development focuses on exploring new elastomer formulations, optimizing processes, and improving the properties of elastomeric materials.

We specialize in filler technology and modification to enhance the performance of elastomeric materials.

Our expertise includes the use of precise filler selection (such as carbon black, silica and bio-based derivatives) and surface modification techniques to achieve better compatibility and dispersion within the elastomer matrix, leading to impart the desired properties to rubber compounds (improved reinforcement, conductivity, or other specific elastomer characteristics)

Coupling technology plays a crucial role in optimizing the interaction between fillers and elastomer matrices. 

This technology helps optimize the overall properties and performance of elastomer compounds and maximize the benefits of fillers.

We specialize in coupling agents and techniques to enhance the bonding and compatibility between fillers and elastomers. Our expertise focuses on identifying and utilizing effective coupling agents, such as silanes that promote strong adhesion between the filler and elastomer matrix. 

Characterization methods involve evaluating and analyzing the properties of elastomers to understand their behavior and performance, providing valuable insights into the quality of elastomers.

We employ a wide range of advanced characterization techniques to provide comprehensive view of rubber compounds and generate reliable data to support customers to gain an in-depth understanding of their elastomeric materials, enabling them to make informed decisions, optimize formulations, and ensure the desired performance and durability of their elastomeric products.

Our facilities allow us to perform a variety of evaluations, including mechanical testing, thermal analysis, rheological analysis, dynamic-mechanical analysis and microscopy to assess the mechanical properties, thermal stability, viscoelastic behavior, and microstructure of elastomers.

Elastomer recycling focuses on finding sustainable solutions for the recycling and reutilization of elastomeric materials. This involves developing processes to reclaim, process, and reintroduce waste or used elastomers into new applications, thereby promoting a circular economy.

Recycling elastomers helps reduce the demand of non-renewable resources and minimizes waste generation, decreases the environmental impact of elastomeric products and contributing to the restoration of degraded ecosystems.

At ECC, we prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, considering elastomer recycling a vital aspect of our commitment. We recognize the significance of waste reduction and resource conservation in the elastomer industry. Therefore, we actively support our clients in exploring recycling processes and technologies to reclaim and reuse waste or used elastomeric materials to achieve their sustainability goals while maintaining product performance and quality.

One of the most challenging topics in the tire industry is the design of rubber tread compounds that enhance rolling resistance while maintaining optimal performance in terms of abrasion resistance and wet grip. Tires must operate efficiently across dissimilar conditions, whether on dry, wet, or snow-covered surfaces, while simultaneously fulfil the driver expectations for acceptable wear resistance, low noise, and comfortable ride quality, among all the properties considered in the development of tires.

At ECC, we approach the prediction of tire performance challenge by combining different techniques:

LAT100 (Laboratory Abrasion Tester) and DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) to determine tire performance accurately and comprehensively. Through careful analysis and interpretation of the data obtained from these tests, we can identify correlations between material properties, wear behavior, and overall tire performance.

These techniques provide valuable insights that enable tire manufacturers to make data-driven decisions, accelerate product development cycles, save time and money by evaluating tire properties before production starts and deliver high-performance tires that meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive industry.