5 Jul 2009
By David Shaw, ERJ staff
Nuremberg, Germany - Schill & Seilacher (Struktol) intends to create a package of zinc-free chemicals which will enable rubber compounders to develop formulations containing absolutely no zinc.
The key element in this package will be a replacement for zinc oxide. In addition to the zinc oxide replacement, Schill will add pre-existing materials which can substitute for current zinc-containing accelerators, anti-degradants and other ingredients.
Last September, ERJ revealed an invention by South African chemist Robert Bosch which promised to eliminate zinc oxide from the rubber industry. At the time Bosch said he was talking to Schill & Seilacher about possible commercialisation of the product.
Negotiations are on-going, but it appears likely that the product will be on sale by the end of 2009.
Dr Karl Menting, global R&D director for Schill said that nothing has been signed, but both Schill and Mr Bosch have a desire to complete an agreement in the next couple of months. If that happens, said Menting,then Schill should be able to make the product commercial and bring it to market by the end of this year.
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