Evonik's product VESTENAMER® is a semicrystalline rubber that is also described as a polytransoctenamer rubber (TOR). As a polymeric processing aid, it acts as a plasticizer of rubber compounds in mixing and manufacturing processes. In the vulcanization of rubber parts, it participates in crosslinking and, as an elastomer, is fully incorporated into the network.
VESTENAMER® is produced in a ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) starting from 1,5-cyclooctadiene to cyclooctene as an intermediate. The polyoctenamer consists of linear and cyclic macromolecules. The properties of VESTENAMER® are:
- Low melting point (<60°C)
- High crystallinity
- High percentage of macrocycles (>30wt%)
- A double bond every eighth carbon atom
Videos for Explanation:
https://youtu.be/mqHvAhdHmjo?list=TLGGDicv3NcCXeEwMjExMjAyMQ
https://www.vestenamer.com/en/rubber-additive-road-construction
Typical Applications:
VESTENAMER® is used as additive and compatabilizers in tires, mechanical rubber goods and asphalts, and road construction. VESTENAMER® is a key ingredient for rubber recycling.
VESTENAMER® is an established product in specific markets, where its are clearly understood. In this challenge Evonik wants to experience new innovative ideas to broaden the application field of VESTENAMER® and enter new markets with this product.
Applicants can orient themselves on the following questions:
Potentially relevant technologies: 3D printing, AI, robotics, extrusion, rubber, recycling, compatibilization, sustainability, adhesion.
Description of use case(s) including details (e.g., “to improve safety for human-robot collaboration…”) in a paragraph: Potential use cases can be in the area of recycling (improving the recycling of rubber) or compatibilization of polymers.
Potential next steps may include: Create a proof of concept with the startup based on the contributed idea and evaluate business opportunities, Run a pilot at company facilities.
In your response, please include:
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