Sustainable green rubber compound design for industrial hose products

Sustainability has become one of the most significant and indispensable considerations in the design of new chemical materials or products today. This concept represents an approach that prioritizes the efficient use of natural resources and the minimization of environmental impacts. Sustainable products are defined as those that can be produced and reused for a long time without disrupting the balance of natural ecosystems or causing harm to the environment. In this context, reducing carbon footprints, controlling carbon dioxide emissions, and evaluating the recycling potential of materials after their lifecycle emerge as key parameters to address in sustainable material development processes. From this perspective, the rubber industry is also taking significant steps to increase the use of materials that comply with sustainability principles. The preservation of natural resources, control of environmental pollution caused by industrial processes, and support of the national economy form the focal points of sustainability strategies in the rubber sector. The primary goal of this study is to develop innovative solutions focused on sustainability in rubber compounds used in industrial EPDM hose production. Specifically, it aims to design next-generation products with reduced carbon footprints by utilizing eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed carbon black, bio-based silica, and epoxidized soybean oil in the rubber compounds used for the inner and outer layers of the hoses. Within this scope, the effects of these innovative materials on generic EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) formulations have been investigated. Based on the findings from innovative raw material studies, new inner and outer rubber layer formulations have been developed. The study emphasizes that although sustainable materials may cause some performance losses in the mechanical properties of rubber compounds, these challenges can be overcome through appropriate optimization methods. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that integrating sustainability into chemical material development processes not only provides environmental benefits but also offers competitive advantages in industrial applications. Such innovative approaches in the rubber industry encourage environmentally friendly production processes and contribute to building a greener future in the long term.