Toyoda Gosei develops new technology for ‘tougher’ EPDM

Kiyosu, Japan – Toyoda Gosei Co. and the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the University of Tokyo, have developed a material crosslinking technology that enhances the toughness of synthetic rubber. 

The technology can increase the toughness of EPDM rubber by approximately six-fold through integrating a polyrotaxane into the chemical structure of the rubber, Toyoda Gosei said in a statement 20 Nov.

In addition, polyrotaxanes have a unique molecular structure that enables great material flexibility, the Japanese group added.

The technology, according to Toyoda Gosei, creates ‘freely movable ring-shaped molecules’ which ease the stress and enhance the toughness and flexibility of the rubber when stretched or pressed.

Toyoda Gosei said it will continue to develop the technology for various practical applications in rubber and plastic parts.

In particular, the components maker expects to use the knowhow in automotive materials technology “for better environmental performance and comfort of vehicles.”

Toyoda Gosei and University of Tokyo will present the results of their project at the 29th Polymer Material Forum, to be held online on 26-27 Nov.