Collaborative Innovation Forum: Functional Substitutes to 6PPD in Tires
Tires contain antioxidants and antiozonants to prevent degradation of the rubber compounds, which can lead to tire failure. 6PPD (known as N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’phenyl-p-phenylenediamine) is widely used for this function across the tire industry. However, recent research has revealed that 6PPD-quinone, a reaction product of 6PPD, is highly toxic to coho salmon and other trout species at all life stages and a primary cause urban runoff mortality syndrome.
On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, the Collaborative Innovation Forum will take place to advance identifying, testing and implementing substitutes to 6PPD in tires. This is in an invitation-only meeting. The Forum is being convened by the Sustainable Chemistry Catalyst at the University of Massachusetts Lowell with support from the Washington Department of Ecology.
The Collaborative Innovation Forum will bring together industry experts in a pre-competitive environment alongside other stakeholders from government, academia, and non-governmental organizations to foster co-learning, collaboration and “out of the box” thinking. The ultimate aim of this highly interactive Forum is to expedite the commercialization of innovative solutions that can replace the anti-degradant function of 6PPD in tires.
Desired Outcomes of the Forum:
Understand the current context of alternatives to 6PPD in tires, from both a chemical safety and performance perspective.
Discuss critical design considerations to support the innovation of safe and effective alternatives for the function of 6PPD in tires.
Explore near- and long-term needs and opportunities associated with the commercialization of safer and effective alternatives to 6PPD in tires.
Identify collaboration opportunities and next steps to advance innovation activities for the functional substitution of 6PPD in tires.
The Forum is being planned as an in-person meeting, but in the event of increased Covid risks or other emergencies, the event will be held virtually. Due to meeting room limitations and the need for balanced participation among sectors and stakeholders, this is an invitation-only meeting.