Graphene Natural Rubber TDP Masterbatch
A scalable liquid phase drop-in masterbatch for Indian tyre manufacturers to increase TDP loading, improve performance, and eliminate PAHs and process oils
Perpetuus Advanced Materials, a global leader in plasma treated surface engineered graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), has launched its GNP-NR-TDP masterbatch in India. This transformative compound is designed to help tyre manufacturers exceed environmental compliance standards and improve mechanical performance.
Produced at the new Perpetuus facility in Kerala, the GNP-NR-TDP masterbatch represents a significant technical breakthrough. It is engineered to help Indian tyre makers eliminate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and fossil-based process oils from their compounds, while meeting EU REACH, BIS, and the growing requirements of India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws.
This next generation masterbatch combines:
- Natural rubber (NR)
- Surface-engineered graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)
- Tyre Derived Polymers (TDPs), recycled rubber inputs that support India’s circular economy goals
TDPs are recovered elastomeric materials derived from end-of-life tyres. Their inclusion supports India’s national strategy for EPR compliance, while reducing landfill waste and emissions from pyrolysis. To date, most tyre manufacturers have limited TDP content to 5-10% due to trade-offs in mechanical properties.
With Perpetuus’ GNP enhanced masterbatch formulation, Indian manufacturers can now target 15-20% TDP content while maintaining tensile strength, tear resistance, and rebound performance.
Conventional dry mixing relies on toxic, fossil derived oils for dispersion. Crucially, Perpetuus’ proprietary liquid phase mixing process uses no process oils at all, delivering:
- Reduced compound toxicity and improved environmental sustainability
- Simpler, cleaner compound recipes
- Better dispersion, consistency, and uniformity
- Lower energy consumption during mixing
The inclusion of functionalised GNPs improves polymer filler bonding, allowing TDP to act not just as a plasticiser but as a reinforcing agent. Early compound tests show strong resilience, improved ageing behaviour, and stable mechanical performance even under aggressive TDP loading.
Perpetuus’ new Kerala facility has capacity to supply Indian OEMs and Tier 1 compounders. Formulation validation is underway, with road trials expected early in the new year.
Beyond tyres, the GNP-NR-TDP masterbatch has potential applications across hoses, belts, and moulded rubber components. With India positioned as a future global leader in clean tyre exports, this compound offers a strategic advantage for manufacturers seeking to lead on ESG, performance, and compliance.
John Buckland, CEO of Perpetuus said, “We’re unlocking new formulation windows that were previously impossible. By stabilising high TDP compounds with functionalised GNPs and eliminating process oils altogether, we’re giving Indian manufacturers a platform to lead the global shift toward cleaner, safer, more circular tyres.”
Tyre OEMs and compounders interested in evaluation trials, technical discussions, or early commercial access are invited to contact Perpetuus to explore collaboration.
Contact us for more information on Perpetuus Advanced Materials.