MELOS AŞ makes significant contributions to reducing the zinc content in rubber products and minimizing the environmental harm of these products in both production and usage processes with its active zinc oxide products.
Zinc oxide (ZnO) along with stearic acid is considered an indispensable activator for sulfur vulcanization. Traditionally, it is used in concentrations of 3 or 5 phr. Recently, the reduction of ZnO levels in rubber compounds has become an important issue due to concerns about Zn levels in Europe's waterways and the harmful effects of soluble Zn compounds on aquatic organisms. Zinc (Zn) can leach from rubber products, especially tires, into the environment during the production, use, and recycling processes. Potential sources of zinc in groundwater include rubber dust worn off tires and rubber granules produced from end-of-life tires used in the construction of artificial sports fields. According to European Union environmental directives, zinc is classified as "Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment" with the risk statement of "Hazardous to the Environment".
Research on reducing the use of zinc oxide in rubber compounds continues on subjects such as alternative vulcanization agents and more efficient use of zinc oxide.
One of the possible ways to nearly halve the zinc oxide content in rubber compounds is to use Active Zinc Oxide products. MELOS AŞ produces Active Zinc Oxide products with precise production processes, fine particle size, high purity, and most importantly, high surface areas of up to 70 gr/m2. Since 2006, it has become one of the notable manufacturers both in our country and globally with its ongoing development in production and quality control processes acquired from experiences in the industry.
The multi-step chemical process starting with the selection of high-purity raw materials is closely monitored at each step to maintain the ratios of all heavy metals, especially lead, at a minimum level in the final product, and high-tech equipment allows for particle sizes at the nano level. These molecules easily and evenly disperse in the rubber dough due to their round structures and are much more effective than traditional zinc oxide products because of their larger surface areas. Thus, dosage savings of up to 50% can be achieved.
Since 2019, MELOS AŞ has introduced innovations in its new products that emphasize ease of use. It has launched products containing controlled reduced zinc oxide that can be used instead of traditional zinc oxide products, which do not require dosage reduction or formulation changes, and can be exchanged in a 1:1 ratio. Although these products contain less zinc oxide, they successfully provide all desired mechanical and physical properties in the final product.
In addition to their positive contributions to the environment, these products also provide high economic benefits to users. These products produced by MELOS AŞ using less zinc metal allow for much more competitive prices compared to traditional zinc oxide products and final rubber products with less zinc can be produced at more affordable prices.
