Rubber-enhanced Compounds
Thermoplastic Elastomers
performance-power from post-use tires
Thermoplastic Elastomer Alloys
… powered by Cryo-Micronized Post-Consumer Rubber Powder (CMPCRP) …
rucothel has found a patented approach to reduce virgin material consumption by 50% and even increases material performance. As result of a decades-long and seven-digit Euro process of invention, development, testing and improvement, we have created a complete material and technology base to produce thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds – powered by Cryo-Micronized Rubber Powder from scrap tires.
rucothel in one minute
reducing waste – increasing material performance – creating economically and ecologically sustainable materials
INNOVATIVE
Our Core Competencies
… where material science, engineering skills and industry heritage converge …
The successful patent grant for “Rubber-modified Elastomeric Alloys” in 2007 was rucothel’s early and strong proof of innovation. However, only the many years of technology evolution, formulation and application research together with renowed research institutes and product users following the patent led us to our current industry-grade formulation and production level.
all our materials have been evaluated by
rucothel Creation Process
Customized Formulation
rucothel compounds are full of individuality, while always resting on high-performing base components. We consult you with our formulation and material evaluation experience and always strive to achieve the optimum performance parameters for your compound.
Thermoplast Selection
We choose only top-quality thermoplasts from proven suppliers to create your individual compound. We are intensively testing also recyclate thermoplast in line with our full circular economy vision.
For polyurethane (TPU) materials, we exclusively rely on our long-term cooperation with BASF Polyurethanes.
Addition of Cryo-Micronized Rubber Powder
Here we add up to 60% of our secret powder: CryoMicronized Post-Consumer Rubber Powder (CMPCRP).
CMPCRP adds the desirable elastomer features to the compound, making it abrasion-, bump- and tear- resistant. With CMPCRP, we integrate the long-run high-tech power of truck tires into the plastics application.
CMPCRP is minimally 99.5% free of residual components (fibers, metal,…) and has a maximum particle size of 400 microns.
Optional Inclusion of Fibers and Fabrics
We have patent-proven experience to include fibers into our rucothel-compounds. A broad selection of Kevlar, carbon and also natural fibers have been successfully applied in our process.
Continuous Kneading
Here comes the core of our experience, following decades of testing and improvement in cooperation with our Swiss compounder supplier.
Thermoplasts and CMPCRP are gradually inserted by gravimetric balances and melted, while being processed by a twin-screw extruder to achieve the desired cross-linking of the elastomeric particles with the thermoplast matrix.
We have ample experience to amend various additives to further modify and customize the alloy in accordance to your individual requirements.
The scalable process enables also production of smaller quantities.
Extrusion to Granules or Plates
rucothel material come in usual industry-type granule form. We can also process the material in direct extrusion to plates or strings.
Quality Inspection and Packaging
All compounds are intensively quality-inspected before packaging.
rucothel compounds usually come in big bags, but we are also capable to fulfill other quantity and packaging requirements from our customers.
SUSTAINABLE
Our “Secret Powder”
… elastomeric power, not rubber waste …
Since we successfully filed our first patent in 2005, we remained convinced that cryogenically grinded elastomeric powder from truck tires is the ideal base component for ecologically and economically sustainable elastomeric alloys to extend or substitute conventional TPE applications:
- Cryo-Micronized rubber particles have cubic form with a smooth surface, and therefore ensure an excellent cross-linking reaction with the thermoplast matrix.
- With rubber particle size of max 400um we assure homogeneity and ability for thin materials.
- Scrap tires are an almost unlimited elastomer resource, so we avoid material scarcity from virgin materials.
the process of generating CMPCRP in short …
SCRAP TIRES FROM TRUCKS
UNLIMITED RESOURCE
beyond 14 million tons of tires globally desposited as waste
HIGH-TECH PRODUCT
abrasion resistance and long-life features by default
GROWING ECOSYSTEM
accelerating dynamics to explore new application fields
CRYOGENIC MILLING
NITROGENE-COOLING AND MILLING
assuring a pure cubic and smooth particle surface
MULTIPLE CLEANING AND FILTERING
99.5% free from metal and fiber particles
SUPER-FINE RUBBER POWDER
generating particle sizes of 400 microns and below
RUBBER POWDER (CMPCRP)
CRYO-MICRONIZED POST-CONSUMER
PERFECT HARMONY
unique cross-linking capabilities with thermoplasts
PURE PHYSICS
no chemical processing required to obtain power features
GROWING APPLICATION MARKETS
applications for polymers, tire, asphalt,...steadily evolve
Industry Network Partner of
We have been with the early pioneers who created new approaches to utilize post-consumer industrial rubber more efficiently. Now, after 20 years, the application market proves this decision right. Cryogenically milled rubber powder is the power component of choice for a homogeneous liaison with most widely used industrial thermoplasts.
Herbert Kölbl, Inventor
Reduce – Reuse – Recycle
… in the very core of the circular economy …
INDUSTRIAL
Markets and Application Areas
… serving the ever-growing application range for elastic plastic …
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) saw a sharp increase of attractive use-cases specifically in the automotive industry, both in replacing in a wide scale industrial rubber products as well as tapping new application areas. A global market of approx. 5 million tons p.a. growing every year by almost 5% is a visible commercial proof of future-readiness of this material category.
To capture new areas of applications, we engage in deep partnerships with both the processing industry and end-users. We jointly develop best-fitting material compositions and constantly improve our materials based on customer feedback. In turn, we induce impulses and ideas of new use cases for sustainably ‘upcycled’ performance materials.
AUTOMOTIVE
CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY
CONSUMER & PARTS
rucothel is fully embedded in this growing application market. When it comes to excellent price-performance ratio in areas, where superior rubber-like performance is desired and recycled components are appreciated, we have the material of choice.
Applicable Processing Technologies
… levering all the benefits of plastics processing …
(CO-) EXTRUSION
INJECTION MOLDING
PLATE CALENDER
DOUBLE-BELT PRESS
The major advantage of TPE materials over rubber elastomers unfolds with their processing ease and flexibility. Thermoplastic processing technologies permit high freedom in component design, possibility of dual component molding or co-extrusion, and much shorter cycle times.
Our very origin is deeply rooted in full-scale processing plants and machinery system integration. With experience in both the input- and output-side we assure a particular end-to-end perspective. Our target is to ensure full practical application of the entire range of plastics processing machinery: injection molding, extrusion, plate calendar or even composite material creation with double-belt presses.
As we move on, we are deeply analysing and experimenting with new processing areas, such as 3D printing.
3D PRINTER
EVOLVING
An Inspiring Place for Talents
… sharing our passion for innovation …
Our products are hybrids complementing the best of two worlds: Rubber power and plastics processing advantages. And so are we as a company: We are a true startup company with a clear vision in place, still have ways to go, but enormous room to create and grow. At the same time, we are reinvigorating and transforming a decades-long experience and know-how of the locally renowed inventor and former factory owner Herbert Kölbl, who invented the very nucleous of rucothel materials and processing technology.
Ramping up our operations now, we are thrilled to attract enthusiastic and competent talents, who share our passion for industrial plastics and in the same time want to contribute to environmental improvement and waste reduction. We offer room and freedom to evolve, to create and to learn. As a research-driven company, we are particularly interested in supporting thesis projects and joint research programs. And as a production company, we are looking forward to providing a modern and future-oriented workplace to plastics-processing experts of all education levels.
Our new headquarter location perfectly reflects this hybrid approach: K2 Tower and Industry Park in Krefeld is a traditional production location of a family-owned industry group, and a vibrant startup base camp with the mission to create a new “silk valley” in Krefeld. We couldn’t imagine a better place to be and are happy to be part of this community!
rucothel will start a hiring batch soon, so please watch out! But we are explicitly welcoming unsolicited applications already now.
We look forward to getting to know you soon!
