Sturdy, resilient, and economical, rubber is an essential material in countless products around the world. Without it, everyday items like car tires, wiper blades, and even erasers wouldn’t exist. Yet, when exposed to certain elements or allowed to age, rubber becomes brittle and can start to break down.
Now, scientists have found a way to revive rubber, thanks to some naturally occurring microscopic organisms.
How Microbes Revive Rubber
Microbes, often known as “active agents,” are organisms like bacteria and fungi. The scientists involved in the project focused on a specific kind of active agent: extremophiles, or microorganisms that can survive in burning hot or freezing cold temperatures.
When applied to rubber through a process called ‘bio-etching,’ these active agents become a kind of ‘micro-machine.’ They can eat away at the brittle rubber, softening it and helping it regain some of its structural integrity.
What Makes This Process Different?
What sets this new process apart from other rubber reviving methods is its sustainability. By relying on active agents as opposed to harsher chemical treatment, bio-etching not only helps rubber last longer but also reduces the risk of environmental damage.
This newfound ability to revise rubber not only helps preserve it but also reduces the cost of new applications. By bio-etching rubber instead of replacing it, businesses and restaurants can save money while still maintaining effective safety features like grip soles and non-slip surfaces on their floors.
Activating the Agents
In order to take advantage of the active agents, they must first be activated. A catalyst is added to the mix, which energizes the extremophiles and jumpstarts the etching process.
After adding the catalyst, the surface ready for treatment is coated with the active agents and let to dry for several hours. The agents penetrate the rubber surface and break down the brittle areas, allowing for a more even, uniform color.
The Benefits of Bio-Etching
The process of bio-etching rubber not only helps preserve the material and improve its look, but it also comes with several environmental benefits:
- Reduces hazardous chemical waste. By utilizing natural organisms instead of harsh chemicals, bio-etching eliminates the risk of harmful pollutant run-off into bodies of water.
- Improves energy efficiency. The energy used to create and maintain rubber products is reduced with bio-etching, making their production more sustainable.
- Reduces emissions. By relying on living organisms instead of gas-emitting processes, bio-etching lowers the carbon footprint of rubber production.
Conclusion
The process of bio-etching rubber with active agents presents a unique opportunity for businesses and homeowners everywhere. By reviving rubber without damaging the environment, this new method can extend the life of rubber products and make their production more sustainable.
