Verification of rubber material in automotive applications
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Volvo Technology AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 300 000 |
| Project duration | November 2023 - June 2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Accelerate Swedish partnership |
| End-of-project report | 2023-03768engelska.pdf (pdf, 170 kB) |
Important results from the project
Reselo has developed a novel elastomer made out of birch bark (Reselo Rubber), suitable for rubber applications. In a joint collaboration together with Volvo Cars, Volvo Group, Zeekr Tech and Polestar the feasibility of Reselo Rubber in automotive applications has been explored in a material validation project. The aim of the project has been to investigate the potential of Reselo Rubber in a rubber formulation in regards of following aspects for a selected application: technology, sustainability and supply chain.
Expected long term effects
Two rubber compounds; one pure EPDM and one blend of 50 PHR EPDM and 50 PHR Reselo Rubber, were chosen for material characterisation. The results did not show a significant difference between the two compounds; some analyses show even better results with Reselo rubber in the compound. An improvement of the rubber formula would pave the way for further opportunities.
Approach and implementation
Reselo Rubber were mixed in rubber compounds at an industrial rubber compounder. The rubber compounds were thereafter analyzed at the facilities of Volvo Cars.