The electric vehicle revolution is here, paving the way for 0 emission travel. Researchers explore alternatives like soybeans and dandelions for rubber sources. Natural rubber has faced challenges like disease and climate change. Synthetic rubber production today heavily relies on butadiene from petroleum refining. The PNL team is converting ethanol to butadiene for more sustainable tires. Alternative feedstocks for ethanol could include algae and food waste. Rich Stone and PNNL are developing a pilot plan for sustainable tire production.
The project aims to prove the economic viability of sustainable butadiene. Key considerations include life cycle carbon emissions and tire performance. Construction of the pilot plant is set to start by the end of 2025. If successful, this collaboration could impact the entire petroleum independent supply chain. The PNL team offers a one-step process for ethanol conversion. This innovative research may lead to a new era in sustainable manufacturing.