1. Industry Background – The Performance Challenge of the Green Tyre Revolution
The global tyre industry is undergoing a profound green revolution. Driven by the “Dual Carbon” goals, tyre manufacturers face unprecedented multi faceted pressures: the EU Green Deal requires a 20% reduction in tyre rolling resistance by 2030; China’s “Dual Carbon” policy and the Tyre Industry Policy explicitly promote green manufacturing and low rolling resistance tyre development; and California’s SB 596 mandates disclosure of tyre product carbon footprints.
Tyre rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20 30% of total passenger vehicle energy consumption – reducing rolling resistance is the most direct and effective way to cut vehicle fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The tyre industry has long been plagued by the “Magic Triangle” dilemma: abrasion resistance, wet grip, and rolling resistance are inherently contradictory – improving one often comes at the expense of another.
On the material front, traditional tyre manufacturing relies heavily on fossil fuel derivatives such as carbon black and silica, whose high energy, high carbon production processes have become a major bottleneck for green transformation. The core challenge for the tyre and rubber industry is how to enhance wet grip, reduce rolling resistance, and improve abrasion resistance while simultaneously achieving renewable, low carbon, and lightweight material solutions.
2. Performance Boundaries and Technical Bottlenecks of Conventional Reinforcing Systems
2.1 The High Carbon and High Heat Build up Dilemma of Carbon Black
Carbon black, as the most widely used rubber reinforcing agent, offers excellent reinforcement, but its limitations are increasingly evident:
- Non renewable fossil origin – carbon black production depends on petroleum based feedstocks, with high carbon intensity, contrary to carbon neutrality goals;
- High dynamic heat build up – friction and internal dissipation among carbon black particles lead to high tyre rolling resistance, penalising fuel economy and electric vehicle range;
- Relatively high specific gravity – increases tyre weight, affecting lightweight design and energy efficiency.
2.2 Processing and Performance Costs of Silica Systems
Silica (precipitated silicon dioxide) offers advantages in reducing rolling resistance and improving wet grip, but at significant costs:
- Difficult processing – strong hydrogen bonding between silica particles causes agglomeration, making mixing difficult and requiring complex silane coupling agent treatments;
- Dispersion challenges – poor dispersion leads to localised performance defects, affecting consistency and yield;
- Relatively lower abrasion resistance – silica filled compounds typically exhibit lower wear resistance compared to carbon black systems.
2.3 The Structural Contradiction of the “Magic Triangle”
The long standing dilemma is that wet grip, rolling resistance, and abrasion resistance cannot be simultaneously optimised. Improving wet grip typically increases rolling resistance (and vice versa); enhancing abrasion resistance often sacrifices traction. High loadings of conventional mineral fillers further exacerbate compound weight and carbon burden. Breaking this “impossible triangle” at the material source is the core breakthrough point for green tyre technology innovation.
3. Technical Solution – Mechanism and Design Philosophy of GreenThinking® LC Series
3.1 Product Technical Positioning
The GreenThinking® LC Series (including grades LC25, LC25T, etc.) is a 100% plant derived bio based functional modifier. The core components are modified nano lignin and nano cellulose, engineered through multi scale structural design – nano sizing, functionalisation, and supramolecular assembly – to deliver synergistic effects in rubber compounds.
The LC Series enhances tyre wet grip, rolling efficiency, and durability by improving rubber filler interaction, optimising dynamic properties, reducing heat build up, and improving abrasion and ageing resistance. Its naturally porous structure and active functional groups allow partial replacement of silica and carbon black, maintaining mechanical strength while reducing compound density, thereby supporting low carbon, energy efficient green tyre design. As a true bio based tire additive and low rolling resistance modifier, the LC Series is increasingly sought after by leading Bio Based Functional Modifier Manufacturers China and Suppliers.
3.2 Multi Scale Structural Design – From Natural Plants to High Performance Functional Materials
The technical core of the LC Series lies in its “multi scale structural design” :
Level 1 – Nano sizing: Natural lignin and cellulose are processed to the nanoscale via nanotechnology, greatly increasing specific surface area and active reaction sites.
Level 2 – Functionalisation: Chemical modification at the nanoscale introduces active functional groups (e.g., phenolic hydroxyl groups) onto lignin and cellulose, imparting specific functional characteristics.
Level 3 – Supramolecular assembly: Through non covalent intermolecular forces, nano lignin and nano cellulose form ordered supramolecular structures that achieve synergistic reinforcement in the rubber matrix.
3.3 Multi Mechanism Action
Reduced rolling resistance: The low density and flexibility of the LC modifier help lower tyre rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency. DMA tests show that LC25/25T can reduce rolling resistance by 12.7 22.5%, making it an effective low rolling resistance modifier.
Improved wet grip: The rigid aromatic ring structure of nano lignin restricts polymer chain segment motion, while simultaneously forming nanoscale protrusions on the tread surface, increasing actual contact points with wet road surfaces, effectively enhancing wet grip. Wet grip improvement ranges from 11.3 41.5% – truly a bio based modifier for tire tread wet grip improvement.
Reduced heat build up: Under dynamic strain, the LC modifier promotes molecular chain slippage and rearrangement, reducing internal frictional heat, lowering tyre heat build up, and extending service life.
Improved thermal ageing resistance: The phenolic hydroxyl groups of lignin effectively capture free radicals generated during thermal, oxidative, and dynamic fatigue processes, interrupting the oxidative chain reaction; they also decompose hydroperoxides produced during rubber oxidation, delaying hardening, cracking, and performance degradation.
Enhanced abrasion resistance: The LC modifier increases tear strength and cut resistance, reducing tread wear. Lambourn abrasion tests show 3 11.9% improvement in wear resistance.
Sustainability and lightweighting: Derived from renewable materials with good biodegradability. The high strength to weight ratio enables tyre lightweighting, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Compared to traditional fillers, the carbon footprint is reduced by 30 50%.
4. Empirical Data – Performance Validation of LC Series in Tyre Tread Compounds
The following data are based on an SSBR/BR blend tyre tread formulation, cured at 160°C.
4.1 Curing Characteristics and Processability
| Test Item | Control | LC25 10 | LC25T 10 | LC25 20 | LC25T 20 |
| ML (dNm) | 5.0 | 5.9 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.3 |
| MH (dNm) | 17.1 | 19.1 | 15.5 | 12.6 | 14.8 |
| MH ML (dNm) | 12.1 | 13.2 | 11.2 | 7.9 | 10.5 |
| T10 (min) | 0.59 | 0.92 | 0.99 | 2.36 | 2.23 |
| T90 (min) | 10.29 | 10.74 | 11.17 | 11.32 | 11.45 |
| T90 T10 (min) | 9.70 | 9.82 | 10.18 | 8.96 | 9.22 |
| Mooney ML(1+4)100°C | 119.9 | 136.7 | 117.3 | 127.2 | 125.5 |
| T5 (min) | 13.23 | 12.78 | 19.46 | 13.57 | 17.61 |
| T35 (min) | 20.99 | 23.20 | 31.15 | 24.89 | 26.80 |
| T35 T5 (min) | 7.76 | 10.42 | 11.69 | 11.32 | 9.19 |
Key observations:
- The LC Series has minimal influence on cure rate; T90 variation is limited.
- The T35 T5 interval is significantly extended (from 7.76 min up to 11.69 min), indicating markedly improved processing safety – truly acting as a plant based processing aid for rubber compounding.
- Mooney viscosity varies with loading level and should be optimised per formulation.
4.2 Physical Properties before Ageing
| Test Item | Control | LC25 10 | LC25T 10 | LC25 20 | LC25T 20 |
| Hardness (Shore A) | 70 | 73 | 70 | 68.0 | – |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 17.4 | 17.6 | 15.3 | 15.8 | – |
| Elongation at break (%) | 310 | 330 | 310 | 320 | – |
| M100 (MPa) | 4.1 | 3.9 | 3.3 | 3.8 | – |
| M300 (MPa) | 16.4 | 15.3 | 13.9 | 14.5 | – |
| Tear strength (kN/m) | 7.99 | 7.63 | 8.01 | 8.71 | 8.31 |
4.3 Properties after Heat Ageing (100°C×48h) and Change Rates
| Test Item | Control | LC25 10 | LC25T 10 | LC25 20 | LC25T 20 |
| After ageing (absolute) | |||||
| Hardness (Shore A) | 83 | 77 | 75 | 72.0 | – |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 14.5 | 16.3 | 14.3 | 15.3 | – |
| Elongation at break (%) | 190 | 230 | 230 | 230 | – |
| Tear strength (kN/m) | 6.75 | 7.54 | 7.94 | 9.44 | 8.55 |
| Change rates | |||||
| Hardness change | +13 | +4 | +5 | +4 | – |
| Tensile strength change | -16.7% | -7.4% | -6.5% | -3.2% | – |
| Elongation change | -38.7% | -30.3% | -25.8% | -28.1% | – |
| M100 change | +63.4% | +41.0% | +45.5% | +39.5% | – |
| Tear strength change | -58.8% | -50.7% | -42.9% | -34.9% | -41.8% |
Key conclusions:
- Addition of the LC Series bio based functional modifier significantly improves tear strength and ageing resistance by 10 40%.
- Tear strength retention after ageing improved from -58.8% (control) to -34.9% (LC25 20) – a >40% enhancement.
- Tensile strength change after ageing improved from -16.7% to -3.2% – much better strength retention.
- Hardness increase reduced from +13 points to +4 points – remarkably improved resistance to hardening.
4.4 Abrasion Resistance
| Test Item | Control | LC25 10 | LC25T 10 | LC25 20 | LC25T 20 |
| Specific gravity | 1.281 | 1.271 | 1.271 | 1.261 | 1.261 |
| Lambourn abrasion (cc) | 0.3093 | 0.3001 | 0.2952 | 0.3202 | 0.2813 |
| Lambourn index | 100.0% | 103.1% | 104.8% | 96.6% | 110.0% |
| DIN abrasion (mass) | 0.1079 | 0.0994 | 0.1115 | 0.0964 | 0.1040 |
| DIN index | 100.0% | 108.6% | 96.8% | 111.9% | 103.8% |
Key conclusions:
- LC25T 20 gives a Lambourn abrasion index of 110.0% – abrasion resistance improved by 10%.
- Specific gravity reduced from 1.281 to 1.261, a ~1.6% reduction – significant weight and cost savings in tyre lightweighting.
4.5 DMA Dynamic Mechanical Properties (10 Hz, pre strain 1%, dynamic strain 0.2%, -24°C to 105°C, 4°C/min)
| Test Item | Control | LC25 10 | LC25T 10 | LC25 20 | LC25T 20 |
| tanδ @ -30°C | 0.253 | 0.253 | 0.248 | 0.265 | 0.261 |
| tanδ @ 0°C (wet grip indicator) | 0.371 | 0.413 | 0.498 | 0.532 | 0.525 |
| tanδ @ 30°C | 0.211 | 0.204 | 0.213 | 0.192 | 0.190 |
| tanδ @ 60°C (rolling resistance indicator) | 0.142 | 0.124 | 0.124 | 0.117 | 0.110 |
| Rolling resistance index | 100.0 | 112.7 | 112.7 | 117.6 | 122.5 |
| E’ @ -30°C (MPa) | 819.7 | 824.1 | 872.2 | 826.4 | 815.3 |
| E’ @ 0°C (MPa) | 80.6 | 66.0 | 55.5 | 36.6 | 39.6 |
| E’ @ 30°C (MPa) | 26.4 | 21.2 | 15.4 | 10.3 | 12.8 |
| E’ @ 60°C (MPa) | 16.0 | 13.7 | 10.0 | 7.2 | 9.0 |
Key conclusions:
The LC25/25T series achieves simultaneous optimisation of wet grip and rolling resistance – a breakthrough in the “Magic Triangle” that traditional fillers cannot resolve:
- Wet grip (0°C tanδ) improved by 11.3 41.5% – from 0.371 up to 0.532 – significantly shorter wet braking distances and enhanced safety. This confirms its role as a bio based modifier for tire tread wet grip improvement.
- Rolling resistance (60°C tanδ) reduced by 12.7 22.5% – from 0.142 down to 0.110 – better fuel economy and lower emissions. This validates it as an effective low rolling resistance modifier and contributes to a lignin cellulose rubber compound low rolling resistance.
- Rolling resistance index increased from 100.0 to 122.5 – meaning a 22.5% reduction in rolling resistance.
This dual optimisation – increasing wet grip while reducing rolling resistance – is extremely rare in conventional filler systems. The synergy between the rigid aromatic ring structure of nano lignin and the lightweight reinforcement of nano cellulose successfully breaks the trade off.
5. Multi Dimensional Sustainability Value
5.1 Upstream Carbon Footprint Reduction
The LC Series is 100% plant derived, reducing carbon footprint by 30 50% compared to conventional fossil based fillers like carbon black and silica. For example, a typical tyre manufacturer emits about 15 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of tyre produced; using bio based materials can reduce emissions by 40%. As the global Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is progressively implemented, this carbon advantage is shifting from an “environmental bonus” to a “market access requirement”.
5.2 Lightweighting and Cost Optimisation
The LC Series has a significantly lower specific gravity than conventional mineral fillers (from 1.281 down to 1.261), reducing compound density by about 1.6% at equal volume. For tyre manufacturers producing millions of tyres annually, this density difference translates into substantial raw material savings and cost optimisation. The high strength to weight ratio allows weight reduction without compromising strength or safety.
5.3 Partial Replacement of Silica/Carbon Black
The LC Series can partially replace silica and carbon black (typical usage 5 30 phr), maintaining or improving key performance (wet grip, rolling resistance, abrasion) while reducing dependence on fossil based fillers. This has strategic significance for lowering raw material procurement risks and enhancing supply chain resilience. As a result, Rubber additive Manufacturers China and Rubber additive Suppliers China are increasingly incorporating such bio based solutions into their portfolios.
6. Application Guide and Technical Selection
6.1 Addition Method and Recommended Dosage
- Addition method: The LC bio based modifier is generally added during the first mixing stage, together with silica, carbon black, and other fillers.
- Recommended dosage: 5 30 phr, adjustable according to actual process and performance requirements.
6.2 Application Scenarios
| Application Area | Typical Products | Core Requirements | Recommended Grade |
| Passenger car tyres | PCR tread | Wet grip, low RR, lightweight | LC25 / LC25T |
| Commercial vehicle tyres | TBR tread | Abrasion, heat ageing, long life | LC25 (higher loading) |
| High performance tyres | UHP tread | Ultimate wet grip, handling stability | LC25T |
| Green tyres | All series | Low carbon, renewable, low RR | LC25 / LC25T |
| Low odour products | Interior trim, seals | Low odour, plant based | LC Series (natural wood aroma) |
6.3 Difference between LC25 and LC25T
LC25T undergoes additional functional modification beyond LC25, delivering even more pronounced wet grip improvement – 0°C tanδ increased from 0.371 to 0.498 (LC25T 10) vs 0.413 for LC25 10. For applications demanding ultimate wet road safety, LC25T is the preferred choice; for overall performance balance, LC25 already offers excellent improvements.
7. Summary of Technical Value
The GreenThinking® LC Series bio based functional modifier delivers value across the following core dimensions:
Performance – Breaking the “Magic Triangle”:
- Wet grip improved by 11.3 41.5% (0°C tanδ) – safer wet braking.
- Rolling resistance reduced by 12.7 22.5% (60°C tanδ) – better fuel economy.
- Abrasion resistance improved by 3 11.9% (Lambourn) – longer tyre life.
- Ageing resistance improved by 10 40% (tear strength retention) – more reliable long term service.
Sustainability – Carbon reduction at source:
- 100% plant derived, renewable bio based material.
- Carbon footprint reduced by 30 50%, supporting carbon neutrality.
- Specific gravity reduced by ~1.6%, enabling tyre lightweighting.
- Natural wood aroma, suitable for low odour products.
Processing – Process friendly:
- T35 T5 interval extended by 41 51% – significantly improved processing safety, acting as an excellent plant based processing aid for rubber compounding.
- Minimal impact on cure rate – no major adjustment to curing systems.
- Can partially replace silica/carbon black, reducing dependence on fossil based fillers.
In an industry shift where green tyres are moving from “concept” to “standard”, the GreenThinking® LC Series offers a systematic solution that combines high performance, low carbon footprint, renewable sources, and process friendliness – a choice increasingly trusted by Bio Based Functional Modifier Manufacturers China and Suppliers, as well as Special Rubber chemical Manufacturers China and Suppliers.
Our Strength – Decades of Rubber Expertise & Innovation
With five wholly owned manufacturing facilities and nearly three decades of deep rooted experience in China’s rubber industry, we have cultivated unparalleled know how in rubber compounds, silicone rubber compounds, and rubber fillers. This robust technical foundation fuels our relentless pursuit of innovation and continuous R&D, enabling us to develop a series of specialty fillers that precisely address the most demanding customer requirements. We are not merely a manufacturer; we are a comprehensive rubber solution provider, committed to solving your most complex material challenges – from formulation optimisation to production scalability, and from performance enhancement to sustainability goals.
Technical FAQ
Q1: What is the essential difference between the LC Series bio based modifier and conventional petroleum based plasticisers/resins?
Brief answer: The LC Series is a 100% plant derived functional reinforcing modifier, not a simple plasticiser. Through the rigid aromatic ring structure of nano lignin and the lightweight reinforcement of nano cellulose, it achieves simultaneous optimisation of wet grip and rolling resistance – a function that conventional petroleum based plasticisers cannot provide.
In depth explanation:
Conventional petroleum based plasticisers (e.g., TDAE, aromatic oils) mainly soften the compound and improve processability, but often at the expense of mechanical properties and ageing resistance. Their mechanism is physical – intercalating between polymer chains to reduce intermolecular forces, making the compound softer.
The LC Series works completely differently:
- Chemical activity – the modified nano lignin contains abundant phenolic hydroxyl groups that can capture free radicals and decompose hydroperoxides, acting as a chemical antioxidant. This active functionality is absent in traditional plasticisers.
- Structural reinforcement – the rigid aromatic ring structure of nano lignin restricts polymer chain segment motion, improving wet grip without sacrificing modulus; nano cellulose provides lightweight reinforcement.
- Performance outcome – conventional plasticisers typically increase rolling resistance (by lowering modulus), whereas the LC Series reduces rolling resistance by 12.7 22.5% – the fundamental difference is that LC does not “soften” the compound but “optimises” its dynamic viscoelasticity.
Selection advice: If only processing flow improvement is needed, conventional plasticisers remain an economical choice. If you need to simultaneously improve wet grip, reduce rolling resistance, and enhance ageing resistance, the LC Series offers superior technical value – truly a bio based tire additive and low rolling resistance modifier.
Q2: How much silica or carbon black can the LC Series replace in a formulation, and will performance drop after replacement?
Brief answer: The LC Series can be used as a functional co filler at typical loadings of 5 30 phr, partially replacing silica and carbon black. Empirical data show that after replacement, wet grip, ageing resistance, and tear strength are significantly improved, rolling resistance is markedly reduced, and mechanical strength is maintained or even improved.
In depth explanation:
The LC Series is not a simple “1:1 filler replacement” but acts as a functional co filler synergistically with silica/carbon black. Its naturally porous structure and active functional groups enable stronger interfacial bonding with the rubber matrix.
Based on empirical data, the replacement effects are:
| Performance Dimension | Trend after replacement | Data Support |
| Wet grip (0°C tanδ) | Significantly improved | +11.3 41.5% |
| Rolling resistance (60°C tanδ) | Significantly reduced | -12.7 22.5% |
| Abrasion resistance (Lambourn) | Improved | +3 11.9% |
| Ageing resistance (tear retention) | Significantly improved | +10 40% |
| Tensile strength | Maintained or slightly better | Change after ageing improved from -16.7% to -3.2% |
| Specific gravity | Reduced | from 1.281 to 1.261 |
Recommended replacement strategy: Start with a gradient trial of 5 10 phr and gradually replace silica/carbon black while monitoring key performance indicators. The addition of LC Series does not necessarily require reducing other fillers – it is more of a performance optimizer than a “simple substitute”.
Q3: How does the LC Series affect processing safety and curing efficiency of rubber compounds?
Brief answer: The LC Series significantly improves processing safety (T35 T5 interval extended by 41 51%) while having minimal impact on cure rate, so no major adjustment to the curing system is required.
In depth explanation:
In rubber processing, scorch time (T5) and processing safety window (T35 T5) are key indicators. A longer T35 T5 means the compound maintains flowability for a longer time at processing temperatures, offering a wider operating window and lower scorch risk.
From the curing data:
| Test Item | Control | LC25 10 | LC25T 10 | LC25 20 | LC25T 20 |
| T5 (min) | 13.23 | 12.78 | 19.46 | 13.57 | 17.61 |
| T35 (min) | 20.99 | 23.20 | 31.15 | 24.89 | 26.80 |
| T35 T5 (min) | 7.76 | 10.42 | 11.69 | 11.32 | 9.19 |
| Improvement | – | +34% | +51% | +46% | +18% |
LC25T 10 extends T35 T5 from 7.76 min to 11.69 min – an improvement of 51%. This means:
- Wider processing temperature window – greater tolerance in extrusion, calendering, injection moulding.
- Lower scorch risk – especially in hot summer workshops or during prolonged mixing.
- Better batch to batch consistency – processing time variations have less impact on final properties.
At the same time, T90 (optimum cure time) varies within a narrow range (10.29 11.45 min), indicating that no major adjustment to the curing system is needed – lower switchover cost and faster validation cycles for formulators. This confirms the LC Series as an effective plant based processing aid for rubber compounding.
Q4: How does the LC Series affect long term thermal ageing and dynamic fatigue life of rubber products?
Brief answer: Through its phenolic hydroxyl free radical trapping mechanism and reduction of dynamic heat build up, the LC Series significantly improves thermal ageing resistance and dynamic fatigue life. After 100°C×48h heat ageing, tear strength retention improves by over 40%.
In depth explanation:
During long term service, rubber products undergo combined thermal, oxidative, and dynamic stress, leading to chain scission and crosslinking – manifested as hardening, cracking, and loss of strength. The LC Series addresses this from two levels:
First, chemical active protection.
The phenolic hydroxyl groups of lignin act as natural free radical scavengers and hydroperoxide decomposers. During thermal oxidative ageing:
- Step 1: phenolic hydroxyl traps alkyl radicals (R·) , interrupting the oxidative chain reaction.
- Step 2: phenolic hydroxyl decomposes hydroperoxides (ROOH) into stable non radical products.
This dual mechanism makes the LC Series function as a chemical antioxidant – not relying on migration and depletion of conventional amine or phenolic type antioxidants, but achieving long lasting protection through chemical bonding within the rubber matrix.
Second, physical heat build up reduction.
Under dynamic strain, the LC Series promotes chain slippage and rearrangement, reducing internal frictional heat. Lower heat build up means:
- The rate of thermal oxidative ageing is reduced (Arrhenius: reaction rate increases exponentially with temperature).
- The temperature rise of the rubber matrix is diminished, and thermal accumulation is weakened.
Empirical validation (after 100°C×48h ageing):
| Test Item | Control change | LC25 20 change | Improvement |
| Tear strength | -58.8% | -34.9% | +40.6% |
| Tensile strength | -16.7% | -3.2% | +13.5% |
| Hardness increase | +13 points | +4 points | 9 points |
Conclusion: For rubber products that must serve long term under high temperature, dynamic conditions (e.g., truck tyres, industrial conveyor belts, engine mounts), the LC Series not only provides immediate performance gains but also significantly extends the effective service life through the dual mechanism of chemical protection and physical cooling.
Technical Support & Contact
For detailed experimental data, formulation recommendations, or customised solutions for specific rubber systems (SSBR, BR, NR, EPDM, etc.) or particular service conditions, please contact the technical team at Xuanluo New Materials (Sanezen Group).
Email: yorichen@sanezen.com
Web: www.sanezenrubber.com
English 
Spanish 
Russian