NOK Develops New Biomass Material for Urethane Packing, Balancing 48% Biomass Content with 'Iron Rubber' Elasticity and Toughness

NOK Develops New Biomass Material for Urethane Packing

NOK Corporation (Headquarters: Shiba-Daimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President & Group CEO: Masao Tsuru) has newly developed a biomass material for urethane packing (polyurethane elastomer) that achieves a biomass content of 48%.

By replacing a portion of the main urethane raw materials from petroleum-based to plant-derived polymers, this material reduces CO2 emissions during raw material production by approximately 48% compared to conventional materials. It also maintains the characteristic rubber-like elasticity and resin-like toughness of the company's flagship 'Iron Rubber', achieving a balance between environmental performance and material performance.

Packing molded from this material contributes to reducing environmental impact by preventing oil leaks in hydraulic equipment (such as eco-friendly cylinders) that use biodegradable hydraulic fluid.

### Background of Development

In recent years, amid growing interest in decarbonization and environmental conservation, efforts toward 'sustainable manufacturing' through oil-free processes and reduced environmental impact are required in the materials field as well. The newly developed 'biomass material for urethane packing' is a material that simultaneously achieves 'carbon neutrality' through high biomass content and a 'circular economy' through compatibility with biodegradable hydraulic fluids.

During development, there were technical challenges, as increasing the ratio of plant-derived polymers made stable molding and curing difficult, hindering the achievement of 'Iron Rubber' performance. Furthermore, biodegradable hydraulic fluid tends to cause excessive swelling of packing, leading to wear, which required ensured durability. NOK overcame these challenges to realize a material that functions as a biomass product while retaining 'Iron Rubber' characteristics and maintaining durability against biodegradable hydraulic fluid.

### Features of the Biomass Material for Urethane Packing

- Balance of Environmental and Basic Performance: Retains the original durability and sealing properties of urethane while achieving high biomass content. - Realization of Eco-friendly Cylinders: Can be used as packing for construction machinery operating in areas where oil leaks could directly cause environmental pollution (such as forests and waterfronts). - Biomass Mark Certification: Has already acquired the 'Biomass Mark' (Certification Number: 250132) from the Japan Organic Resources Association (JORA).

Under its mission, 'Essential Core Manufacturing', the NOK Group continues to provide technologies and products to all industrial sectors, including mobility (automobiles), electronic equipment, medical devices, and industrial robots.