KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB), the leading agency in nanotechnology and advanced solutions commercialisation platform under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), and GIIB Rubber Compound Sdn Bhd, a rubber compound producer and a wholly owned subsidiary of GIIB Holdings Berhad, have collaborated to develop an improved and optimised rubber compound formulation using Graphene-M15 to improve the mechanical properties of pre-cured tread liner.
 
Graphene M-15 is a type of graphene nanoplatelet incorporated into pre-cured tread liners rubber compound, more commonly known as tire flowers, to enhance rubber compounds' mechanical properties in abrasion resistance, tensile strength, hardness, and tear strength, among others.
 
This is the first Graphene infused pre-cured tread liner developed in Malaysia. The new rubber compound formulation has been demonstrated to have better mechanical properties and higher durability to tackle problems such as abrasion loss and high rolling resistance, inadequate abrasion resistance and reduced uses of high amounts of carbon black, which are not environmentally friendly. The improved high-performance rubber compound is used in various industries, including automotive, construction, energy and oil.
 
NanoMalaysia Berhad Chief Executive Officer Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad said: “Graphene in pre-cured tread liners has been shown during project execution to reduce rolling resistance for improved energy efficiency, extend the life span of tires and be used in diverse climates or extreme road conditions. Energy efficiency improvements will reduce carbon emissions in line with one of Malaysia’s National Energy Policy 2022-2040 key targets. In other words, there is a vast opportunity to increase the production capacity of our tire industry to facilitate export to other countries to meet global demands and become a market leader in producing energy-efficient, safe and long-lasting tires. The deployment of such advanced tires will be made through our Venture Builder return of investment model”.
 
The APAC industrial rubber market was valued at USD$36.1 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach USD$55.4 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 5.5% during 2017-2025. Meanwhile, the Malaysian industrial rubber market, valued at RM1.18 billion in 2017, is expected to grow to RM1.7 billion in 2025. This suggests an increasing demand for industrial rubber products due to rising worldwide motor vehicle production and sales. Significant growth is expected in emerging economies such as Malaysia, India, Thailand, and Brazil, resulting in increased demand for rubber products.
 
The development of this technology also aligns with the core values of Malaysia Madani, specifically in Sustainability, Prosperity and Innovation and United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Partnerships for the Goals.
 
About NanoMalaysia Berhad Group of Companies 

NanoMalaysia Berhad was incorporated in 2011 as a company limited by guarantee (CLBG) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) to act as a business entity entrusted with nanotechnology commercialisation and industrialisation activities, development of EV components technology and spearheading the hydrogen economy through NanoMalaysia's Venture Builder model with academia, institutions and industries to achieve sustainability, prosperity and Technology Sovereignty for Malaysia.
 
Source: NanoMalaysia Berhad

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Email: corporateaffairs@nanomalaysia.com.my 

--BERNAMA