Tetramer Technologies is proud to announce the receipt of a $100,000 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This funding will enable our team to develop innovative biorenewable additives for tire rubber, designed to replace 6PPD, a widely used anti-degradant linked to significant environmental toxicity. (See EPA Announcement here)
6PPD is critical in extending the lifespan of vehicle tires by protecting them from degradation caused by ozone, heat, and oxygen. However, its breakdown product, 6PPD-quinone, has been shown to have toxic effects on aquatic life and raise environmental health concerns. Recognizing the pressing need for sustainable alternatives, Tetramer is utilizing a proprietary platform of tunable biobased derivatives. These additives aim to offer comparable or enhanced protection against ozone, UV radiation, and thermal degradation while aligning with the performance demands of the tire industry.
Dr. Monika Mujkic, the project’s Principal Investigator, emphasized, “We are excited to advance the development of sustainable rubber additives that not only meet the performance demands of the tire industry but also address pressing environmental concerns associated with traditional chemicals.”
Tetramer’s CEO, Michelle DiMaio, added, “This EPA SBIR funding is a big step for our team. We’re excited to begin work on developing innovative solutions for the tire industry that meet performance demands without sacrificing sustainability.”
The EPA’s SBIR program is designed to support small businesses in advancing technologies that protect human health and the environment. This grant represents a significant step forward in Tetramer’s ongoing mission to bring groundbreaking materials solutions from the lab to the market. By addressing the environmental challenges associated with 6PPD, Tetramer is contributing to a future where high-performance materials can coexist with sustainability.
