Docket Number: 8704
Serial Number: 10977988

Technology Description:   Agricultural Research Service scientists discovered a method using defatted soy products to improve the strength of rubber products.  Defatted soy   products do not contain soybean oil.  All of the steps and the equipment for ARS’s method are the same as current commercial practices.  However, ARS’s method uses defatted soy flour (DSF) in place of carbon black, which is used in automobile tires and other products to increase their mechanical strength.  This invention can be used in various industries such as rubber, plastic, and coatings to significantly improve the strength and biodegradability of a variety of polymer products.  Polymer products include components that are made of rubber and plastic.    Various organic and inorganic fillers, such as carbon black, have been used to reinforce polymer materials.  The advantage of using this technology versus other conventional fillers is that defatted soy products give a higher reinforcement effect in rubbers at a comparative or lower cost.  The advantage is a cost saving by partial replacement of carbon black.  The technology provides a high performance and low cost alternative to petroleum based carbon black and other inorganic fillers.  It also improves the biodegradability of cross-linked rubbers that are known to be difficult to recycle or dispose.   Reference:   Please refer to S.N. 10/977,988 (Docket #0087.04), “Material Compositions for Reinforcing Ionic Polymer Composites,” which was filed on October 29, 2004.  Foreign rights are available.   Inventor:   Lei Jong Cereal Products and Food Science    Research Peoria, IL  61604 Phone: (309) 681-6240 / Fax: (309) 681-6685 jongl@ncaur.usda.gov