ABSTRACT
The technological and industrial growths spurred by the relentless drive of mankind to tame Nature and to make the environment conducive for the survival of humans are not without its shortcomings. With rampant industrialization, the unique ecological balance existing in Nature was severely disturbed and so the recent trend in minimizing environmental damage is of utmost concern. Even though elastomer constitutes a measly 8% by component weight in a modern automobile, it is an extremely indispensable material from the engineering and design viewpoint. Elastomer is the only material that possesses the unique capability of undergoing repeated deformation and restoration. People in the global elastomer industry are continuously working with non-petro-based materials to reach a significant breakthrough to reduce petroleum-based raw material to less than 30%. The trends in environmental research will be considered on the basis of polymers, fillers, oil, and other processing aids, reinforcing fabrics, other chemicals, and recycling technology.
