Presenters Name: Dr Swati Sharma
Employment Title: R&D/Quality Assurance Manager
Company: NuTech P/L
Biography: Dr Swati Sharma is a seasoned R&D scientist and Quality Control Manager in the coatings industry, bringing over a decade of expertise in paint manufacturing. Holding a PhD in Chemistry, she specialises in end-to-end coating formulation from research and development to large-scale production. Her experience spans architectural and exterior coatings, with niche proficiency in tinter manufacturing and paint recycling. Swati is recognised for translating complex chemical principles into practical industrial solutions that drive innovation and sustainability across the coatings sector
Presentation Title: Recycled Rubber-based Surface Coatings for the Automotive Sector: A Circular Economy Approach
Presentation Abstract: The production of paint involves the use of resources and energy and generates substantial waste. However, the paint formulation can be used to consume waste from different industries, such as tyres. This project outlines the development of a novel, high-performance surface coating for the automotive sector, derived from locally sourced Australian end-of-life tyres (EOLT). The overarching technical approach involves using recycled rubber, followed by its integration into a proprietary polymer matrix to formulate a robust, flexible and affordable coating system. Achieving superior performance will depend on optimising particle size, surface modification, and functionalisation of the recycled rubber to ensure excellent interfacial adhesion and dispersion within the base resin.
The resulting coating will be tested in accordance with automotive standards, including gravelometer, scratch resistance, and UV-accelerated testing. It is expected that the novel developed coating will deliver enhanced properties, including superior abrasion resistance, impact mitigation, and noise and vibration damping (NVH), compared with conventional coatings. This innovation directly addresses the significant domestic challenge of EOLT waste management and aligns with Australian circular-economy goals by creating a high-value product from a problematic waste stream.
For the tyre industry, this technology establishes a high-tier domestic market for processed rubber, supporting local stewardship initiatives such as Tyre Stewardship Australia and reducing reliance on virgin materials. For the coating sector, this project demonstrates a significant technical advancement in the valorisation of rubber waste, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and technically superior alternative for protecting and finishing automotive components.
