Anas (FS Italiane Group) has developed a prototype motorcyclist safety device in recycled rubber from end-of-life tyres.
The innovative prototype of a motorcyclist safety device was conceived and designed in-house by Anas and made with rubber compounds recycled from ELTs from the Ecopneus supply chain with the collaboration of the Proge Plast company
The project stems from Anas’ desire to implement increasingly safe and sustainable roads for all users,: thanks to the elasticity and shock absorption capacity of the rubber compounds recycled from ELTs, the new prototype device from Anas ensures maximum safety in cases of impact with the motorcyclist’s body, limiting serious injuries and eliminating maintenance interventions, thanks to the ability of the barrier to return to its original shape following the impact
The Anas project tested, in a test field certified in accordance with UNI CENT TS 17342, and obtained excellent results, for a new prototype of an eco-friendly safety device that protects motorcyclists in the event of an accident.
The D.s.m.U Ecofriendly Anas project was studied and designed in house by Anas, in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Florence for the verification of finite element operation, the Proge Plast company for the realisation of the prototypes, and Ecopneus for the materials part.
Since the first tests were carried out, the prototype has achieved excellent results, achieving performance characteristics of maximum safety in cases of impact with the motorcyclist’s body and capable of limiting serious injuries, also adapting to tight curve radii. Thanks to the combination of design and the use of the rubber compound recycled from ELTs for its construction, the device ensures multiple advantages: it is flexible and modular, adaptable to the different radii of curvature of the road; easy to install, thanks to a hooking system to the post of the road barrier, it guarantees continuity on the road, by virtue of the interlocking connection system between the various elements and does not require maintenance or repairs following a collision, thanks to the elasticity conferred by the recycled rubber which allows the device to return to its original shape. The Anas research activity continues with the validation of the new prototype installed on discontinuous road barriers according to the tests of the EN 1317 standard.
“We are proud to have supported Anas and have made our know-how available for this ambitious project, in line with Ecopneus‘ vision always oriented towards the future and innovation,” said Serena Sgarioto Innovation Manager Ecopneus. “The results obtained from the tests demonstrate, once again, how rubber recycled from ELTs, in combination with thermoplastic materials in the compounds, is a resource and a high-performance, sustainable and functional solution for many sectors.
In road safety, the use of recycled rubber in the motorcyclist safety device can make a difference thanks to the shock absorption properties of the material, which ensures greater protection for the user. An innovation also in terms of durability and sustainability, as the elasticity of the rubber allows the device to maintain its original shape even after impact, thus eliminating maintenance costs”.
The compounds in recycled rubber from ELTs are born from the union of recycled rubber in combination with thermoplastic materials, capable of combining technical performance and quality, enhancing the elasticity and shock absorption of recycled rubber and, last but not least, sustainability.
The advantages are concrete: more resistant, versatile products with lower costs.
