Soy-based additives increase elastomer sustainability, without affecting rodent gnawing

The effect of soybean oil additives on the extent of gnawing by mice was tested on 12 elastomer formulations. The elastomers tested were natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, ethylene-propylene diene monomer, and flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Various combinations of epoxidized soybean oil, degummed soybean oil, high oleic soybean oil or styrenated soybean oil plasticizers were used to replace petrochemical-based plasticizers. Extensive gnawing was noted only on plaques made of PVC, and the inclusion of soybean oil or its derivatives did not affect rodent gnawing on any formulation.