The research group’s function within the Research & Development Division is the molecular design of new organic and organometallic compounds for all industries served by R.T. Vanderbilt Company. Particular emphasis is placed on innovative additives for petroleum and rubber products, based mainly on derivatives of dithiocarbamate, dithiophosphate, dimercaptothiadiazole, and mercaptotoluimidazole. The organic research laboratories are engaged in confidential cooperative research with both our customers and suppliers worldwide.

Recent innovations include:

• An environmentally friendly, biodegradable and heavy metal-free, thiadiazole derived ashless extreme pressure additive for greases. (VANLUBE^® 972).
  
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• A thiadiazole derived, oxidation resistant antiwear-dispersant motor oil additive that
  directly coordinates with the metal surface rather than decomposing to a protective layer, as do phosphorous additives. (VANLUBE 871).
  
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• A thiadiazole derived curative that provides shorter cure times than ethylene thiourea (ETU), an exceptionally flat cure plateau, and up to 4 times the scorch time of ETU in polychloroprene.
  
  
• A nitrogen free (to preclude nitrosamine generation) alkyldithiophosphate accelerator that prevents reversion of natural rubber compounds.
  
  
• A tin-containing polyphenylether antioxidant that dramatically increases the operating temperature of aviation lubricants.