That starts off with a "junk shot, " in which material such as rubber tires and golf balls is pumped into the shut-off valve, or blowout preventer, that sits atop the well.

WSJ: Spill Fight Shows Progress

Optim insulation is a hybrid material that combines the biostability and flexibility of high-performance silicone rubber with the strength, tear resistance and abrasion resistance of polyurethane, to provide increased durability and flexibility.

FORBES: St Jude Withdraws Older LV CRT Leads From Market

The company, which currently gets most of its rubber from a plantation in Liberia, is also exploring other natural materials for producing the raw material for tires, including Russian dandelions and a native Southeast bush called guayule.

FORBES: How Bridgestone's Innovative New Tires Will Save You Fuel