Today's News
Lianda Corporation adds rubber cure accelerator DOTG (Di-ortho-tolyl guanidine) to specialty chemical lineup
Lianda Corporation recently added rubber cure accelerator DOTG (Di-ortho-tolyl guanidine) to its specialty chemical lineup.
A Lianda customer reached out for help due to unavailability of DOTG. The Lianda source team was able to utilize its sourcing network and quickly identified a reliable source for DOTG. Emergency shipments are being arranged to help the customer maintain production.
DESMA names Dr. Michael Zaun interim commerical managing director
The Commercial Managing Director of Klöckner DESMA Elastomertechnik GmbH, Mr. Siegfried Köhler, has left the company at his own request as of 15.04.2024. Salzgitter AG had appointed Mr. Köhler as Managing Director for Service and Sales until 1.10.2023. Due to unexpected private circumstances, Mr. Siegfried Köhler feels compelled to cease his activities as Managing Director of DESMA Elastomertechnik with immediate effect.
Dr. Michael Zaun, Managing Director of DESMA since September 2022, will take over Mr. Köhler’s business responsibilities on an interim basis until a successor is appointed.
Engel reports 6 percent decline for fiscal year
The ENGEL Group concluded the fiscal year with a slight decline in turnover of approx. -6% compared to the previous year. “The volume in the injection molding machine market has fallen by up to -40% according to various association figures. ENGEL has succeeded in gaining shares in a shrinking market – a trend consistent with observations from previous economic contractions,” comments Stefan Engleder, CEO of the ENGEL Group, on the turnover of around 1.6 billion EUR. The Business Units Medical and Packaging made a significant contribution to this development. Demand for the production of diabetes therapy products remains high, especially in the American region, while the packaging industry is experiencing a boom in Europe due to new regulations. The after-sales business also manifested positive growth, with a surge of almost +15% compared to the previous year.
Elkem elects Bo Li as new chair of the board of directors
Following Elkem’s annual general meeting on 18 April 2024, the board has decided to elect Bo Li as the new Chair. Bo Li is also Chair of the board of China National Bluestar (Bluestar), Elkem’s majority shareholder, and a subsidiary of Sinochem.
Yokohama holds ground breaking event for new tire plant in Mexico
Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. held a groundbreaking event on April 15 for its new consumer/light truck tire plant at the Alianza Industrial Park in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. The event was well attended by a crowd of state and local officials, as well as management from Yokohama companies, including YRC Chairman and CEO Masataka Yamishi; Yokohama Corporation North America (YCNA) CEO Shinichi Takimoto; and Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) President and CEO Jeff Barna.
Ansell to acquire Kimberly-Clark’s personal protective equipment business
Ansell announced it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% of the assets that constitute Kimberly-Clark’s Personal Protective Equipment business (KCPPE) for US$640 million.
The Acquisition is expected to complete by September 2024, subject to satisfaction of antitrust approval and other customary closing conditions.
Featured Articles
Styrenic thermoplastic elastomers for efficient foams for the automotive sector
Effects of using hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS) to improve the properties of a foamed commodity polypropylene for automotive applications are presented.
Mixing
Silane modified low molecular weight liquid polymers in sulfur cured mixtures of styrene butadiene copolymers and silica
Global emissions of greenhouse gases from trucks and passenger cars are influenced by the deformation energy and friction losses of tires. It is mostly associated with the rolling resistance between the tire tread and the road surface. For this reason, the rolling resistance is considered one of the most important performance indicators (that is, targeted to be reduced) within the tire industry.
Chemicals and Materials
The United States Environmental Protection Agency issues new rules for chloroprene emissions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule that will significantly reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants, including ethylene oxide and chloroprene. Once implemented, the rule will reduce both EtO and chloroprene emissions from covered processes and equipment by nearly 80%. A requirement for these facilities to conduct fence line monitoring for key toxic chemicals is included, and EPA will make the data publicly available to better inform and safeguard nearby communities.
Extrusion
Continuous extrusion processes for elastomeric materials
Principal methods for processing elastomeric materials are reviewed, including continuous extrusion and what is described as multi-step extrusion.
Silicone & Medical
Silicones’ role in decarbonization studied
A study to identify and quantify silicones’ contributions to the EU Green Deal’s ambitions to become climate neutral by 2050 reveals an annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission saving potential of 96.4 metric tons (MT) in 2030. This is equivalent to the carbon footprint of 36 million people’s electricity consumption (for reference, Poland has 37 million inhabitants). These savings are projected to be 42.6 MT by 2050 for silicone-using technologies compared to non-silicones alternatives.
Oil, Gas & Energy
Low temperature seals for oil and gas applications
Low temperature
seals for oil and gas
applications
Testing & Instruments
ACE Laboratories completes installation of its new wiper blade testing system
ACE Laboratories has announced another new testing capability. This latest addition provides the ability to test and analyze windshield wiper blades and wipe systems.
The custom engineered testing system allows ACE to include energy consumption analysis as part of the testing protocol in addition to traditional durability analysis. ACE’s testing system also allows for customization to nearly all windshield types with angle and pressure controls to ensure testing is completed according to OEM specifications.
Molding
Molecular Rebar with Aflas for improved physical properties
Molecular Rebar in Aflas FEPM, when used in an Aflas compound formulation, results in improved tear toughness and high temperature modulus retention.
Thermoplastic Elastomers & Urethanes
UK researchers introduce degradable bonds into thermoset polymers for easier recycling
Researchers made a series of polymer gels with breakable bonds incorporated into different parts of the structure, and tested whether the properties changed after the gel was degraded and reformed.
The researchers hope this model system can be applied to other types of polymers, including adhesives, sealants and elastomers.
Latex and Natural Rubber
Harvard researchers increase fatigue threshold of reinforced rubber
Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have increased the fatigue threshold of particle-reinforced rubber, developing a new, multiscale approach that allows the material to bear high loads and resist crack growth over repeated use. This approach could not only increase the longevity of rubber products such as tires but also reduce the amount of pollution from rubber particles shed during use.
The April Issue of Rubber World
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This issue focuses on
Automotive Elastomers
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