Today's News
Arlanxeo celebrates groundbreaking of new Therban HNBR plant in China
ARLANXEO held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Therban® hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) plant in Changzhou, China. With a nameplate annual production capacity of 5,000 tons, the first phase of construction will allow for the production of 2,500 tons of high-quality rubber per year. The plant is expected to begin operations in the third quarter of 2025.
Ryan Waldron has been named president of the Goodyear’s Americas business unit
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced that Ryan Waldron has been named president of the company’s Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.
Yokohama Geolander X-CV tires are original equipment on Toyota Land Cruiser
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced that it is supplying its GEOLANDAR X-CV (pattern number: G057) and GEOLANDAR A/T G31 tires as original equipment (OE) to Toyota Motor Corporation for use on the automaker’s new SUVs , the 250 series Land Cruiser, which launched worldwide in April 2024. The new SUVs are being fitted with two sizes of GEOLANDAR X-CV–245/70R18 110H and 265/60R20 112H–and two sizes of GEOLANDAR A/T G31–245/70R18 110H and 265/65R18 114V.
Swiss researchers develop 3D-printable double network granular elastomers
EPFL researchers are targeting the next generation of soft actuators and robots with an elastomer-based ink for 3D printing objects with locally changing mechanical properties, eliminating the need for cumbersome mechanical joints.
Leibinger develops specialized ink for extruded PVC cable marking
EIBINGER announces the developed a special ink for cable marking and meter marking of extruded goods, one that adheres reliably to PVC materials. This ink is resistant to plasticizers which means it can prevent the effect described above of accidental transfer prints. With a Blue Wool Scale (BWS) ranking of 8, it also possesses exceptional UV stability.
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.
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
Leibinger develops specialized ink for extruded PVC cable marking
EIBINGER announces the developed a special ink for cable marking and meter marking of extruded goods, one that adheres reliably to PVC materials. This ink is resistant to plasticizers which means it can prevent the effect described above of accidental transfer prints. With a Blue Wool Scale (BWS) ranking of 8, it also possesses exceptional UV stability.
Silicone & Medical
Swiss researchers develop 3D-printable double network granular elastomers
EPFL researchers are targeting the next generation of soft actuators and robots with an elastomer-based ink for 3D printing objects with locally changing mechanical properties, eliminating the need for cumbersome mechanical joints.
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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Automotive Elastomers
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