Today's News
Goodyear announces plans for a $320 million expansion of Oklahoma plant
This ambitious project is part of a $320 million, four-year investment designed to enhance the plant’s capabilities to meet the growing demand for larger rim-diameter tires, which are higher-profit and higher-margin products. The expansion will focus on producing tires for electric and autonomous vehicles, aligning with Goodyear’s strategic goals to cater to emerging automotive technologies.
Smithers celebrates 100 years of excellence in client commitment and integrity
Founded on April 7, 1925 by Vernon Smithers, Smithers began as an independent tire testing company in a three-bay garage on Sweitzer Avenue in Akron, Ohio, and has since grown into a multi-national company with 27 sites worldwide that provides data, information, inspection, consulting, and certification services to over 15 different industries. With a legacy of being the first independent tire testing company, the Smithers journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence, adaptability to market trends, and an unwavering focus on client satisfaction.
Bridgestone announces layoffs at two Spanish plants amid market challenges
Bridgestone Hispania Manufacturing has announced a significant workforce reduction at two of its tire plants in Spain, citing profound changes in the European tire market. The company plans to initiate a collective dismissal procedure affecting over 500 employees at its facilities in Puente San Miguel (Cantabria) and Basauri (Bizkaia).
Trelleborg acquires sealing profiles specialist National Gummi AB
The business portfolio comprises extruded rubber profiles and gaskets for niche construction, industrial and automotive applications. Sales in 2024 amounted to just over SEK 150 M, principally in Northern Europe. Production operations are located in Halmstad, Sweden. The acquisition forms part of Trelleborg’s strategy to develop leading positions within attractive segments.
General Science becomes state-controlled entity following major share transfer
Chinese tire maker General Science has transitioned to a state-controlled entity. This change comes after the Hongdou Group transferred 24.5% of its shares in General Science to Jiangsu Soho Holding Group, a company under the control of the Jiangsu provincial authority.
Registration and housing now open for the Global Polymer Summit 2025
The Global Polymer Summit is the most valuable destination for attendees to expand their network, learn from experts and explore business opportunities. The merging of the International Elastomer Conference (IEC) and the International Tire Exposition & Conference (ITEC) into one creates an event where all the best companies and programming will be together in one location. It bridges the tire and rubber industries through comprehensive technical programming, engaging discussions and a dynamic all-in-one event.
Featured Articles
MgO additive adjusts curing times in a silica filled light colored rubber compound
By using magnesium oxide (MgO) as a
reinforcing filler, it is possible to
significantly reduce the curing time of
light colored silica filled compounds.
Mixing
MgO additive adjusts curing times in a silica filled light colored rubber compound
By using magnesium oxide (MgO) as a
reinforcing filler, it is possible to
significantly reduce the curing time of
light colored silica filled compounds.
Chemicals and Materials
Lanxess sustainable antioxidant Vulkanox HS Scopeblue produces longer-lasting tires
LANXESS’ new rubber additive Vulkanox HS Scopeblue supports tire manufacturers in producing more sustainable, longer-lasting tires and in achieving their sustainability goals. The antidegradant from the specialty chemicals company is the sustainable variant of the proven antioxidant Vulkanox HS (TMQ), which tire manufacturers use to effectively protect their products from adverse effects of oxygen and heat. The additive is also characterized by low volatility and low migration tendency.
Extrusion
Enhancing extruded automotive door seals
Friction induced noise in automotive door seals is mitigated with highly durable water-based coatings having a low coefficient of friction.
Silicone & Medical
Wevo presents new silicone gels for electronics and electrical engineering
One of the key advantages of the newly developed silicone gels from WEVO-CHEMIE GmbH is their viscosity, which is up to 50% lower than standard products available in the market. Additionally, these gels offer a range of adaptable material properties suitable for both large and relatively small volumes, tailored to meet specific component and customer requirements. Examples include the pot life and curing time necessary for efficient production, as well as the penetration hardness for optimal protection against challenging ambient conditions. For instance, the room-temperature-vulcanizing (RTV-2) silicones provide reliable moisture protection for electronic components.
Oil, Gas & Energy
Advanced perfluoroelastomers: The preferred sealing solution for oil and gas
The technology for sealing has considerably advanced since it was first developed in the late 1800s. It is crucial to
Testing & Instruments
Researchers develop soft sensor system to study rubber components
A research team from the University of Akron, supported by funding from Hyundai NGV, has developed a soft sensor system designed to study the behavior of rubber components in automotive pneumatic systems. This academic effort, published in Smart Materials and Structures on February 27, 2025, represents a step towards advancing knowledge, as no prior research has specifically explored the use of soft sensors to examine rubber performance in this context.
Molding
SimForm expands capabilities to include compression molding tool design
SimForm has been a game-changer in injection molding, offering users the ability to quickly & easily predict temperatures, optimize cooling channel placement, and improve the quality of molded parts in an entirely new way. With the extension to compression molding, SimForm continues to lead the way in mold design innovation. This new feature allows users to leverage the same intuitive, fast, affordable, cloud-based platform to design tools for compression molding.
Thermoplastic Elastomers & Urethanes
Polyurethane with shape memory: From foil to foam
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP have developed a foil that changes into polyurethane foam (PU foam) when heated – entirely without health risks. The foil allows for isocyanate-free foaming, thus improving workplace safety. Additionally, it offers logistics advantages for storage and transportation. The material can be customized for various applications ranging from the automotive and construction industries to packaging.
Latex and Natural Rubber
China unveils AI-powered rubber-tapping robots to address labor shortages
Hainan, China – In a groundbreaking move to tackle labor shortages in the natural rubber industry, the Chinese Academy of
The March Issue of Rubber World
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This issue focuses on
Custom Mixing and Compounding
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