Today's News
Rubber Division, ACS technical training and scholarship deadline is March 1st
Rubber Division, ACS offers a Rubber Technology Training Award for an individual already in the rubber industry seeking additional education and opportunities for advancement. They also have three $5,000 undergraduate scholarships available for students who wish to pursue a degree in rubber technology, polymer science or the chemical profession.
Continental appoints Karin Dohm as future CFO for automotive
Continental’s Automotive group sector has appointed Karin Dohm as the future CFO to continue driving forward its already started path to independence. The current chief financial officer of the Hornbach Group will strengthen the Automotive team from April 1, 2025. She is designated to take over responsibility for the Executive Board function for Accounting, Controlling, Treasury, Tax, Mergers & Acquisitions and Real Estate Management, Investor Relations and IT of the future independent Automotive business alongside the designated CEO Philipp von Hirschheydt. The Executive Board for the Automotive business is scheduled to be finally appointed after the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting of Continental AG has given the necessary approval to the spin-off on April 25, 2025.
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada announces the addition of BKT Tires Canada Inc.
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada announces the addition of BKT Tires Canada Inc., as its newest member joining a leading group of 26 manufacturers, importers, and recyclers shaping the future of the tire industry in Canada. BKT Tires (Balkrishna Industries Ltd.; www.bkt-tires.com) offers a full range of off-highway tires specially designed for equipment in the OTR, Agricultural, and Industrial sectors.
Registration is now open for 2025 AMAP March educational workshop
The 2025 AMAP March Educational Workshop will be held March 4-6, 2025, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas DFW Airport South in Irving, Texas. This event offers an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and organizations in the industry while gaining valuable insights from educational sessions led by renowned industry experts.
H.B. Fuller reports positive fourth quarter
The Company’s net revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 was $923 million, up 2.3% versus the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Organic revenue declined 0.2% year-on-year, with pricing adjustments reducing organic revenue by 1.5% and volume increasing organic revenue by 1.3%. Foreign currency translation decreased net revenue by 0.2%, and acquisitions increased net revenue by 2.7%.
China National Tire & Rubber to build car tire plant in Egypt
China National Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd, the company behind brands such as Pirelli, Prometeon, and Aeolus, has announced plans to build a new car tire manufacturing plant in Egypt. This development was confirmed following a meeting between Egypt’s Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and Wang Jianjun, Chairman of China National Tire & Rubber, on January 13, 2025.
Featured Articles
Maximizing mold utilization: The case for semi-permanent release agents
By varying the microstructure of a mold coating, it is possible to influence the surface appearance of a rubber part.
Mixing
Utilization of AI driven solutions for rubber compound formulation: A practical approach
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various industrial sectors has spurred remarkable progress in the field of manufacturing process development. This concept has been extended to polymer compound formulations, where AI techniques have been used to optimize rubber formulations as well. Furthermore, it is conceivable that mixtures of other polymers, such as TPEs, thermoplastic materials or polyurethane compounds, could be similarly treated. Advantages of employing AI driven tools include reduced development time, enhanced efficiency and increased accuracy.
Chemicals and Materials
University of Virginia researchers solve a nearly 200-year-old challenge in polymers
Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new design that appears to rewrite the textbook on polymer engineering.
“We are addressing a fundamental challenge that has been thought to be impossible to solve since the invention of vulcanized rubber in 1839,” said Liheng Cai, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering, and chemical engineering.
That’s when Charles Goodyear accidentally discovered that heating natural rubber with sulfur created chemical crosslinks between the strand-like rubber molecules. This crosslinking process creates a polymer network, transforming the sticky rubber, which melts and flows in the heat, into a durable, elastic material.
Ever since, it’s been believed that if you want to make a polymer network material stiff, you have to sacrifice some stretchability.
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
Carbice and Dow partner to enhance thermal management of electronics
Dow and Carbice have a groundbreaking partnership to offer advanced thermal interface materials for various industries, including mobility, industrial, consumer electronics, and semiconductors. Unveiled at The Battery Show North America in 2024, this partnershipopens in a new tab combines decades of Dow’s silicone expertise with aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) technology from Carbice. The collaboration supports innovation for diverse applications through thermal management solutions that are reliable, affordable, and customizable.
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
Smithers invests in simulated on-vehicle acceleration testing machine in Suzhou laboratory
Smithers has announced that it has invested in a state-of-the-art simulated on-vehicle acceleration testing (SOVAT) machine. This new testing capability was recently launched at the Smithers Suzhou, China laboratory with full machine demonstrations and tire testing training for attendees.
The SOVAT machine is the result of working with vehicle and tire manufacturers to understand their tire testing pain points. On-vehicle tire testing can be time-consuming and inconsistent, driving the need for faster, more repeatable methods for treadwear, chip and chunk, road hazard endurance, and break-in testing. With the SOVAT machine, clients now have an indoor, repeatable option to conduct this testing, providing results in a fraction of the time.
Molding
Maximizing mold utilization: The case for semi-permanent release agents
By varying the microstructure of a mold coating, it is possible to influence the surface appearance of a rubber part.
Thermoplastic Elastomers & Urethanes
Unique features of plasticizer-free soft TPU made with bio-based polyol from 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol and sebacic acid
by Shun Okura, Kunio Mayahara and Hoan Tran, Kuraray Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a multiblock copolymer that consists of a
Latex and Natural Rubber
RPI researchers named to TARDISS team studying rubber production in the U.S.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) researchers are part of a multi-institution team working to bring rubber production to the United States and better secure the supply chain for this critical material.
The team is supported through the “Transformation of American Rubber through Domestic Innovation for Supply Security” (TARDISS) Engineering Research Center (ERC) through the U.S. National Science Foundation. Headquartered at Ohio State University, TARDISS will receive $26 million over five years with the ability to renew for the same amount over another five years.
The December Issue of Rubber World
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This issue focuses on
Molding
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