Today's News
Pirelli announces $1.2 billion expansion of Rome, George plant
The investment plan will support Pirelli’s growth in the High Value segment in the United States, the world’s largest market for this segment, accounting for approximately 40% of global volumes. The project will strengthen the company’s local-for-local strategy, enhance supply chain resilience, and meet the growing demand for technologically advanced “Made in USA” products. Furthermore, the investment reinforces Pirelli’s long-term commitment to the country, where the company has operated in the State of Georgia since 2002 and established strong relationships with government institutions, local authorities, and universities.
Freudenberg announces new Automotive Aftermarket business group
The Freudenberg Group is bringing its global Automotive Aftermarket activities together in a dedicated new Business Group, effective January 1, 2027. The new organization will enable customers worldwide to benefit from broader product access, enhanced service capabilities, stronger technical expertise, and a more integrated market approach.
Continental sells mycar Tyre & Auto to Tuhu
Continental has announced the sale of its subsidiary mycar Tyre & Auto, one of the largest tire, automotive service and repair chains in Australia, to Tuhu, a leading Chinese automotive service platform. The transaction is based on an enterprise value of 403 million Australian dollars (approx. 250 million euros).
H.B. Fuller reports positive third quarter
The St. Paul, Minnesota-based company reported net income of $79 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Aug. 29. That compares with adjusted net income of $83 million and adjusted earnings of $1.52 per share. Adjusted earnings per share rose 21% from a year earlier.
Maxam Tire expands forestry tire portfolio
Maxam Tire announces an expansion of its forestry tire portfolio with the introduction of the MS934, a new series for forwarders and skidders, and the MS936 TimberXtra, for skidders and feller bunchers. Both series are engineered to deliver exceptional traction, flotation and durability for forestry applications operating in different terrains and conditions.
Sumitomo Rubber to end karting tire supply at end of 2027
Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. said it will discontinue its supply of karting tires at the end of 2027, ending a business that has operated for more than five decades.
The company, which supplies karting tires under the Dunlop brand, said Sept. 4 that the decision was made as part of its medium- to long-term management strategy and in response to changes in the business environment.
Featured
Mixing
Understanding the difference between high and low shear
Industrial mixing is a crucial process in various industries, including production of rubber formulations, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and many others. It is also integral to continuous process industries including waste water treatment, fuel and energy production, and mining of metals and minerals.
Chemicals and Materials
Flexsys narrows 6PPD replacement to two final molecules
Flexsys has developed the world’s first viable alternative to 6PPD, the Company has now completed screening efforts and is focusing on two final candidate molecules for expanded testing and ultimately final selection as a replacement for 6PPD in tires.
Flexsys has also entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to independently and thoroughly evaluate the two molecules’ potential effects on aquatic life
Extrusion
Extruding full rubber bales without a granulator
Walk into most rubber compounding operations today and somewhere upstream of the mixer one will find a granulator. It sits
Silicone & Medical
40-year study finds silicone sealants outperform alternatives in long-term weathering
The study, highlighted by Momentive as part of its “Part of the Solution” series, examined the long-term durability of silicone sealants used in construction. Researchers conducted the testing at the Atlas Weathering Test Site in Miami, Florida, where panels of glass and painted aluminum were mounted outdoors at a 45-degree angle facing south to simulate real-world exposure.
Oil, Gas & Energy
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies develops new sealing system for CO2 compressors
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed a new sealing system for busbar sealing in vehicle air-conditioning compressors. This elastomer-based solution withstands test pressures of over 100 bar in leak tests and offers a cost-efficient alternative to conventional glass seals. Designed for CO₂ compressors (R744), it also works well with other refrigerants.
Testing & Instruments
Direct measurement of steady state shear viscosity
by Michele Scacchi and Denis Venturoli, Evercompounds S.p.A., and Mauro Belloni, Gibitre Instruments S.r.l. The Mooney viscometer (MV) was invented
Molding
Compression molding simulation: Capabilities, features and industrial case studies
by Harshal Bhogesra, MoldEx3D. The MoldEx3D compression molding module provides a fully coupled simulation environment that replicates the filling, packing,
Thermoplastic Elastomers & Urethanes
Polycarbonate polyols for high-performance PU dispersions
by Yoichi Hirose, Asahe Kasei. Newly developed DK031E and PCDX-249 are designed to address the issues associated with aqueous dispersions of polyurethane (PUDs) offering the potential to reduce solvent usage.
Latex and Natural Rubber
Olam Agri acquisition nearly doubles rubber processing capacity in Ivory Coast
Olam Agri has completed its acquisition of Asia Africa Rubber Industry S.A., adding 176,000 metric tons of annual rubber processing capacity in Ivory Coast as the company moves to expand its natural rubber business and meet growing demand for traceable supplies.
The acquisition nearly doubles Olam Agri’s rubber processing capacity in the West African country and is expected to improve operational efficiency, supply reliability and access to international customers, the company said.
The September Issue of Rubber World
Sponsored by:
This issue focuses on
Thermoplastic Elastomers, Urethanes
The issue is available online to our subscribers via our digital edition.
To subscribe, click here. For advertising information click here.