Today's News
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
Matt Futrelle named associate vice president for Dunlop Tires North America
Dunlop Tires North America (DTNA) announced the appointment of Matt Futrelle as Associate Vice President, TBR, effective August 1st, 2026.
In this role, Futrelle will be responsible for leading the TBR business, overseeing strategic initiatives, driving business growth, and supporting DTNA’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional products and service to customers across North America.
GPS 2026 Know Before You Go webinars
Akron, OH – Get ready for GPS 2026 with a 30-minute Know Before You Go webinar created by the Rubber
Yokohama Rubber develops proprietary generative AI system
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announces that it has developed and begun full-scale operation in August 2026 of a proprietary generative AI system utilizing RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation), which searches various technical documents accumulated internally and presents responses based on their contents. This new system contributes to further accelerating and enhancing tire development by providing rapid and accurate access to technical information necessary for decision-making during the tire development process, including material development.
AirBoss appoints Leslie Graves to board of directors
AirBoss of America Corp. announced the appointment of Leslie Graves, Co-Head of Capital Markets at R.Seelaus & Co., to its Board of Directors, effective August 27, 2026. Leslie Graves is Co-Head of Capital Markets and a Partner at R. Seelaus & Co., which she joined in 2017. She has more than 30 years of financial services experience, with expertise across capital markets, debt origination and trading.
European Union leaves International Rubber Study Group
The European Union has withdrawn from the International Rubber Study Group, ending its membership in the intergovernmental organization as of June 30, 2026, according to the group’s current membership information and European Union records.
The departure follows an EU decision to leave the organization, which the European Council formally approved in October 2025. The EU said the IRSG had become an organization of limited and declining relevance as important member countries withdrew over the years.
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
Greene Tweed now offers rapid prototyping for thermoplastic composites
Greene Tweed has developed a rapid prototyping process for its Xycomp® DLF™ material that helps aerospace customers accelerate metal replacement development projects through faster testing and validation. The process significantly reduces lead times and costs, expanding access to high-performance composites in new markets, including Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Defense.
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.
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