Today's News
Attend Rubber Group events and engage with our industry locally
The Rubber Division, ACS would like to remind you that you don’t have to wait until the Spring Technical Meeting or Global Polymer Summit to learn, connect and grow. Regional Rubber Groups and Affiliated Technical Organizations provide technical meetings, social events, business opportunities, recognition in the industry and scholarships all throughout the year.
Apollo Tyres recognized as a Top Employer in Hungary, Singapore, the Netherlands and UK
The Top Employers Institute’s rigorous certification process evaluates organisations across HR domains and topics, including People Strategy, Talent Acquisition, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Well-being and more. Achieving this certification demonstrates Apollo Tyres’ global commitment to excellence in workplace practices and reinforces its position as an employer of choice.
Qualitest launches advanced cutting and splitting machines for precision rubber processing
Qualitest announces the launch of two cutting-edge machines: the Laboratory Cutting/Splitting Machine for Finished Rubber Samples and the High-Capacity Rubber Splitting Machine for polyurethane, rubber, plastics, elastomers, and thermoplastic materials. With advanced features and robust construction, they redefine standards in efficiency and accuracy for industrial and laboratory applications. These innovative machines are designed to meet the demands of precision cutting and splitting.
Solvay and Hankook sign memorandum of understanding for development of circular silica
Solvay and Hankook announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of circular silica coming from bio-sourced and waste sourcing for tire production. This partnership combines Solvay’s silica expertise and sustainability commitment with Hankook’s manufacturing capabilities and market leadership.
Huber Advanced Materials announces new European distribution partnerships
The two new distributors now representing Huber Advanced Materials and its product portfolio are Nordmann and Safic-Alcan. Nordmann will be responsible for France, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland while Safic-Alcan will handle Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Italy, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Gehring Montgomery announces the hiring of Taylor Murray
Gehring Montgomery announced the hiring of Taylor Murray, a seasoned professional in chemical engineering with a wealth of experience in manufacturing and selling coating chemicals. Taylor brings an impressive track record of success, having provided tailored chemical solutions for clients across North America, Europe, and Asia.
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
January 2025
The January 2025 issue of Rubber World is now available online. In this issue we cover the following topics for Testing
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 January Issue of Rubber World
Sponsored by:
This issue focuses on
Testing & Instruments
The issue is available online to our subscribers via our digital edition.
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