Massive floods have hit five provinces in the Southern Thailand last week and have caused estimated damages worth 20 billion baht ($589 million USD), the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAT) said.

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.

India’s manufacturing growth slowed in November, marking its weakest level in 11 months due to price pressures and softer domestic demand. The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, recorded a reading of 56.5 for November, down from 57.5 in October and matching September’s level. Although the PMI remained above the 50-point threshold indicating expansion, it was below the preliminary flash estimate of 57.3, reflecting a more subdued rise in factory orders and production. Input costs rose at their fastest pace since July, driven by higher prices for chemicals, cotton, leather, and rubber.

GRI has further cemented its global footprint by participating in three prestigious exhibitions spanning three continents in the first week of November. Movimat in Brazil, EIMA in Italy, and SEMA in the United States. These events served as dynamic platforms for GRI to showcase its state-of-the-art tire technologies, engage with industry leaders, and establish new partnerships, underscoring its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Through long-term tire co-creation development with Kawasaki Motors, Bridgestone continues to support the company by delivering value in its wide range of motorcycles. The BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 tires to be supplied as original equipment on the new Ninja 1100SX are next-generation sports tires that have exceptional performance across all areas necessary for sport riding without compromise.2 These tires feature a new pattern design meant to balance optimal changes in contact patch stiffness with excellent water drainage properties for riding on wet surfaces. Combined with optimized tire shape and construction, these characteristics support the new riding experience delivered by the Ninja 1100SX through enhanced grip and handling stability during straight-line riding and at large lean angles, delivering an elevated sport riding experience offered by the Ninja 1100SX.

Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies announced that it has acquired Toledo Driveline, LLC., an Ohio-based aftermarket company that specializes in electronics and select hard parts for the aftermarket industry. The sale, part of a purchase agreement the company signed earlier this month with Seal Aftermarket Products (SAP), LLC., offers Freudenberg Sealing Technologies direct access to original equipment-quality electronic parts produced for aftermarket customers. Toledo Driveline will be integrated into Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ Corteco Division. The financial terms of the SAP-Toledo Driveline transaction were not disclosed.