Today's News
April 2024
The digital edition is now available online.
UTH provides sustainable and reliable processes for silicone rubber compounds
UTH GmbH develops and applies new technologies for mixing, extruding and fine mesh straining of silicone rubber compounds. Silicone rubber compounds are in demand in many industrial sectors, especially in the technical, sealing and medical industry, where high standards of product quality and performance are required. To meet these demands, sustainable and automated production processes are needed, which enable a gentle but process-reliable material processing, and at the same time conserve resources.
Huntsman launches new SHOKLESS polyurethane systems for electric vehicle batteries
SHOKLESS™ polyurethane systems are generally compatible with a number of different manufacturing methods such as open- and closed-pour (injection) and cold-cure molding. Certain products in the range can also be dispensed with high pressure equipment. Huntsman also offers simulation and modeling capabilities that can help customers customize and optimize processing parameters, and the structural and thermal performance of the materials, so they can get the very best out of the SHOKLESS™ system they select.
Firestone Airide opens two distribution centers in the U.S.
Firestone Airide recently opened new distribution centers at two U.S.-based manufacturing facilities: Williamsburg, Kentucky and Dyersburg, Tennessee. The total investment of approximately $26 million will enhance the company’s ability to serve its customers and increase operational efficiency. Additionally, having the distribution centers located next to the manufacturing facilities will help reduce the company’s carbon footprint by eliminating the transportation of goods from the two manufacturing facilities to a third-party operated distribution center in Indianapolis.
Mars Mineral delivers advanced pin mixer to LD Carbon’s growing South Korean operations
Mars Mineral has announced the shipment of a Model 26D100L stainless steel pin mixer to LD Carbon (LDC), a leading producer of recovered carbon black (rCB). LDC, based in Seoul, South Korea, will receive the pin mixer at its new manufacturing facility in Dangjin. This plant, slated to open during the second quarter of 2024, will be the largest end-of-life re (ELT) pyrolysis and rCB operation in Asia.
The Rubber Division ACS announces May Learning Opportunities
The Rubber Division ACS announces the following May Learning Opportunities.
May 9 – Webinar: How to Extend Lifetime of Elastomers & Rubber Products
May 15 – Course: Mixing & Testing for Compound Consistency
May 16 – Course: Setting Up a Rubber Molding Process
May 21 – Webinar: How to Create & Follow Your Professional Development Plan
May 21-24 – Endurica Workshop: Application of Rubber Fatigue Analysis with Endurica Software
May 22 – Course: Understanding Your Data
May 23 – Webinar: Managing Scientists & Engineers
May 29 – Webinar: Fundamentals of Machine Vision for the Inspection of Rubber Seals
Featured Articles
Styrenic thermoplastic elastomers for efficient foams for the automotive sector
Effects of using hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS) to improve the properties of a foamed commodity polypropylene for automotive applications are presented.
Mixing
Silane modified low molecular weight liquid polymers in sulfur cured mixtures of styrene butadiene copolymers and silica
Global emissions of greenhouse gases from trucks and passenger cars are influenced by the deformation energy and friction losses of tires. It is mostly associated with the rolling resistance between the tire tread and the road surface. For this reason, the rolling resistance is considered one of the most important performance indicators (that is, targeted to be reduced) within the tire industry.
Chemicals and Materials
The United States Environmental Protection Agency issues new rules for chloroprene emissions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule that will significantly reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants, including ethylene oxide and chloroprene. Once implemented, the rule will reduce both EtO and chloroprene emissions from covered processes and equipment by nearly 80%. A requirement for these facilities to conduct fence line monitoring for key toxic chemicals is included, and EPA will make the data publicly available to better inform and safeguard nearby communities.
Extrusion
Continuous extrusion processes for elastomeric materials
Principal methods for processing elastomeric materials are reviewed, including continuous extrusion and what is described as multi-step extrusion.
Silicone & Medical
Silicones’ role in decarbonization studied
A study to identify and quantify silicones’ contributions to the EU Green Deal’s ambitions to become climate neutral by 2050 reveals an annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission saving potential of 96.4 metric tons (MT) in 2030. This is equivalent to the carbon footprint of 36 million people’s electricity consumption (for reference, Poland has 37 million inhabitants). These savings are projected to be 42.6 MT by 2050 for silicone-using technologies compared to non-silicones alternatives.
Oil, Gas & Energy
Low temperature seals for oil and gas applications
Low temperature
seals for oil and gas
applications
Testing & Instruments
ACE Laboratories completes installation of its new wiper blade testing system
ACE Laboratories has announced another new testing capability. This latest addition provides the ability to test and analyze windshield wiper blades and wipe systems.
The custom engineered testing system allows ACE to include energy consumption analysis as part of the testing protocol in addition to traditional durability analysis. ACE’s testing system also allows for customization to nearly all windshield types with angle and pressure controls to ensure testing is completed according to OEM specifications.
Molding
Molecular Rebar with Aflas for improved physical properties
Molecular Rebar in Aflas FEPM, when used in an Aflas compound formulation, results in improved tear toughness and high temperature modulus retention.
Thermoplastic Elastomers & Urethanes
UK researchers introduce degradable bonds into thermoset polymers for easier recycling
Researchers made a series of polymer gels with breakable bonds incorporated into different parts of the structure, and tested whether the properties changed after the gel was degraded and reformed.
The researchers hope this model system can be applied to other types of polymers, including adhesives, sealants and elastomers.
Latex and Natural Rubber
Harvard researchers increase fatigue threshold of reinforced rubber
Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have increased the fatigue threshold of particle-reinforced rubber, developing a new, multiscale approach that allows the material to bear high loads and resist crack growth over repeated use. This approach could not only increase the longevity of rubber products such as tires but also reduce the amount of pollution from rubber particles shed during use.
The April Issue of Rubber World
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This issue focuses on
Automotive Elastomers
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