Today's News
Spring Technical Meeting keynote speaker announced
The Rubber Division, ACS announced Rose Hernandez, PhD as the Spring Technical Meeting Keynote Speaker.
Dr. Rose Hernandez is a Science Program Director for In-Space Production Applications at the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. She is responsible for championing R&D programs for a diverse research portfolio of applied science for advanced materials and the manufacture of products in space to benefit life on Earth.
Maxam Tire promotes Michael Vandel to OEM sales manager for agriculture
MAXAM Tire announced the promotion of Michael Vandel to OEM Sales Manager – Agriculture. In this new role, Vandel will leverage his extensive industry experience to expand MAXAM’s presence with OEMs and drive growth within the company’s Agriculture product line.
Vandel’s promotion follows a successful tenure at MAXAM, where he most recently served as Regional Sales Manager. He oversaw the Rockies region and significantly increased the company’s market footprint. Previously, he served as a National Account Sales Manager, establishing new national account relationships and driving sales growth.
Ecore rebrands corporate identity for sustainable circular rubber
What if all the rubber we ever needed has already been made? This question lies at the heart of Ecore’s mission and serves as the driving force behind its leadership in the circularity movement. By reclaiming end-of-life rubber and transforming it into innovative raw materials and high-performance products, Ecore proves that circularity isn’t just a concept – it’s a viable, profitable and sustainable reality. Through its groundbreaking processes, the company closes the loop on rubber waste, creating a continuous cycle that benefits people, the planet and all stakeholders involved.
Liberty Tire Recycling & Ohio EPA partnering to clean up old Factory in Ohio
Ravenna, OH – Ohio EPA Director Anne M. Vogel announced the agency will clear the site of the former Crest
Cycle-Tek expands sustainable product line for wire & cable compounds
Cycle-Tek, a Teknor Apex company, announced the launch of two new grades specifically formulated for flexible cord and IMSA applications: Cycle-Tek® 20401-82A BLK 1 and Cycle-Tek® 20401-82A FR BLK 1. Made with up to 50% recycled content, these new compounds add new options for wire & cable manufacturers looking to incorporate more sustainable materials in their cable design.
NovationSi to supply custom colorant for Arburg Cell at MD&M West
Barberton, OH – NovationSi, RDAbbott’s manufacturing subsidiary, will supply the custom colorant for ARBURG’s injection molding cell at MD&M West
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
Smithers invests in simulated on-vehicle acceleration testing machine in Suzhou laboratory
Smithers has announced that it has invested in a state-of-the-art simulated on-vehicle acceleration testing (SOVAT) machine. This new testing capability was recently launched at the Smithers Suzhou, China laboratory with full machine demonstrations and tire testing training for attendees.
The SOVAT machine is the result of working with vehicle and tire manufacturers to understand their tire testing pain points. On-vehicle tire testing can be time-consuming and inconsistent, driving the need for faster, more repeatable methods for treadwear, chip and chunk, road hazard endurance, and break-in testing. With the SOVAT machine, clients now have an indoor, repeatable option to conduct this testing, providing results in a fraction of the time.
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 December Issue of Rubber World
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This issue focuses on
Molding
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