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ArticlesExtrusionFeatured

Continuous extrusion to cut energy costs and improve quality

By using high precision continuous extrusion with an integral, built-in gear pump, it is possible to move away from old style mills, which have a huge footprint, and generally include plenty of safety hazards. Continuous extrusion removes the need for ramping up production in batches, which simplifies and accelerates preparation; and also separates materials input from production output. Current users report that this improves both control of production and quality.

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ArticlesFeaturedMixing

Simulation of rubber formulation development using AI-Graf Compounder

Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into rubber compound development is said to mark a transformative step in materials science, and the authors explore the use of AIGraf Compounder software to simulate and optimize rubber formulations. By leveraging feedforward neural networks, the system can predict material properties based on ingredient compositions.

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ArticlesFeaturedThermoplastic Elastomers & Urethanes

Surface modified polyester polyurethane foams with varying pore sizes for decanted water treatment in oil spill response

Testing of two polyurethane foams as absorbants for oil spill remediation is examined, and a surface treatment to enhance oil removal efficiency is explored by the authors. This work is said to be crucial in determining the optimal foam formulation for oil spill cleanup.

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ArticlesAutomotive Elastomers & PartChemicals & MaterialsFeatured

Reduction of zinc oxide in 10 compounds of a model passenger car radial tire

Excess zinc in the body of living organisms is problematic in nature, and zinc primarily enters the environment through rubber articles, including disposed tires. Work done to minimize the amount of zinc oxide consumption in 10 compounds of a typical passenger car tire is explained by the author.

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ArticlesAutomotive Elastomers & PartFeatured

Structural adhesives composed of epoxy resins and hydrogen bonded styrenic block polymer based TPEs

A wide range of polymer materials with excellent performance and functionality has been developed in recent years to address diverse and complex material applications. Adhesives are one such example of these polymer materials. In general, adhesives are composed of a liquid substance (prepolymer) that is first used to fill in the rough surface of one substrate, and then the adhesive on the substrate is sandwiched by another substrate. Polymerization and crosslinking of the prepolymer in the adhesives are induced by heat or other external stimuli, leading to curing of the adhesives between substrates.

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