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New developments in polymer science lead to ultra low density closed cell EPDM sponge extrusion

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It has long been established that unvulcanized solid elastomer compounds can be expanded to sponge forms by the incorporation into the formulation of thermally activated gas releasing chemicals known as blowing agents. During controlled heating of the compound, there is molecular dissociation of these blowing agents, and this is often designed to occur in conjunction with the onset of vulcanization of the compound, enabling the production of a range of sponge structures.

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Development of an enabling EPDM polymer to improve performance and processability of EPDM compounds

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Royalene EPDM, a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a
non-conjugated diene, is one of the most versatile specialty
elastomers in commercial use today. The main attributes of
EPDM are its outstanding resistance to oxidation, ozone and
the effects of weathering. It is also highly extendable, allowing
high levels of fillers and plasticizers to be added, while still
maintaining good physical properties

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Ultra high Mooney branched EPDM: Easy to process high filler loading compounds

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many EPDM grades are still produced using conventional Ziegler-Natta catalysts, molecular catalysts for EPDM production have been adopted readily and have grown rapidly. Dow has introduced its Advanced Molecular Catalyst (AMC) technology as a new benchmark in the EPDM industry by enabling even higher process sustainability and catalyst efficiency

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Diamine cured HNBR for improved long term compression set on thin sectioned articles

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HNBR is rated for continuous use at temperatures from125°C to 150°C, depending on several compounding factors, with the choice of cure system being one of the most critical. While a sulfur cure can provide flex fatigue and high tensile properties, it does not have high temperature stability. Peroxide cured HNBR is the only suitable cure system for long term, 150°C temperature resistance. Peroxide cured HNBR also provides high modulus and low compression set, making it an ideal material for sealing applications. HNBR is the sealing material of choice in many automotive and oil well applications where high mechanical strength is needed, in addition to high temperature and chemical resistance

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Damping materials based on liquid poly(butadienes): Structure-property relationships

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Liquid poly(butadiene) resins can be defined as oligomers with a degree of polymerization (Dp) of 100 and molecular weights below the critical molecular weight. These materials have rheology defined as viscous flow at temperatures of less than 60°C. In this regime, properties such as glass transition temperature and viscosity are determined by both microstructure and macrostructure. In applications such as adhesives, thermoplastic modification or tire compounding, liquid poly(butadienes) are often used as high value additives, imparting specific performance enhancement

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Recycled polypropylene modified with hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers for automotive applications

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Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used polyolefins owing to its low density, low cost, high softening temperature and easy processing. PP is used in the form of molded pieces, sheets, films and fibers in medical, cosmetic and electronic applications. In the automotive industry, it represents 9% of the market, and is used in dashboards, door panels, bumpers and grilles. PP based composites are increasingly becoming preferred materials in automotive applications, and in particular for both exterior and interior parts. In the automotive industry, PP based composites are generally used for the manufacture of bumpers.

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The case for reintroducing latex surgical and exam glove production back into the U.S.

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The world today uses 12,000 medical gloves per second. Prior to the UP publication, U.S. glove production had been satisfied by a number of medical device manufacturers, namely, Safeskin, Ansell, Aladan, Baxter, Smith & Nephew and Johnson & Johnson. In addition, glove imports in the U.S. prior to 1985 were 1 billion pieces. In 1996, imports exceeded 21 billion pieces.

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Use of Tire-Derived and Scrap-Derived Polymers in Tire and Non-Tire Applications

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The disposal of scrap rubber has been a concern since its vulcanization with sulfur and heat was accidentally discovered by Charles Goodyear in 1839. In addition to the scrap generated in production, there is the question of discarded rubber goods that have outlived their usefulness for their original function. Traditionally, this waste had ended up in landfills, contributing to the growing problem of overcrowding. Scrap tires are a well-publicized category of scrap rubber, as each year automobiles produce 246 million waste tires in the United States alone.

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Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/clay nanohybrid: Efficient adsorbent for CO2 and flame retardant

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Research shows the development of a graphene/clay hybrid which is an eco-friendly material with air purification capability, and which can also serve as a flame retardant additive in polymers. Two-dimensional nanomaterials like layered silicates, graphene and layered hydroxides (LDH) have been widely studied due to their high aspect ratio, which in turn enhances properties like flame resistance, mechanical properties, gas adsorption, barrier properties and water purification.

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