November 2024
Issue Emphasis: Natural Rubber and Latex
Tire intracarcass pressure and tire durability – Intracarcass pressure, or ICP, is the gas pressure which builds up in the body plies and interior layers of a tire. Buildup of oxygen in the tire body will cause thermo-oxidative degradation of internal tire components, and will lead to early tire failure and removal from service. Read more
Rewritable, recyclable smart skin monitors biological signals on demand – Penn State researchers developed an adhesive sensing device that seamlessly attaches to human skin to detect and monitor the wearer’s health. The writable sensors can be removed with tape, allowing new sensors to be patterned onto the device. Read more
Condoms in sub-Saharan Africa: Quality requires responsible manufacturing with required independent testing – Unleached latex products (such as Choice brand condoms tested in this study that are manufactured in China and distributed by the Republic of South Africa to prevent the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections) pose a significant risk of sensitization with life threatening Type I latex allergy and to residual sensitizing chemicals. read more