2021

ArticlesFeaturedThermoplastic Elastomers & Urethanes

Software based tape stacking with the aid of camera technology paves the way for thermoplastic composites

Thermoplastic tapes are expected to achieve great things, namely to shape the next generation of thermoplastic composites. This calls for highly accurate tape stacking. At the same time, tape processing must not become so complex that it becomes uneconomical. Engel contributes this technology to achieve a breakthrough by combining high precision control software with camera technology in tape stacking.

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ArticlesOil, Gas & Energy

Thermoplastic polymer has API 610 recognition

CDI Energy Products announced that its latest material to achieve API 610 recognition outperformed service life expectations under extremely corrosive sulfuric acid conditions. API 610 is the standard for centrifugal pumps for the petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries. CDI’s proprietary thermoplastic polymer composite, Dures 200, was the foundation for critical components developed for an API 610 vertical single casing diffuser pump (VS1) for a high production sulfuric acid plant. CDI’s material scientists and engineers collaborated with the pump OEM to custom design suction bell eye case rings, bowl eye case rings and bowl bushings which could sustain differential pressures of over 200 psi, coupled with an extreme temperature profile of -20°F to 105°F (-28.8°C to 40.55°C).

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ArticlesSilicone & Medical

EMI silicone now part of U.S. Department of Defense qualified products list

Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) announced that SSP-2569-65, an EMI silicone filled with silver-copper particles, is now part of the Qualified Product List (QPL) for MIL-DTL-83528, Type A. In a July 22 letter, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) informed SSP that SSP-2569-65, a 65 durometer conductive elastomer for shielding and sealing, passed qualification testing and has been added to QPL MIL-DTL-83528 for specific drawings and material types.

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ArticlesFeaturedTire Technology & Manufacturing

Functionalized liquid rubber for tire formulations

Plasticizers are one of the key components of the rubber and adhesives industries. Plasticizers are used to lower hardness, improve processability and reduce raw material costs. On the other hand, mechanical properties deteriorate with plasticizer content. In addition, plasticizers often cause changes in properties with time and staining due to volatilization or bleeding. Phthalate plasticizers and aromatic oils are or possibly will be regulated due to environmental and human health issues. Kuraray liquid rubbers (KLR) are plasticizers which are co-vulcanizable with solid rubbers. Therefore, it is very unlikely that KLR will be subject to these bleeding or volatilization issues. As a result, KLR is expected to have a growth potential as an environmentally friendly plasticizer.

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