Today's News
The Rubber Division ACS announces May Learning Opportunities
The Rubber Division ACS announces the following May Learning Opportunities.
May 9 – Webinar: How to Extend Lifetime of Elastomers & Rubber Products
May 15 – Course: Mixing & Testing for Compound Consistency
May 16 – Course: Setting Up a Rubber Molding Process
May 21 – Webinar: How to Create & Follow Your Professional Development Plan
May 21-24 – Endurica Workshop: Application of Rubber Fatigue Analysis with Endurica Software
May 22 – Course: Understanding Your Data
May 23 – Webinar: Managing Scientists & Engineers
May 29 – Webinar: Fundamentals of Machine Vision for the Inspection of Rubber Seals
Alpha Technologies launches their new AlphaFlex tensile tester
Alpha Technologies announced the launch of its next-generation tensile solution, the AlphaFlex10™ Tensile Tester. This state-of-the-art tensile tester adds destructive physical property testing to Alpha’s line of rheology instruments.
The AlphaFlex10 tensile tester seamlessly integrates with the trusted software and service support of rheology equipment products that are an integral part of Alpha’s comprehensive solutions for rubber and elastomer material testing needs.
Harwick Standard promotes two employees to vice president
Ernest Pouttu, President and CEO of Harwick Standard announced the following promotions effective April 1, 2024. William M. Knezevich has been named Vice President Marketing and Rodney L. Crowell has been promoted to Vice President of Sales.
Mississippi Lime Company rebrands to MLC
Mississippi Lime Company has launched a new global brand platform and will begin operating under the name MLC. The transformation of the company’s identity reflects MLC’s progress as an international lime solutions partner with an unwavering commitment to safety, sustainability and service.
Thermoplastic polyester elastomer market forecast at $542 billion by 2036
As of 2023, the TPEE market is worth more than $292 billion worldwide and is anticipated to grow in the following years. Globally, the dominant market is the Asia Pacific with China at the forefront. The latter obtains the most significant share owing to the great performance of the local automobile and electronics sector, which are the principal TPEE customers. The thermoplastic polyester elastomer market share would generate revenue of USD 542 Billion by 2036 end and grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2024 to 2036 according to Research Nester
Continental celebrates important milestones in its three U.S. tire plants
2024 marks a significant milestone for Continental’s tire manufacturing operations in the United States. Three key plants celebrate their anniversaries: 5 years in Clinton, Mississippi, 10 years in Sumter, South Carolina, and 50 years in Mount Vernon, Illinois. With an annual production capacity of more than 16 million tires and a team of more than 6,700 local manufacturing employees, Continental is amongst the top tire manufacturers in the U.S.. In the last decade alone, the company has invested more than $1.5 billion USD in its American tire manufacturing operations. Continental is committed to premium product quality, innovation, and growth in the U.S. market. Thus, the premium tire manufacturer is continuously investing in the expansion of its tire plants.
Featured Articles
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.
Mixing
Silane modified low molecular weight liquid polymers in sulfur cured mixtures of styrene butadiene copolymers and silica
Global emissions of greenhouse gases from trucks and passenger cars are influenced by the deformation energy and friction losses of tires. It is mostly associated with the rolling resistance between the tire tread and the road surface. For this reason, the rolling resistance is considered one of the most important performance indicators (that is, targeted to be reduced) within the tire industry.
Chemicals and Materials
The United States Environmental Protection Agency issues new rules for chloroprene emissions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule that will significantly reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants, including ethylene oxide and chloroprene. Once implemented, the rule will reduce both EtO and chloroprene emissions from covered processes and equipment by nearly 80%. A requirement for these facilities to conduct fence line monitoring for key toxic chemicals is included, and EPA will make the data publicly available to better inform and safeguard nearby communities.
Extrusion
Continuous extrusion processes for elastomeric materials
Principal methods for processing elastomeric materials are reviewed, including continuous extrusion and what is described as multi-step extrusion.
Silicone & Medical
Silicones’ role in decarbonization studied
A study to identify and quantify silicones’ contributions to the EU Green Deal’s ambitions to become climate neutral by 2050 reveals an annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission saving potential of 96.4 metric tons (MT) in 2030. This is equivalent to the carbon footprint of 36 million people’s electricity consumption (for reference, Poland has 37 million inhabitants). These savings are projected to be 42.6 MT by 2050 for silicone-using technologies compared to non-silicones alternatives.
Oil, Gas & Energy
Low temperature seals for oil and gas applications
Low temperature
seals for oil and gas
applications
Testing & Instruments
ACE Laboratories completes installation of its new wiper blade testing system
ACE Laboratories has announced another new testing capability. This latest addition provides the ability to test and analyze windshield wiper blades and wipe systems.
The custom engineered testing system allows ACE to include energy consumption analysis as part of the testing protocol in addition to traditional durability analysis. ACE’s testing system also allows for customization to nearly all windshield types with angle and pressure controls to ensure testing is completed according to OEM specifications.
Molding
Molecular Rebar with Aflas for improved physical properties
Molecular Rebar in Aflas FEPM, when used in an Aflas compound formulation, results in improved tear toughness and high temperature modulus retention.
Thermoplastic Elastomers & Urethanes
UK researchers introduce degradable bonds into thermoset polymers for easier recycling
Researchers made a series of polymer gels with breakable bonds incorporated into different parts of the structure, and tested whether the properties changed after the gel was degraded and reformed.
The researchers hope this model system can be applied to other types of polymers, including adhesives, sealants and elastomers.
Latex and Natural Rubber
Harvard researchers increase fatigue threshold of reinforced rubber
Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have increased the fatigue threshold of particle-reinforced rubber, developing a new, multiscale approach that allows the material to bear high loads and resist crack growth over repeated use. This approach could not only increase the longevity of rubber products such as tires but also reduce the amount of pollution from rubber particles shed during use.
The March Issue of Rubber World
Sponsored by:
This issue focuses on
Custom Mixing & Compounding
The issue is available online to our subscribers via our digital edition.
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