Final call: Rubber Design Innovations 2021

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 With input from readers, ERJ has now decided the three leading entries in its series of innovative designs and applications for rubber materials announced during 2021. The.top innovation will be announced in the Jan/Feb 2022 issue of European Rubber Journal magazine

RUBBER INNOVATIONS SHORTLIST

Materials advance in printed electronics

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Continental has advanced printed electronics on plastic and rubber materials at its new centre for functional printing technologies in Freiburg, in the southwestern state of Baden-Wurttemberg. Developments include “sensIC” which uses printed elastomer sensor technology in hose lines for the thermal management of electric vehicle batteries. Conti also envisages applications for the technology in air springs, belts, conveyor belts and tires. Read more

High hopes for new sealing material

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Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has begun manufacturing seals made from a new EPDM material, which is claimed to address hydraulic seal leakage at high altitudes and low temperatures.  The 80 EPDM 426288 grade features a “breakthrough formulation” that enables hydraulic sealing systems to operate at temperatures as low as -65°C. Based on a “unique polymer”, the EPDM material is said to meet the rigorous requirements of the new AMS7361 spec for improved low-temperature behaviour in commercial aircraft hydraulic systems..  Read more

Soft robot arms

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Researchers at Saarland University are developing soft robot arms employing a smart ‘dielectric elastomer’ composite. When a voltage is applied, electrodes printed onto both sides of the material attract each other, compressing the polymer so that it contracts and relaxes like muscle tissue. By precisely varying the electric field, the elastomer can execute continuously variable flexing motions or even remain still in a desired position. By combining a large number of these ‘small muscles’, a flexible robot arm can move freely in ‘almost any direction...  Read more

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