A new family of easy processing sSBR provides “good hints” for developing rubber compounding strategies, according to a paper present by Fabio Bacchelli at this year’s DKT conference.

The results, he suggests, represent an excellent compromise between hysteresis, mixing and extrusion behaviour, in particular when used in combination with high performance batch grades.

The global landscape of fuel compositions is undergoing drastic change with new fuel types like oxymethylene ethers (OMEs), biodiesel or dimethyl ether (DME) already commonly applied . The trends suggest that FKM is the only appropriate choice of sealing material, according to this study by Freudenberg Sealing Technologies.

In a recent paper, Alfredo Defrancisci of Arkema France presented details of a new organic peroxide for curing EPDM profiles in hot-air ovens: offering advantages over sulphur vulcanisation

At DKT 2019, Thomas Koeppl of Hexpol TPE GmbH presented a paper highlighting how the company is developing materials to meets automotive-industry requirements for increased sustainability, interior air quality, haptics, flame resistance and electronic properties.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are an established alternative to vulcanised rubbers in sealing applications for non-pressurised water systems, such as drainage and sewerage, according to Kiwa NV.

In a paper presented at the DKT 2018 conference in Nuremberg, the Dutch firm explained how it is setting up a new evaluation guideline for ‘thermoplastic’ seals in drinking-water applications.

As a starting point, the Rijswijk-based company is using an evaluation guideline based on EN 681-2 with additional tests in which the anisotropic behaviour of TPEs is taken into account.

Zeon Corp. is seeking to enhance the long-term properties of hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) to meet increasing demands from the automotive and oil & gas industries. A particular focus is on peroxide-cured compounds, in which the use of metal oxides – typically 3-5phr of zinc oxide – is standard, set out a paper presented by Dana Stripe at the recent DKT 2018 conference in Nuremberg

Technical paper from Korean petrochemicals group shows how system can deliver high levels of catalytic activity & C3 conversion, controllable molecular weight distribution and optimised diene distribut

The tandem process has already improved the mixing process considerably. In the future, the machines will have to be further optimised with regard to dispersion, distribution, temperature control and process consistancy with improved economy…

DuPont has published a new white paper to explain how replacing metals with high-performance polymers can help make vehicles lighter with the added benefits of easier processing, integration of functions and lower costs. Taking weight out of the vehicle is also a key route to achieving those goals, but the question is — how best to reduce weight?,  the company said in a release about the new guide.