Essentially Rubber: July/August

Leading-edge designs and applications showing how elastomer materials contribute to all aspects of life and lifestyle in the 21st century:

Rubber components play a vital role in protecting and ensuring the proper functioning of military equipment, including from chemical, biological, and radiological attacks, according to French supplier Borflex. These parts seal vehicle air-filtration systems and PPE from the infiltration of harmful agents, while the shock-absorption properties of rubber protect against damage from explosions.  Read more

ContiTech has upgraded its rubber compound for commercial vehicle air springs to reduce the CO2 footprint of the products. The ‘Touch RuNR’ air springs employ a natural rubber/EPDM mix instead of conventionally used polychloroprene. With the substitution, the carbon footprint of the rubber compound has been reduced by more than 50% compared with conventional air springs.  Read more

Kraiburg TPE has developed a new thermoplastic elastomer materials for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. The Thermolast K compound is tailored to withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide durability, and ensure safe and reliable performance. Features of the TPE series include "excellent" adhesion to polypropylene, providing "enhanced versatility and broadening its application range in EV charger manufacturing."  Read more

US parts supplier Cooper Standard has developed a new automotive switch pump aimed at simplifying thermal management systems, particularly in electric vehicles. Launched recently, the eCoFlow unit was created in partnership with Saleri Group, an Italian automotive thermal management systems supplier. The product offers “both an electric water pump and electrically driven valve in a single integrated coolant control module.”  Read more

 Trelleborg has supplied antivibration mounts for a new airport rescue firefighting vehicle from Naffco, a UAE-based manufacturer of fire and safety equipment. The airport rescue firefighter can spray water or foam at a rate of 10,000 litres per minute while approaching a moving plane. As tackling a fire while rolling can produce a huge amount of vibration, Naffco employed Trelleborg antivibration mounts designed to reduce the transmission of vibration and shock to the vehicle’s chassis and crew.  Read more

At the VDI congress Plastics in Automotive Engineering in Mannheim, Germany, 19-20 June, Dow MobilityScience presented polyolefin elastomer (POE) impact modifiers for thermoplastic olefins (TPO) applications such as bumpers and door panels, that can help address the loss in properties from recycling PP.  Also on show were: POE impact modifiers for TPO, with options available for up to 100% bio-based content; translucent bumpers incorporating hidden sensors and lighting employing a POE offering enhanced toughness in TPO and up to 60% light transmittance; and a material billed as “the world’s first silicone-based luxury synthetic material.”

Seals maker COG (C. Otto Gehrckens) has developed EPDM compound AP 307 for highly sensitive production processes in the food and pharma industries, biotechnology and medical technology. Key approvals for applications in these sectors have been obtained in the COG HygienicSeal series. In addition to the safety assessment according to FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, it has been approved according to USP Chapter 87 and USP Chapter 88 Class VI up to +121 °C. The compound, which also passed cytotoxicity testing to ISO 10993-5:2009, is said to be "extremely resistant in contact with CIP and SIP media, and also suitable for applications with aggressive water for injection."

French-based Decathlon has claimed an industry first with the production of wetsuits based entirely on natural rubber. The sports goods and apparel manufacturer unveiled a new wetsuit material, Yulex100, on 6 June, claiming it was the first ‘chloroprene rubber alternative’ wetsuit produced from ‘certified rubber’. Developed over two years of partnership with US-based company Yulex, the material is currently being used in Decathlon’s beginner junior shorty range of surf wetsuits and in snorkelling tops.  Read more

James Walker has replaced hydraulic seals at the Thames Barrier as part of a routine maintenance schedule in the hydraulic cylinders which help lift gates. The company initially supplied the seals for the gates, which protect London from surge tides and flooding, 35 years ago and had last replaced them in 2009. The gates use 16 sets of hydraulic seals to open and close the Barrier’s four main 3300 tonne gates all year round.  Read more

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions will showcase its e-mobility solutions at two major events in the automotive calendar in June, The Battery Show Europe from 18 to 20 June and Dritev from 12 to 13 June. At both events, Trelleborg will feature its three-layer Rubore washer, an automated fibre placement (AFP) process for rotor sleeves and a radial shaft seal HiSpin EV. Read more

French rubber-based products manufacturer Borflex is claiming a ‘breakthrough’ with the development of a flooring system for high-traffic public transport environments, such as train stations. The Rubby system is said to offer a safer, more durable and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional floor coverings, such as wood flooring, which has problems with slipperiness and long-term durability, requiring frequent replacement. Combining elastomer and composite technologies to provide a stable surface for passenger movement, minimising the risk of slips, falls and other accidents, amid weather and climate variations.  Read more

Kraiburg TPE has launched a thermoplastic elastomer system for car window shades. The Thermolast K FG/SF/AP range is said to be lightweight yet durable, offer adhesion to PP in vehicle components and maintain a clean and odor-free automotive interior environment. Other features include: Optimised flow properties for ease of processing; Enhanced aesthetics and design flexibility; and Stability at temperatures up to 100°C, ensuring long-lasting performance. Target applications include handles, function and design elements, thumb wheels, soft-touch surfaces, seals and automotive interior applications.

South Korean companies Sk Chemicals, Dongsung Chemical and apparel manufacturer BYN Black Yak have joined forces to reduce carbon emissions in the outdoor wear industry. Following a year of collaboration, the trio have developed “sustainable footwear materials” using the SK chemicals’ 100% bio-based polyol ‘Ecotrion’, and Dongsung Chemical’s bio-polyurethane resin Neopan. Using the bio-based materials, Black Yak has produced the "foot pillow cushioning foam," which is applied to the heel support layer of the midsole to minimise loading on the ankle and knee joints. The midsole of trekking shoes largely determines the footwear’s weight and acts like a car’s suspension. Cushioning is important because the midsole must absorb the impact on the body and ensure safe strides, even on rough terrain.

Dow Inc. has developed a polyolefin elastomers (POE)-based artificial leather for automotive applications to response to the industry’s move to increasingly animal-free products. The elastomer has been commercialised by Dow’s Chinese partner HIUV Materials Technology and qualified by an (unnamed) electric car manufacturer in seatings application. The product offers an “ultra-soft tactility” with better colour stability compared to leather, enabling designers with more flexibility on the choice of colour, especially light colours.  Read more

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