Essentially Rubber – Innovation

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

In Japan, NOK and Salmontech have launched a project to jointly develop wearable ultrasonic sensors. They aim to develop and commercialise an “ultra-thin, lightweight, and highly flexible” wearable 'echo' sensor for the medical, healthcare and sports uses by 2026. NOK will contribute material and manufacturing technologies, including bio-friendly conductive rubber, flexible printed circuit boards, as well as “precise assembly processing" technology.  Read more

German wheel and castor manufacturer Raeder-Vogel has developed a 'new generation' of anti-static elastommer wheels, based on Huntsman polyurethanes. The Pevotec wheels are designed for use in industrial applications for trolleys, carts, pullies and AGVs. They can prevent the build-up of static on wheels which can result in uncomfortable and sometimes painful shocks to personnel handling the equipment or moving cars.  Read more

Michelin and Spanish urban sustainability company Murarte have signed an agreement to work on vertical ‘green gardens’ using end-of-life tires (ELTs) in urban areas. The initiative has begun its testing phase at Spanish airports and will expand to urban projects and public-private partnerships, Michelin announced 20 March. In an urban project of 5,000m2, more than 350 tonnes of waste tires could be recycled, achieving an air purifying effect equivalent to 25%...  Read more

Aurora, Colorado-based road barrier manufacturer Pretred Inc. says its recycled tire products have passed a standard safety test for road speeds of up to 44mph. Each of Pretred's 8 foot barriers is made from 95% recycled product employing up to 100 tires as feedstock, according to the company.  Read more

Automotive parts manufacturer Toyoda Gosei Co. is collaborating with Asics Corp. to produce footwear from steering wheel cover remnants. The link-up is focused on the sporting goods major’s range of Skyhand OG sneakers, which were launched in the market in February. Processing of the waste and shoe manufacture will be located at the firms’ respective factories in Vietnam.  Read more

Higher charging performance and the increasing relevance of bi-directional charging are key priorities in the ongoing development of on-board chargers for EVs. That’s according to Wevo-Chemie, which supplies thermally conductive silicone potting compounds, gap fillers and gels for these applications. As well as meeting essential thermal management requirements, these products are tailored to enable the fast cycle times needed for efficient serial production.  Read more

ContiTech has developed an EPDM rubbber compound that reduces ion-leaching – a persistent issue within cooling circuits of drive systems of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The material is said to be "highly resistant" to leaching: reducing the risk of ion-transfer from components, which can cause materials to degrade. This, in turn, can cause short circuits, leakage currents in the fuel cell and reduced overall efficiency. The compound "can cope with the sometimes contradictory requirements for hydrogen and battery circuits,” said Mark Klein-Hietpas, director CV sales at Original Equipment Solutions (OESL), a new business area within ContiTech.

Luxembourg-based OCSiAl has advanced the performance of silicone electrodes in medical applications with the graphene reinforcement of the materials. In a 4 Feb statement, the company said biocompatible silicone electrodes enhanced with graphene nanotubes exhibit “unmatched skin comfort and outstanding body adhesion.” The electrodes are also claimed to provide “stable electrical conductivity, exceptional flexibility, strong adhesion, and non-marking properties.”  Read more

Arkema is collaborating with Japanese startup OOYOO to advance the development of a gas separation technology with a focus on CO2 capture. The French materials supplier is leveraging its high performance polymers, primarily thermoplastic elastomers, for the development of the membrane to be used in the separation process. The elastomers will be designed with "tailored molecular channelling technology [and offer] high selectivity, chemical stability and excellent mechanical strength.  Read more

French company Borflex has reported on a project for a museum that owns 74 fighter aircraft: renovating the leading edges of the Jaguar A 157. The refurbishment presented a series of challenges, not least because the leading edges must withstand extreme flight conditions, including temperature variations and aerodynamic forces. Technical precision of the materials used was also crucial to ensure the aircraft's performance and safety, while the project had to comply with the strict standards of the aviation industry.  Read more

Ansell claims its new HyFlex Ultra-Lightweight cut protection series offers new levels of protection, comfort, and dexterity throughout the workday. Employing a new cut-resistance technology and an advanced single HPPE yarn, the gloves are said to be 20% lighter while delivering up to 12 times greater cut resistance and maintaining comfort and flexibility. With EN ISO cut protection levels ranging from C to F+, workers can select the exact level of protection required for each task, ensuring both maximum safety and ease of movement. Breathability reduces the need for glove changes, while touchscreen compatibility enables workers to operate both tools and devices.

Kraiburg TPE has applied its thermoplastics elastomers technology to luggage handles: leveraging the “balance of performance, durability, and sustainability,” of the material. The RC/PCR/AP - Thermolast R series is said to offer enhanced adhesion to polypropylene as well as better grip and lighter weight than EPDM and PVC alternatives. The compound also exhibits “excellent tensile strength and resistance to wear, ensuring product lifespan.” The TPE has a non-sticky surface and has a temperature stability of up to 80°C, added Kraiburg TPE.

Trelleborg has spotlighted the use of its technology in dampening noise and vibration on towboats using up to 11,000hp to transport huge barges on the Mississippi river. The powerful vessels commonly tow over a dozen barges: transporting grain, corn, soybeans, iron, rubber, coal and other bulk commodities along the 2,350-mile US waterway. The rubber mounts and steel springs most Mississippi towboats use cannot isolate a crew’s sleeping quarters sufficiently to shield them from the noise and vibration of operating machinery.  (Read more)

US-based Rubber B has developed a new “blocked integrated” rubber strap for the recently launched Rolex Daytona 126500LN. The luxury watchstrap maker employed its 'VulChromatic' technology in the manufacturing process: forging two rubber 'masses' into a single, permanent piece. The process eliminates painted layers or bonding seams, ensuring that straps remain supple, flexible, and colourfast, said Rubber B. The straps are also claimed to deliver “exceptional" tensile strength and resilience as well as increased resistance to oxidation, abrasion and UV.

In Japan, Sumitomo Riko has developed a heat-dissipating, soundproofing material produced using 'magnetic induction foaming' (MIF) technology." The material is said to deliver 10 to 50 times better heat dissipation than a conventional urethane-based alternatives. Target applications include in-vehicle electrical equipment such as e-axles, battery junction boxes and power seat motor covers.

Kraiburg TPE has provided thermoplastic elastomers for the production of modern door stoppers, for both residential and commercial applications. The Thermolast K materials enhance part-durability by providing strong bonding with polypropylene components. Furthermore, the TPE retains shape and functionality under continuous compression, minimising the need for replacements. Other attributes include smooth touch, abrasion resistance, low surface friction, optimised demoulding and being colourable, said Kraiburg TPE.

Yokohama Rubber MB Japan has released a conveyor belt product with “excellent flame retardant oil resistance.” it announced 6 Dec. The Criterion Z series system, features a special shape that enables steep incline and vertical conveyance, which is not possible with ordinary conveyor belts. Transport efficiency is improved by combining sidewalls and cleats – a plate that passes horizontally to the belt to prevent slippage – to increase load capacity and prevent spillage.

Busto Arsizio, Italy-based Comerio Ercole is working to enhance the performance of its equipment across a series of metrics. The programme has included the recent completion of testing on a special calendering plant for rubber sheets based on a ‘miniduplex’ configuration. The four-roll set-up is capable of providing a rubber thickness of only 0.075 mm for each rubber sheet. Read more

Kraiburg TPE has unveiled new thermoplastic elastomer materials specifically designed for car pedal manufacturing. The Thermolast K product are tailored to offer: enhanced adhesion to PP; soft-touch properties: “excellent” resistance to wear & tear and colourability. The TPEs are also said to offer benefits in terms of “controlled” emission and odour, recyclability and processing.

French rubber injection moulding machine maker REP has developed a press for a “highly demanding” customer project. With a clamping force of 8,000kN and a working area over 1m x 1.5m long, the S08 is optimised for large flat gasket applications, demanding especially high levels of quality and precision. The design employs multiple synchronised clamping units as well as large-sized heating plates and adjustable configurations. Injection of long thin sections is facilitated by an injection pressure of up to 3,000 bar and circuit division with several injection units.

Mitsubishi Chemical’s plant-derived polyol BioPTMG has been adopted by Kahei Co. Ltd as a synthetic leather material. Items such as shoulder bags and tissue cases made with this bio-synthetic leather will be sold on the market via Triple A Co. Ltd, a planner and marketer of sustainable products.  Read more

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has introduced new polymer-based technologies for automotive batteries: launching three new products earlier this month. Unveiled at the 2024 Battery Show, 7-10 Oct in Detroit, the German-based sealing products manufacturer's developments include: advanced thermal barriers; prismatic battery cell caps; and prismatic envelopes for batteries.  Read more

A sneaker made with airbag fabric remnants in a joint project by Toyoda Gosei and Asics Corp., has won a Good Design Award 2024 by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. The prize-winning Gel-Sonoma 15-50 shoes, which were launched back in early 2023, feature uppers made from airbag fabric that would otherwise be discarded, TG said a 16 Oct announcement.   Read more

German rail and bus supplier Huebner Group has launched a new solution for fully automated coupling and uncoupling of rubber gangway systems. Exhibited during InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, the AutoCouple system allows operators to uncouple wagons "at the push of a button." The new technology aims to make passenger train operations more flexible, enabling operators to adjust train capacities quickly and efficiently. Read more

ContiTech has developed a new generation of hydraulic wheelset guiding bushes for train bogies, designed to reduce maintenance and enhance passenger comfort. The bushings offer improved adaptation to track pressure compared to conventional hydraulic models, helping balance the forces on the wheelset, extending the lifespan of critical train components. Read more

NOK Corp. has released of an exclusive edition of its "KKOOR" hair ties, in collaboration with the football club Fukushima United FC. The ties were made available in a limited run of 100 sets during the Fukushima City hometown day match on 15 Sept, between Fukushima United FC and Gainare Tottori. The hair ties a part of NOK's first venture into the B2C market, are claimed to offer “high resistance to sweat and water, durability, and secure fit.”

Compounder Prism Worldwide has recently launched a new car mat comprising 50% recycled elastomer materials. The Cirx car mats include Prism’s Ancora C-1082 thermoplastic elastomers, which is said to incorporate 50% recycled content derived from end-of-life tires. The recycled materials is said to enhance the durability and functionality of the car mats.  Read more

Borflex has designed a new material for critical applications in the nuclear industry. Tailored to provide “optimum” absorption of thermal neutrons, the Flexibore-branded material is made from natural rubber and 50% by weight of  B4C [boron carbide] powder.  Seals made from the material are suitable for zone 4 uses – those with the highest levels of radioactivity, added Borflex. Flexibore. It noted, is also used in neutron spectrometry to reduce background noise and improve measurement accuracy.

Claiming an industry 'first', Shin-Etsu Chemical has announced the development of a heat-shrinkable silicone rubber tube for covering busbars. Busbars are conductor rods made of metals, such as copper and aluminium, that are used to connect and distribute power sources. They are used in various applications, including distribution boards and control panels, and have been increasingly in demand, driven by the growth in demand for electric vehicles.  Read more

Bridgestone Soft Robotics Ventures has developed a soft robot hand which can pick up objects with different shapes, hardness and materials, using artificial rubber-based muscles. Tetote features four fingers powered by rubber muscles, which are “impact resistance, light weight, and highly efficient.” The robotic hand has been developed to automate various tasks that currently rely on humans, such as piece picking at logistic sites. Unlike conventional robotic hands that can pick up flat objects, Tetote can handle objects of various shapes, leveraging both the ‘suction’ function of robots and the ‘hand design’ feature that aids in grasping products.  Read more

Budapest-based maker of thermal imaging cameras (TICs) Medirlab is employing graphene nanotube materials in a new range of explosion-proof devices for firefighters. Medirlab selected the nanomaterials from OCSiAl to enhance ATEX safety: integrating the nanotubes into silicone camera-body parts and aramid neck strap of the Pyrolater. The TICs are designed to transform infrared radiation into visible light, enabling firefighters to see through smoke, darkness, or heat-permeable barriers... Read more

Huntsman has developed a range of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials for the production of footwear with enhanced grip, durability and ‘circularity’. Tailored for use in soling applications, the new Avalon Gecko TPU series includes an extrudable grade for creating "super thin" outsoles and a product that can be foamed to produce a very low density material with a unique touch and feel.  Read more

Essentially Rubber - July/August