Multi-stakeholder Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) has officially launched its Assurance System, marking a major step forward in improving transparency, accountability, and environmental and social performance in the natural rubber supply chain, it says. The system was developed through years…
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Sumitomo Rubber/Kyoto University succeed in 3D visualisation of rubber’s internal structure
Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), in collaboration with Associate Professor Hiroki Ogawa of the Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, has succeeded in three-dimensionally visualising the differences in distribution of rubber’s internal structure that lead to destruction, to allow for the…
Yokohama Rubber takes full control of conveyor belt subsidiary in China
Japan’s Yokohama Rubber Co has announced that it has made Shandong Yokohama Rubber Industrial Products Co (YRSC), a consolidated subsidiary engaged in the production and sales of conveyor belts, a wholly owned subsidiary by acquiring and adding to its 77.02% equity…
Carbios/Indorama/Michelin in r-PET tie-up for tyre textile filaments
French biotechnology firm Carbios has announced the signing of a multi-year commercial agreement with Thai integrated chemical firm Indorama Ventures. This agreement covers the supply of biorecycled monomers from its Longlaville plant, which will be transformed into r-PET filaments by…
Scientists discover how to engineer stronger soft devices with silicone bonding
In a step forward for soft robotics and biomedical devices, engineers at Houston-based Rice University have uncovered a powerful new way to boost the strength and durability of silicone-based soft devices without changing the materials themselves. The study, published in…
Wacker commissions new line for semiconductor-grade polysilicon in Germany
German chemicals firm Wacker Chemie recently commissioned its EUR300 million Etching Line Next, a new production line for the manufacture of ultra-pure semiconductor-grade polysilicon, at its Burghausen production site in Germany. “Ultra-pure polycrystalline silicon is the purest man-made material. Everything…
US to slap 93% anti-dumping levy on graphite from China
The US Commerce Department has stated it will impose preliminary anti-dumping duties on imports of Chinese graphite, a key battery component, after concluding that the materials had been unfairly subsidised, according to a Bloomberg report. A trade association representing US…
Sumitomo/NEC to focus on R&D/new opportunities for rubber industry
Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries and NEC Corporation have signed a MoU to focus on building a next-generation R&D base and creating new business opportunities together. The companies aim to change the traditional R&D model in manufacturing. Their goals are to…
Zeon develops new hydrophilic polymer for winter tyres
Japan’s Zeon Corporation has developed Nipol BR1300, a new hydrophilic polymer for winter tyres. This polymer is synthesised using polybutadiene rubber as its structural base, resulting in what it says is “an unprecedented level” of hydrophilicity as a material for…
Bridgestone to sell China TBR plant to Sailun for US$37 mn
Japan’s Bridgestone Corporation is officially exiting the commercial tyre manufacturing business in China, with a deal to transfer all shares of its previously closed truck and bus radial (TBR) tyre plant in Shenyang to Sailun Group for 265 million CNY…