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…
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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…
Freudenberg develops improved seals from simulation process
The first pressure seal resulting from entirely simulation-based product development is the outcome of a collaboration between Freudenberg Sealing Technologies and the central corporate research department Freudenberg Technology Innovation. Compared to previous, conventionally developed versions, this new method has enabled…
Stellantis pulls out of hydrogen vehicle jv, Michelin/Forvia concerned about future
Come 2026, automotive major Stellantis NV will pull out from a joint venture hydrogen-vehicle project with French tyre maker Michelin and automotive parts supplier Forvia SE as Stellantis cuts its exposure to the fledgling technology, putting the project’s future at…
Dynasol invests EUR72 mn in new SSBR production line in Spain
Dynasol Group’s plant in Gajano (Cantabria), Spain, has launched a new styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR) production line following an investment of EUR72 million, which will increase the factory’s production by 20,000 tonnes of rubber. The company’s Cantabria plant currently exports 90%…
Sri Trang ties up with Thai R&D institute to further rubber growth
Thailand’s Sri Trang recently signed a MoU with the country’s National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) to foster what it says will be collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing research, technology, and innovation in the rubber industry. The…