Articles tagged with Rubber
Researchers have finally understood why reinforced rubber is so tough and durable, with tiny particles forcing the material to fight against its own incompressibility. This breakthrough could improve tire design and lead to safer, longer-lasting products.
Researchers found high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in recycled tire rubber granulate, linked to cancer and environmental harm. Fine particle sizes released more toxins into water and soil, increasing ecosystem risk.
A new study found that fine rubber crumbs from recycled tires can release high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the environment, contaminating soil and water. The smallest particles released the most toxic chemicals, posing risks to organisms, plants, and potentially human health.
Researchers consider natural rubber's potential as a sustainable material for flexible sensors, self-powered systems, and energy harvesting devices. The study aims to enhance natural rubber's electrical and mechanical properties while minimizing its environmental impact.
Researchers from the University of Vienna and EPFL Lausanne found high concentrations of rubber additives in bouldering gym air, similar to car tires. The study suggests that these substances do not belong in the air we breathe, highlighting the need for better ventilation and cleaner climbing shoe materials.
Furan fatty acids have been found to exist in all samples of rubber tree latex, with varying concentrations. The study identifies specific genotypes with high FuFA content, offering potential for enhanced economic value and sustainability.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a skin-like material that can mimic human skin textures and elasticity, simulating conditions for bacterial growth. The Ecoflex-based skin replicas can be used to test wearable sensors and improve catheter designs, potentially reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.
A study by the American Chemical Society has found elevated levels of 'forever chemicals' in several smartwatch wristbands, with one compound, PFHxA, appearing in nine out of 22 tested wristbands. The concentrations of PFHxA were found to be nearly 800 ppb on average, exceeding previous findings in cosmetics.
A study from the University of Notre Dame found nine out of 22 watch bands contained high levels of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a type of PFAS. Elevated PFAS levels were more prevalent in higher-priced watchbands, posing concerns for dermal absorption and potential health risks.
Researchers analyzed 81 common household items for chemical makeup and exposure risks. The study used advanced chromatography and machine learning methods to identify chemicals that could pose negative health effects, such as synthetic antioxidant BKF, when exposure reached a certain threshold.
Researchers developed a new image-processing method to visually clarify the internal network structure of rubber at the nanoscale. The method, which integrates knowledge of rubber material with advanced mathematical techniques, enables automatic analysis of multiple samples and confirms its reliability.
Researchers at UVA have developed a new polymer design that decouples stiffness and stretchability, allowing materials to be both strong and flexible. The 'foldable bottlebrush polymer networks' can store extra length within their structure, enabling them to elongate up to 40 times more than standard polymers without weakening.
Researchers at National University of Singapore develop a straightforward method to convert common chemicals into valuable alkenes using light. The new method simplifies the production of alkenes from abundant feedstock chemicals, enabling the creation of complex bioactive molecules.
Researchers have identified specific materials that can effectively block harmful space radiation on Mars, including plastics, rubber, and synthetic fibers. The findings provide crucial insights for designing protective habitats and spacesuits, paving the way for safer long-duration Mars missions.
A new liquid SNP chip, HbGBTS80K, has been developed to accelerate functional studies and molecular breeding in rubber trees. The chip accurately identifies the major gene HbPSK5 associated with laticifer rings, enhancing genetic diversity analysis and GWAS.
Volunteers collected nearly nine tonnes of marine litter from beaches across the Seychelles between 2019 and 2023. The clean-ups, led by the University of Plymouth, demonstrate the potential of citizen science to address marine pollution challenges.
A new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.
Scientists at UKCEH developed a robust method to detect and measure toxic chemical 6PPD in river sediments, which has been linked to salmon and trout deaths. The method uses gas chromatography mass-spectrometry techniques to accurately quantify 6PPD concentrations.
A recent study reveals that converting rainforests to plantations erodes and restructures food webs, fundamentally changing their functioning. The researchers found that energy flows differently in plantation ecosystems compared to rainforests, with a greater emphasis on invasive species and reduced predation.
Scientists at Ohio State University have developed efficient extraction methods for natural rubber-producing plants, including a dandelion species and a desert shrub. The new techniques improve latex yield and reduce environmental footprint, offering an alternative to the world's primary natural rubber supply in Southeast Asia.
Researchers developed a new approach to improve particle-reinforced rubber's fatigue threshold by increasing polymer chain length and entanglement density. This multiscale stress deconcentration method increases the material's resistance to crack growth under repeated stretching, reducing pollution from shed rubber particles.
Researchers at ETH Zurich replicate the structural design of bluebird feathers using a new method. The material exhibits nanonetworks similar to those found in natural feathers and offers potential for technical and sustainable applications, including battery improvements and water filtration.
A team of researchers has developed a novel experimental system to simultaneously measure the mechanical properties and internal structure of rubber-like materials. The study found that strain within these materials is non-uniform, depending on the shape and size of composite particles.
A study by the American Chemical Society found that rubber plumbing seals can release additives into drinking water, including 1,3 diphenylguanidine and N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-1,4-benzenediamine. The leaked compounds can form unwanted byproducts, which may pose a human health risk.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that nearly all wristbands (95%) are contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E. coli and staphylococcus. The study suggests using metal types like gold and silver, which had little to no bacteria, and recommends regular sanitizing of wristbands, especially after gym activities.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a way to make rubbery materials up to nine times more durable without compromising their elasticity. This breakthrough could help reduce microplastic pollution from car tires, with estimates suggesting that tire wear alone releases millions of metric tons of debris into the environment eac...
Researchers discovered a way to strengthen polymers by introducing weaker bonds, increasing resistance to tearing up to tenfold. The approach doesn't alter other physical properties and can be used to improve the toughness of other materials like rubber.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science created a fracture-resistant alloy through heat-treatment, exhibiting improved elastocaloric properties and resistance to cyclical loads. The Cu-Zn-Al alloy showed significant increases in grain size, leading to enhanced cooling capabilities and paving the way for innovative refrigeration systems.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a sustainable method for producing butadiene, a key component of synthetic rubber, using the Lebedev process and modernized catalysts. The new approach eliminates the need for fossil reserves and reduces environmental impact.
A study by UBC Okanagan researchers suggests that tire particles can contaminate freshwater sources, including lakes like Okanagan and Kalamalka. The researchers estimated that over 50 tonnes of tire and road wear particles are released into waterways annually.
Engineers at RMIT University have created a sustainable concrete using 100% recycled tyre rubber, reducing environmental impact and manufacturing costs. The innovative material can be used in various construction projects, including low-cost housing.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new catalyst to improve butane conversion into butadiene, increasing efficiency and reducing byproducts. The breakthrough could make butadiene production more commercially viable and address the growing demand-supply imbalance.
Researchers have derived governing equations that describe the macroscopic mechanical behavior of elastomers filled with liquid inclusions directly from their microscopic behavior. This work enables a wide range of novel materials with unique mechanical and physical properties.
Engineers at RMIT University discovered a bitumen blend that's both UV-resistant and withstands traffic loads. The mixture of crumb rubber from recycled tyres halves the rate of sun damage when mixed with bitumen, making it an ideal sustainable solution for roads.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a novel approach to rubber recycling that repurposes end-of-life tyres into concrete for residential constructions. The study found that crumb rubber concrete is a safe, green alternative with higher impact resistance, toughness, and ductility compared to conventional conc...
Researchers at Virginia Tech created a soft robot that can change shape and return to its original configuration using a liquid metal composite. The material combines kirigami-inspired cuts with a metal endoskeleton embedded in rubber, allowing it to morph into different shapes and functions.
Researchers create two new polymers from sugar-based starting materials that retain common plastic qualities but are degradable and mechanically recyclable. The polymers' unique shapes and stereochemistry-dependent degradation rates offer a promising solution for sustainable plastics, with potential applications in various industries.
Researchers at Nagoya University and Zeon Corporation have developed a new thermoplastic rubber material, i-SIS, with an extremely high tensile toughness of 480 MJ/m³. The material's impact resistance surpasses that of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), making it suitable for use in automotive and other industries.
Researchers detected emerging synthetic antioxidants in e-waste recycling dust, including hindered phenol and sulfur antioxidants. The study highlights the need for further research on their environmental behaviors and toxicities.
A new study uses a microspectroscopic technique to measure micro- and nano-sized plastics in steam-disinfected silicone-rubber baby bottle nipples. The research found that these fine particles can be released into the environment and ingested by babies, posing health risks.
Liheng Cai's lab creates a new synthetic rubber that is 1,000 times softer than conventional rubber but still holds its shape. The material has superior mechanical properties and can be used for various applications, including medical implants and soft robots.
In the early 20th century, José Carlos Amaringo Chico rose to power as an Ashaninka shaman-chief, driven by his unwavering belief in transformation and immortality. He took a strong anti-slavery stance, fueling social liberation movements and achieving a peaceful transition with Seventh Day Adventist missionaries.
Scientists at Flinders University have developed a new method to create sustainable building blocks, including bricks made from recycled PVC and organic waste. The 'green' bricks can be repeatedly ground up and recycled, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
Researchers have discovered a new kind of rubber and catalyst that can be used to make flexible, repairable, sustainable objects. The new rubber material can be completely repaired and returned to its original strength in minutes, even at room temperature, with an amine catalyst.
A team of McMaster University chemists has discovered a method to efficiently break down and dissolve tire rubber, paving the way for more effective recycling. The process addresses the massive environmental burden posed by 3 billion tires worldwide, which can leach contaminants into ecosystems.
Scientists discovered that soil mites alter their diet based on the environment they inhabit, with some species switching from saprophagy to predation. The study focused on oribatid mites and found significant differences in nitrogen isotope content depending on land use systems.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a strong and flexible bioplastic replacement for petroleum-based plastics, which could be used in food packaging and other applications. The new material combines natural rubber with bioplastic and has shown improved toughness without significant loss of strength.
New polymer additives have been found to increase the storage stability of asphalt rubber, making it more suitable for producing rubber asphalt. This material has shown cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits in U.S. states that currently use ground tire rubber as a component of asphalt mixes.
Researchers at Sichuan University developed a synthetic analogue to vulcanized natural rubber by attaching short protein chains to the polymer backbone. This results in a self-reinforcing effect under strain, making the material tougher and more recyclable. The new rubber's properties closely resemble those of vulcanized natural rubber.
Scientists at UD aim to improve battery performance by introducing tapers into polymer membrane electrolytes, increasing conductivity and processing speed. The goal is to create more impact-resistant and safer batteries for devices like cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
A University of East Anglia study finds that current payment schemes for forest carbon credits are insufficient to compete with the financial benefits of logging and converting forests to rubber plantations. To effectively protect tropical forests, payment amounts must be significantly increased.
Researchers have created a new type of rubber that can self-heal, offering potential applications in durable tires, wearable electronics, and medical devices. The hybrid rubber combines covalent and reversible bonds to achieve its unique properties.
Scientists have introduced a new, phosphorus-containing rubber analogue with similar properties to natural rubber. The polymerization of this compound offers prospects for further derivatization and crosslinking, enabling unique architectures and properties in commercial rubbers.
Researchers have developed a printable elastic conductor that retains high conductivity even after being stretched by five times its original length. The new material, made with silver nanoparticles, has potential applications in wearable devices and robots.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a simple solution to prevent splashback of harmful or unhygienic fluids, including using soft materials like silicone to create a barrier. The technique has potential applications in hospitals, kitchens, and even urinals to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Researchers have created a new, degradable synthetic rubber that can be easily recycled and reused in tires and other products. The material, made from cyclopentene, is produced using low-energy conditions and can recover 100% of its starting material.
Researchers have successfully sequenced the genome of Hevea brasiliensis, the natural rubber tree, uncovering key genes responsible for its unique properties. The study identifies a cluster of genes related to rubber biosynthesis and disease resistance, which may contribute to the tree's high latex production.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a composite material that combines graphene with natural rubber and polyurethane, resulting in increased strength and elasticity by up to 50%. The added graphene enhances the materials' ability to stretch and withstand force without breaking.
ORNL researchers develop a new thermoplastic called ABL with improved performance and recyclability. The material uses lignin as a renewable feedstock, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
Researchers develop a new method to create highly stretchable conductors by aligning carbon nanotubes with rubber cores, resulting in an impressive 1000% stretch-to-conductivity ratio. This innovation has significant implications for future medical devices, optical elements, and robotics.