Rubbers, roughness and reproduction
University of Leicester researchers found that more fluid formulations have greater reliability than thick and sticky rubbers. They discovered that high viscosity rubber compounds produce less desirable replicas.
Rubber
Articles tagged with Rubber
Where the rubber meets the road
Researchers have discovered that rubber friction on asphalt is influenced by the deformation of molecules when pushed against rough road surfaces, as well as shearing movement. This finding could lead to more efficient tire materials and manufacturing processes.
Rubber from dandelions
Researchers at TUM and IME identified a protein complex on rubber particles responsible for the formation of polyisoprene, the main component of rubber. The study found two key proteins necessary for natural rubber biosynthesis in dandelion plants. This discovery brings biotechnological manufacturing of rubber closer.
Desert plant could bolster world's supply of natural rubber
Scientists have developed a method to extract rubber from guayule, a desert shrub native to the southwestern US, which could bolster the world's supply of natural rubber. The discovery may help reduce reliance on Southeast Asian plantations and diversify the global market.
Expanding rubber plantations 'catastrophic' for endangered species in Southeast Asia
A new study predicts that up to 8.5 million hectares of additional rubber plantations will be required to meet demand by 2024, threatening significant areas of Asian forest and globally threatened unique species. The expansion is comparable to oil palm and has catastrophic biodiversity impacts.
Study points the way toward producing rubber from lettuce
Prickly lettuce has potential as a new cash crop providing raw material for rubber production, according to Washington State University scientists. They identified genetic markers linked to rubber production in the plant's genetic code, opening the way for breeding desired traits and developing a sustainable source of natural rubber.
Winter hack: Textured rubber that grips slick, icy surfaces
Researchers have created a textured rubber material that provides better traction on ice, offering a potential solution for slip-resistant winter boots. The material, made of glass fibers embedded in a compliant rubber, was developed to reduce incidents of pedestrian slips and falls on icy surfaces.
New insight into how rubber is made could improve tires, reduce air pollution
Scientists discovered a previously unknown structure that forms during vulcanization, which could lead to improved tire performance and fuel savings. The discovery has major implications for the auto industry and reducing air pollution.
Forging path for plant-based sustainable source of rubber and biofuels
Arizona State University engineers are working on a $6.9 million project to produce rubber from the guayule plant, which could reduce US dependence on foreign producers. The project assesses sustainability factors, including land use, community impacts, and job creation.
UCSB anthropologist studies cattle ranchers in Brazilian Amazon
A study by UCSB anthropologist Jeffrey Hoelle explores the complex relationship between cattle ranchers and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. Ranchers, who are often seen as villains of Amazonia, actually have a nuanced perspective on their industry's impact.
A new genre of tires: Call 'em 'sweet' and 'green'
A new genre of eco-friendly tires is being developed using genetically engineered microbes that produce raw materials from sugar. Companies like Goodyear and Michelin are partnering with biotechnology firms to create sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based tires, which could debut within the next 3-5 years.
Tying molecules in knots
Researchers have successfully tied molecules into a complex pentafoil knot using self-assembly, expanding the understanding of material properties and potentially leading to new materials with improved properties. The knot is composed of just 160 atoms, approximately 16 nanometers in length.
Vital role for bacteria in climate-change gas cycle
Isoprene-degrading bacteria discovered near coastal zones, improving models of climate change and environmental factors. These microbes also break down alkanes, potentially aiding oil-degrading survival between spills.
On the road to 'sweet' tires made with a more sustainable process
Scientists have developed a revolutionary technology to produce isoprene, a key tire ingredient, from renewable biomass sources such as sugar cane and switchgrass. This innovation aims to reduce the tire industry's reliance on crude oil and create a more sustainable future.
Energy-harvesting rubber sheets could power pacemakers, mobile phones
Researchers developed energy-harvesting rubber films that generate electricity from flexing and are highly efficient at converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. The material, composed of ceramic nanoribbons embedded onto silicone rubber sheets, could power pacemakers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices using breathin...
'Retrospective rubber' remembers its old identities
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new class of transparent, rubbery shape-memory polymers that can be controlled to change shape in response to temperature. This material has potential applications as diverse as biomedical implants, conformal face-masks, self-sealing sutures, and smart labels.
Tiny rubber balls give plastic bounce
Researchers have developed tiny rubber balls that can be embedded in plastics to improve adhesion and toughness. The core-shell particles are tailored to join with any plastic or ceramic, solving issues of adhesion found with untailored rubber particles.
Low-tech erasers don't get rubbed out, as kids go back to school
The story of low-tech erasers begins in the 1560s with graphite sticks and evolves into crude pencils. In 1839, Charles Goodyear developed the vulcanization process to cure rubber, increasing strength, stability, and elasticity. This innovation enabled mass production of pencil erasers.
'Green' car tyre produced
Dutch technologists have developed a more environmentally friendly car tyre by mixing silica and rubber in a specific ratio. The tyre features a low rolling resistance, leading to reduced fuel consumption. Silica grain size plays a crucial role in the rolling resistance, with smaller particles resulting in lower resistance.
UMass polymer scientists aiming to turn scrap tires into environmentally friendly products
Researchers at UMass are developing new materials from recycled tires, including a solid rubber object that retains 50-90% of its original strength and elasticity. Another material combines asphalt and recycled tires to create an asphalt alternative that withstands high temperatures and remains flexible in low temperatures.
Student research improves properties of rubber
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new family of polydienes with the highest molecular weights ever reported, improving thermal and mechanical properties for enhanced performance. The material also exhibits unique optical disk and optical fiber applications due to its high refractive index.
Papers invited for International Rubber Conference
The International Rubber Conference will explore various aspects of rubber technology, including bonding to other materials, civil engineering, environmental impact, and product performance. Authors are invited to submit abstracts by September 29, 2000.
Synthetic rubber kills germs on contact
A new synthetic rubber material has been developed that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact, making it ideal for medical supplies and consumer products. The material uses a different mechanism to fight infection than conventional coatings and protective plastics.
Tires of the future
Experts will discuss new synthetic elastomers designed to improve tire traction properties, as well as surface-modified mineral fillers that could increase fuel economy in vehicles. Researchers will also predict fatigue in fiber-reinforced rubber composite laminates in tires.
How to vary the speed of a bullet so it won't kill your target
Scientists at Oak Ridge have invented an aluminum-based propellant allowing for varying speed control. This technology enables the use of rubber bullets with reduced lethality, avoiding fatal outcomes at close range.
Allergies To Rubber Affect 12.5 Percent Of Health Care Workers
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions found that 2.5% of healthcare workers already experience allergic reactions to rubber gloves, while 10% are sensitized but asymptomatic. The study aims to identify and prevent these potentially life-threatening allergies.
Vietnamese Chemist Finds New Use For Old Cashew Shells
A Vietnamese chemist, Vu-Thi-Yen, has developed a new method to improve the durability of rubber products by blending it with cardanol, an oil extracted from cashew shells. The blended rubber is stronger and longer-lasting than plain latex, showing potential applications in various industries.