July 26, 2021 I $99 per year, $4.50 per copy The Rubber Industry’s International Newspaper Showing resiliency UHP market strong despite drop in sedan sales By Jim Johnson rector, said. Rubber & Plastics News Staff “While the performance vehicle market might So if car enthusiasts are called gearheads, be reducing in terms of vehicle launches, we what’s a tire enthusiast called? continue to see the volume differences offset by Treadheads? Probably not. an increase in performance CUVs and SUVs. Being part of the motorhead population means “Some CUV platforms now demand V- or paying attention to things such as W-rated products, showcasing the trend horsepower and suspension systems. toward UHP. With an increase in OE But there’s also plenty of interest in the speed rating demands as well, all-sea- tires that move those performance vehi- son UHPs are driving growth in this cles. market. We are seeing UHP tire sales True autophiles know their wheels showing significant growth year over and are not afraid to spend the extra year,” he said. cash to outfit their vehicles with ul- A changing landscape for vehicles, tra-high performance tires. But UHP one where higher performance is being Honeywell hopes to bring tires also are not the sole domain of the sought by more and more drivers, is nitrile glove production to automotive illuminati. helping to drive growth in the tire seg- the U.S. by mid-2022. Lee As product planner for Bridgestone ment, Lee said. Americas Tire Operations, U.S. and Canada, “Over the years, original equipment vehicle part of Brad Robison’s job is to keep his finger on manufacturers have developed and tuned CUVs Honeywell looks to start the pulse of the UHP market. and SUVs with more performance-focused fea- “The UHP tire segment remains strong: De- tures. The result is a healthy and growing UHP spite a decrease in sedan sales, the popularity of tire market,” he said. U.S. nitrile glove operation sports cars, and accordingly the UHP tire seg- Bridgestone’s Robison agrees. ment, continues to hold strong. “The UHP OE market is strong, driven by the By Mike McNulty tic operation will require more “Much of that can be attributed to the market continued presence of sports cars, sports se- Rubber & Plastics News Correspondent people to staff the production.” shift toward CUVs, SUVs and light trucks, dans and sporty CUVs among new vehi- CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Honeywell Honeywell did not previously where consumer demand for sportier models cle sales. In these categories, we’ve International Inc. and Premier make nitrile gloves in the U.S. with more power and responsiveness are driving seen the OEMs engineering the Inc. are teaming up in the U.S. to Honeywell’s spokesman said the upward trend in UHP tires,” Robison told See UHP, page 22 expand the domestic production that members of Premier’s net- Rubber & Plastics News in an email interview. and supply of nitrile examination work “have committed to purchas- “Consumer expectations of performance tires gloves to hospitals, clinics and ing a percentage of (the Honeywell continue to rise: Not only do consumers want a other health care providers. produced) gloves for a five-year tire that delivers ultimate grip and handling, While the complete details on period. This long-term commit- they also want a tire with longer wear life and the manufacturing part of the ment from U.S. health care com- all-season performance. collaboration are sketchy at this panies enables us to invest in do- “Consumers today are doing more research point, a Honeywell spokesman mestic production, helping to about the products available in the market, and indicated that the current plan strengthen the personal protection they want a tire that performs for a long time and will include the addition of a new equipment supply chain.” across a variety of seasonal conditions,” he said. U.S. nitrile glove production facil- Premier is a technology driven Nexen Tire America Inc. views UHP tires as ity and personnel for the company. health care improvement compa- an important growth segment and provided He said that “with the partner- ny with an alliance of more than some perspective on the market. ship, we will be working to estab- 4,100 U.S. hospitals and health “The UHP segment is still seeing growth, even lish new operations here in the systems and about 200,000 other with trends continuing to move toward CUVs U.S., with production of these providers and organizations in and SUVs,” Jay Lee, Nexen product planning di- new gloves starting in mid-2022. its network and will handle dis- We do anticipate this new domes- See Honeywell, page 18 Nolato Contour expands Midwest footprint By Mike Scott vaccine/drug manufacturing components. Nolato Rubber & Plastics News Correspondent Contour produces and supplies plastic components BALDWIN, Wis.—Precision plastic and silicone in- and finished medical devices to medical and phar- jection molding company Nolato Contour Inc. is fin- maceutical OEMs throughout the U.S. ishing up a $5 million expansion project that will help Planning began in Fall 2020 as strategic cus- create an estimated 75 jobs over the next three years tomer demand increased beyond the company’s in and around Baldwin. current capacity, according to Nolato Contour The expansion will help the company increase President and Managing Director Russell Steele. its North American revenue and extend its market With the expansion, the company will have rough- share. The expanded area broke ground in June ly 200,000 square feet of manufacturing, ware- 2021 and project completion is expected by house and office space. the first quarter of 2022. Once that expansion is complete, the site This expansion includes a 60,000-sq.- Our special will have six molding rooms, with five report on North America represents 13 percent of Nolato Contour’s global sales. ft. expansion of warehousing and produc- class 7 and 8 clean rooms, along with tion support for expanded medical prod- Wire & CablePage 10. controlled manufacturing space for ther- uct needs. The investment will support begins on moplastic, silicone and device assembly. ©Entire contents copyright 2021 by Crain Communications Inc. All rights reserved. the production of diagnostic products and See Nolato, page 18

Learn More on Hose & Belt Page 23 October 2021 SheratonManufacturers Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, Conference OH 13-14,

P001_P022_RPN_20210726.indd 1 7/22/21 6:15 PM RPN05258.indd 1 7/9/21 5:04 PM www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 3 In focus

NR recovery continues European Rubber Journal KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—The Evidence of escalating demand world production of natural rubber gradually is returning to pre-pan- demic levels, while demand is ex- NewAge investing $2M to add clean room at Pa. headquarters site pected to further increase following By Andrew Schunk we’re renovating another building that we purchased last year. better than expected recovery in the Rubber & Plastics News Staff The additional clean rooms at our headquarters will help us get U.S., United Kingdom and Europe. SOUTHAMPTON, Pa.—When NewAge Industries added 40,000 more, much-needed product out the door and on the way to our In June, NR production reached square feet to its headquarters in southeastern Pennsylvania biopharm and pharmaceutical customers.” 1.05 million metric tons, on par with several years ago, the assumption was that the $12 million in- The 265 employees of the 100-percent-employee-owned New- pre-pandemic levels of 2019, the As- vestment would be all the more space it would need to meet de- Age Industries soon will be spread between Southampton and sociation of Natural Rubber Produc- mand from its hose and tube-seeking customers. Warrington, Pa., via another 97,000-sq.-ft. facility that is set to ing Countries said in a July 14 So what’s another $2 million for an additional 3,000 square be operational by this fall. monthly update. feet of clean room space at the company’s main campus? Primarily an extrusion and warehousing facility that already “While some producing countries For NewAge, it means improved efficiency, better quality as- existed, NewAge has invested about $20 million in the building are in the midst of pandemic battle, surance and more production space for the assembly and mold- that will be “making saleable products by late October,” Baker the production seems not severely ing of its products, many of which serve the biological and said. NewAge will look to add another 40 to 60 team members affected by the pandemic restriction pharmaceutical industries. with the completion of the Warrington building, located about measures as compared to a year ago,” The clean room is an ISO Class 7 facility and should be com- 15 minutes from Southampton. the report said. plete by fall. It represents the third construction project in the “When fully operational we will have doubled our capacity,” Total production for the second last three years in Southampton, coming on the heels of the Baker said. quarter of the year reached 2.87 mil- construction of an initial 20,000-sq.-ft. clean room and another The Warrington facility is expected to be one-stop shopping lion tons, 44,000 tons lower than AN- 20,000 square feet of warehouse space. for AdvantaPure customers, with raw materials coming in the RPC’s estimation earlier in the year. “We predicted that the expansion we did a front door and end products—such as silicone and thermoplas- Over the first half, supply recov- few years ago would be all the space we’d tic elastomer hose and tubing—exiting out the back. ered “closer to pre-pandemic level” of need for many years, since it involved over Both the platinum-cured silicone and the TPEs used by New- 6 million tons, ANRPC added. 40,000 square feet,” said NewAge CEO Ken Age-AdvantaPure are sourced in the U.S., Baker said. Demand now is expected to in- Baker. “But no one anticipated the pandem- The clean room in Warrington ultimately will house tubing crease 8 percent year-on-year to 13.89 ic. Business is robust, and we need more extrusion equipment, mold presses, assembly, packaging and million tons in 2021, up from AN- production and assembly rooms.” inspection areas. Besides silicone and TPEs, other raw materi- RPC’s previous estimate of 6.7 percent NewAge makes AdvantaPure thermoplastic als used by NewAge include polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, annual growth to 13.68 million tons. elastomer products, including AdvantaFlex latex, fluoropolymers and nylon. This is the second time ANRPC is weldable and sealable tubing, AdvantaSil sili- NewAge Industries’ materials meet 3A, NSF, USP Class VI revising up the demand outlook this cone tubing and reinforced hose, and molded Baker and other requirements. Rubber tubing and plastic hose styles year. In June, the association lifted assemblies. The company also offers an array are available in unreinforced tubing, corrugated or convoluted its estimate marginally from 13.57 of fittings and clamps to accompany its plastic tubing and hose. tubing, and braid-reinforced hose for extra strength and pres- million tons to 13.68 million tons for In major part due to the pandemic, demand has skyrocketed sure capabilities. the full year. over the last year, as NewAge was considered essential, partic- The company works in the food and beverage (think craft The improved outlook, ANRPC ipating in Operation Warp Speed and the distribution of beer and home-brewing systems), lubrication systems and OEM said, was due to a better-than-ex- COVID-19 vaccines. equipment manufacturing for pneumatic air lines sectors, as pected recovery observed in the rest “The new clean room will be ideal for the manufacture of bio- well, and provides chemical transfer systems through its Teflon of the world, namely the U.S., Europe logics and production of the single-use systems that are preva- and Viton tubing. and the U.K. lent today,” Baker said. “These have really taken hold.” In June, the world consumed about “In the olden days,” as Baker says, biologics and pharmaceu- Pandemic problems 1.14 million tons of natural rubber, ticals were contained in vessels comprising stainless steel pip- Like so many of its partners and industry competitors, pric- up 9.8 percent from 2020. ing. Now they are constructed with polyethylene bags, ing volatility has reared its head of late, especially as it relates Second quarter demand rose 16.3 multi-layered and complex extrusions that are a big advantage to certain materials. But maintaining a multi-supplier philoso- percent to 3.48 million tons, while to NewAge customers and the environment. phy has assisted the company through the ups and downs of a the first half saw a 19.3 percent “If you think about the tubing we are making, it is an inject- chaotic economy. growth to 7.05 million tons. able, a vehicle for a vaccine for things like COVID, yellow “PVC and polyurethane—those have been the big ones,” fever or the flu,” Baker said. “NewAge customers want Baker said. “With suppliers, it really depends on the poly- their systems to be clean, and there is a gamma radia- mer. The issue in the pharmaceutical processing field is Correction tion sterilization process we use to give our products a with validation, and validation is done by the customer. In the North America Rankings of necessary sterility.” But generally we work with multiple suppliers for secu- rubber product makers that ap- The three main pharmaceutical manufacturers of rity of supply.” peared in the June 26 issue of Rubber the COVID vaccines—Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson While lead times also have been an issue for products & Plastics News, incorrect data was and Johnson, household names that were bandied about like filters, connectors and clamps, Baker said he believes provided for Hankook Tire America during the last year like trading cards—all used NewAge it is the high demand, rather than the port anomaly prob- Corp. The company’s revenues on the tubing and systems to make their medicine. lems, that has caused lead time issues. continent for 2020 were just shy of NewAge sold some of its products directly to these three $1.5 billion, would have ranked Han- companies, while other situations dictated that the tubing and Benefits of going ESOP kook No. 8 for the year. assemblies be sold through an intermediary. Founded in 1954, NewAge Industries serves customers world- No matter how the system got to the patient, NewAge rep- wide. The company is a solar-powered, zero-landfill organiza- resents a crucial cog in the COVID-19 prevention wheel. tion committed to minimizing environmental impact. Inside this edition “Operation Warp Speed has changed things considerably,” Perhaps more than any other single virtue, Baker said he is Baker said. “We’re hiring, we’re improving our processes, and proud that NewAge is 100-percent-employee-owned, which oc- curred in 2019. The company offers employee ownership as part of its retirement plan, profit sharing, a 401(k) plan with a contribution from the company, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and health insurance. And for most of its manu- facturing positions, NewAge does its own training. “Job seekers just need the desire to work with a growing, very successful American company that’s making products to help fight the virus,” Baker said. “And I always like to talk about employee ownership. I view the employee-owned model as the best business model out there. “Who knows what will happen to a company if it is sold to a private equity firm? And what are we doing as capitalists? Let’s make the employees New Age Industries’ most recent expansion helps it meet demand quickly. themselves the capitalists.” Rubber in Pop Culture In this issue’s “5 for 50” install- Departments From the web ...... 9 Opinion ...... 8 Technical notebook ...... 14 ment, rubber’s place in pop culture is shown by references to a Frank 6 Vol. 50, No. 27. July 26, 2021—Rubber & Plastics News (ISSN 0300-6123) is published bi-weekly by Crain Communications Inc. Periodical postage paid at Akron and at Sinatra song, a Seinfeld episode and additional mailing offices. Address all subscription correspondence to: Circulation Department, Rubber & Plastics News, 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, Mich. 48207-2912. Sesame Street. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Rubber & Plastics News, Circulation Dept., 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, Mich. 48207-2912.

P003_RPN_20210726.indd 3 7/22/21 5:45 PM 4 Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 www.rubbernews.com Latex Conference keynoters: NR trending up, pushed by innovation By Andrew Schunk in fact, natural,” Heath said. “ ‘Bio-based’ There was a mega-glove rush that fol- the DPNR platform can be used in anti-vi- Rubber & Plastics News Staff is a term that is increasingly used with lowed as demand for PPE spiked, produc- bration mounting, food packaging and “It no longer attracts our attention, it man-made polymers. The tree itself—the ing acute short-term shortages of medical medical grade applications. commands it.” carbon content—eventually returns to the gloves, which account for about 60 percent “Can we alter properties through modi- Former Surgeon General C. Everett atmosphere from whence it came.” of the latex industry. Condoms, balloons fications ... this is what we are looking at Koop’s warning during the AIDS crisis 30 The circularity is there for NR produc- and carpet adhesives represent other NR now,” Matthan said. “Nature itself gives years ago is befitting today in reference to ers, but the challenges are many. end markets. us modifications—it has taught us that the pandemic, its impact on global health Latex sits well below synthetic rubber While China and Malaysia recovered we can make modifications using NR.” and effects on the latex industry. in global use, still fighting its way back fairly quickly, Matthan said, Thailand pro- Some of these modified bioelastic mate- “This is now the epidemic of our genera- from a low water mark in 1976 of duction took a lot longer to return. rials—even using hydrogenation to modi- tion,” Ranjit Matthan, director of Vystar just more than 30 percent of “Malaysia and China fy a latex EPDM—will be out in the next Corp., said July 20 during day one of the NR use compared to near- continue to import excess year from Vystar, he said. International Latex Conference. “After an ly 70 percent synthetic needs, and Thailand Heath said Corrie MacColl is pushing almost cataclysmic first half of 2020, a rubber use. and Indonesia are both deforestation programming for rural period from which we are still in a recov- Panelists predicted ramping up domestic farmers and alliances with rainforest orga- ery mode, the durability and resilience of NR use could counterbal- use,” Matthan said “And nizations to assist in sustainability efforts. natural rubber has proven itself through ance synthetic rubber use at nitrile remains in tight “The FSC is the gold standard of forestry innovation.” 50-50 in the next several years. supply.” certification, with credible and transparent Four industry experts kicked off the In addition, companies like Corrie Mac­ The latex segment is huge, second only governance,” Heath said. “It is making sus- conference, organized by Rubber & Plas- Coll and Vystar are navigating deforestation, to automotive tires in rubber use. Its pro- tainability worthwhile for farmers, and I tics News, during a virtual panel discus- biodiversity, carbon impact, human and labor duction has returned to 2016 levels, up 95 can announce today that we are working sion on the trends, innovations and chal- rights issues, the effects of low-pricing on percent from February 2020, but it remains now in Cameroon to achieve full FSC com- lenges in the latex industry. smallholder livelihoods; biodegradability; an imported item for U.S. customers. pliance by the end of the year.” Appearing were Matthan; John Heath, global warming; and a pandemic. While China, Malaysia and Thailand It remains very difficult for smallhold- director, latex, Corrie MacColl; William “These are some, but by no means all, of produce 70 percent of the world’s natural ers, who produce 90 percent of the natural Doyle, product development consultant the issues facing the natural rubber in- rubber, the U.S. produces about 3 per- rubber, to achieve FSC rubber certifica- with Vystar Corp.; and Joseph John, di- dustry,” Heath said. “These challenges do cent—and represents 32 percent of Ma- tion, as FSC rubber represents just 1.5 rector, Polymer Consultancy Services Ltd. exist and we need to attend to them be- laysia’s exports. percent of the total area of rubber. Like many other industries, forces both cause they have significant impacts.” There remains “growth potential” in “Corrie MacColl can now offer FSC anticipated and unpredicted conspired in NR producers are responding with de- India and China, and Vystar may look to rubber and latex in increased amounts, the natural rubber space to cause pricing forestation education and merit-based expand its Vytex production line in Viet- and we anticipate increasing this four-fold volatility and supply chain bottlenecks. outgrower programs for smallholders; an nam, Thailand, Cameroon and Guatema- in the coming years,” Heath said. As the world’s largest countries imple- attention to Forest Stewardship Council la, Matthan said. Finally, Corrie MacColl maintains its $28 ment more stringent environmental thresh- thresholds and certification; and the Vy- million Outgrower Program, which aims to olds, raw material providers are prioritiz- tex brand of NR, a production partnership Innovating and educating assist 13,000 smallholders and revitalize ing sustainability in kind. between Vystar and Corrie MacColl. Vy- With its ultra-low protein levels, Vytex NR 27,000 hectares in the coming years. And this is where natural rubber pro- tex is an ultra-low protein natural rubber allows for low additional costs; a purer, high- Corrie MacColl developed the program ducers, with their inherently biodegrad- latex that panelists say could have appli- er hydrocarbon level; and a lower non-rubber to help small rubber farmers improve able tree rubber, maintain an advantage cation in the tire space. solids base, according to Matthan. their agricultural skills and stave off the over petroleum-based synthetic rubber Supplied by Corrie MacColl, the Vytex practice of slash and burn. This will bene- suppliers. Trends platform can offer liquid latex concentrate fit the company through higher rubber “As for the carbon and climate impact, it In February 2020, the bottom fell out of and dry rubber specialty grades that are yields that farmers sell to the firm. is quite strange for me after being in the the production end of the latex industry de-proteinized and NR-based—an NR The initial rollout of the program is be- industry for more than 40 years to be because of the health problems and subse- equivalent to EPDM that is non-allergenic. ing implemented with about 250 farmers asked to prove that our natural rubber is, quent shutdowns caused by COVID-19. Besides the tire industry, panelists said in the Cameroon area. Freudenberg Medical expansion supports U.S. demand By Mike McNulty Rubber & Plastics News Correspondent BEVERLY, Mass.—Freudenberg Medical is expanding its manu- facturing plant in Alajuela, Cos- ta Rica—the second addition the company has made at the site in the last five years—to keep pace with the rapid growth the busi- ness has experienced. Approximately 8,600 square feet will be added to the company’s existing 17,200-sq.-ft. facility, ac- cording to Max Kley, CEO of Freudenberg Medical. Included in the addition is an ISO Class 7 Freudenberg Medical employees have seen the Alajuela, Costa Rica, site clean room to be used for manufac- and its work force grow within the last five years. turing catheters along with mold- ing, extrusion assembly and pack- in October. Freudenberg Medical’s expan- aging components. The expansion While the expansion will help sion allows the firm to increase also will give the company addi- the company—a global designer, its capabilities and capacity for Freudenberg Medical’s site in Costa Rica serves customers in the U.S. tional room for more office space. developer and manufacturer of a catheter manufacturing, assem- Cost of the project was not dis- wide range of medical devices, blies, injection molding and medi- closed. components and products—fill cal tubing, according to the com- Kley said new machinery will needs in Costa Rica, the plant pany, which is a business within be added, including an Arburg primarily serves customers in the Weinheim, Germany-based all-electric injection molding ma- the U.S., plus some customers in Freudenberg Group of companies. chine and an Engel upright injec- Latin America and Europe, ac- “Freudenberg Medical has tion molding machine, as well as cording to Kley. continued to grow rapidly in an advanced thermoplastic extru- “Costa Rica has grown as an spite of the pandemic and is ex- sion line for catheter manufactur- important medical device cluster periencing accelerated growth in ing. The line can produce tubing in recent years, and Freudenberg all regions in 2021,” he said. from 4 inches long to 170 inches Medical is part of the story,” he “Our growth is driven by the long with a capacity of up to 1 noted. The firm’s FDA-registered general trend in the medical de- million parts per month, he said. clean room operation is located vice industry to outsource the In addition, he said, about 70 in the Coyal Free Zone, the cen- manufacturing of components more employees will be brought tral hub for life science compa- and finished devices to global, on board to bolster Beverly-head- nies and medical device original technologically advanced suppli- quartered Freudenberg Medi- equipment manufacturing sites. ers,” Kley added. “With 11 facili- cal’s work force of 130 at the Once the expansion is com- ties worldwide and strong plat- Costa Rica plant. plete, Kley said, “new projects form technologies, Freudenberg Kley added that the project is will be transferred from a cus- Medical is the partner of choice expected to be complete and the tomer site to the new manufac- for the leading medical device clean room ready for production turing area.” companies.” Freudenberg Medical has experienced growth through the pandemic.

P004_RPN_20210726.indd 4 7/22/21 4:12 PM www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 5 Sustainable rubber at heart of NGO effort By Jim Johnson some 70 percent—goes into Rubber and Plastics News Staff making tires. “Let’s take a look at rubber. It’s a really im- GENEVA—An international for- “Despite the size of the indus- est certification group is launch- try and the complexity of the portant material in so many daily products. ing a new campaign aimed at supply chain, the sources of this It’s too often taken for granted. It touches rubber producers. natural rubber are quite mod- The Programme for the En- est,” PEFC said. Some 6 million in our lives in many ways and will continue dorsement of Forest Certification smallholders, farmers who tend to do so as populations increase.” said the new ef- to rubber trees on independent fort called PEFC sites, produce about 85 percent of Ben Gunneberg is aimed at sup- the world’s natural rubber. These porting sustain- small farms are mostly in Thai- rubber and rubber wood, wheth- founding supporter of the Inter- able rubber prac- land, Vietnam, Indonesia and er its end use is for rubber tires national Rubber Study Group. tices. Malaysia. for vehicles or footwear for ath- PEFC includes national forest “Let’s take a “And just as PEFC provides letes,” PEFC explained. certification systems, non-gov- look at rubber. chain of custody certification for PEFC already has a history of ernment organizations, associa- It’s a really important material products originally sourced from involvement with the rubber in- tions, companies and individuals. in so many daily products. It’s too forests, like furniture, flooring, dustry as the group is a member Members include the Sustainable often taken for granted. It touch- paper and packaging, we’re of the Global Platform for Sus- Forestry Initiative in the U.S. es in our lives in many ways and ready to do the same for natural tainable Natural Rubber and a and PEFC Canada. will continue to do so as popula- tions increase,” PEFC Interna- tional CEO Ben Gunneberg said July 7 during an internet presen- tation. “However, unsustainable rub- ber production has many docu- mented challenges, ranging from contributing to deforestation, forest degradation, contribution to human rights violations of mi- grant workers as well as many governance challenges such as unsecured land rights, leading to land grabbing, which compounds the first challenges into a vicious cycle,” he said. The solution, Gunneberg said, is ensuring all interested parties invest in and contribute to a “verified and certified sustain- able rubber production.” This third-party certification, he said, will create benefits such YOUR as sustainable supply and produc- tion, better working conditions and environmental benefits. CONNECTION While rubber use impacts many people, few realize how vi- tal the material is to everyday TO THE WORLD’S BEST life, Geneva-based PEFC said. And even fewer know the differ- MATERIALS UNDER ONE ROOF ence between natural rubber and synthetic rubber. It is our job to supply customers with the right mix of ingredients so desired outcomes are achieved. “Natural rubber is an essential We know the chemistry, and know how to apply our knowledge to building and maintaining raw material in manufacturing relationships with our Suppliers and Customers. By providing the best raw materials, all under one roof, … for thousands of products around us such as medical devic- we streamline the entire selection, ordering and delivery process—saving you time and money. es to toys,” said Sorakit Manbu- Visit our website for a complete list of products. phachati, deputy director of the Federation of Thai Industries. “It’s involved in every stage of our life.” The federation is a non-profit group representing private sector companies in that country. Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of natural rubber, so the country has a stake in improving the conditions and circumstances surrounding the industry, he said. The campaign seeks to expand PEFC’s presence in both the rub- ber production and rubber wood segments through a multi-faceted approach. PEFC seeks to build “aware- ness, engagement and demand for PEFC certification” while “di- versifying to new and expanding existing industry opportunities,” the group said. The plan is to in- crease PEFC’s visibility and chain of custody certification use. The non-profit group said rub- ber trees are grown on 14 million hectares, primarily in Southeast Asia, but also in Latin America and Africa. Natural rubber ac- counts for 47 percent of the global harwick.com rubber supply and totaled 13.6 Registered million metric tons in 2019. Akron, OH 1-800-899-4412 l Pico Rivera, CA 1-800-883-9911 to ISO 9001 Most of the natural rubber—

P005_RPN_20210726.indd 5 7/22/21 4:13 PM 6 Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 www.rubbernews.com 5for50 5 for 50 5 Times rubber made its mark in pop culture

By Joe Scalzo the season finale of Seinfeld’s third season. 1. Vandelay Industries Rubber & Plastics News Staff Early in the two-part episode—best known for the he world’s biggest latex company is Halcyon phrase “I’m Keith Hernandez”—George Costanza tells Agro Corp. Ltd., but the most famous one his unemployment agent, Mrs. Sokol, that he just in- Tdoesn’t even exist. terviewed for a sales position at Vandelay Industries How do we know? Well, when we tried calling on New York City’s Upper West Side. Vandelay Industries, we were told, “Nah, you’re way, “I got very close there. Very close.” way, way off.” “And what type of company is that?” So, we read off the phone number we were given. “Latex. Latex manufacturing.” “Well, yeah that’s the right number,” the man said, He wanted to sell latex and latex-related products. “but this is an apartment.” They just wouldn’t give him a chance! In each issue leading up to our special 50th Anniversa- Vandelay’s Kel Varnsen was ready to vouch for ry issue on Aug. 9, we'll present a new list of 5—business- him, but, alas, Mrs. Sokol got Kramer instead. When es, discoveries and innovations, moments and organiza- Jerry Seinfeld walked into his apartment and spot- tions that have changed or are changing the industry. ted a dejected George on the floor with his pants Our latest “5 for 50” focuses on rubber in pop culture down, he put his hands on his hips and said (all to- and there’s no better place to start than “The Boyfriend,” gether now), “And you want to be my latex salesman.”

2. High Hopes

In 1959—a year before Frank Sinatra told American voters that “Jack is on the right track”—Old Blue Eyes was asking child actor Eddie Hodges, “Just what makes that little old ant think he’ll move a big rubber plant? Anyone knows an ant can’t move a rubber tree plant.” But he’s got Hiiiiiigh Hopes. The song—from the movie A Hole in the Head—won an Oscar for Best Original Song at the 32nd Academy Awards. Sinatra then recorded a different version in 3. Rubber Duckie 1960, turning the tune into a campaign ad for John F. Kennedy. Unfortunately, the JFK version dropped any references to polymeric material, Did you know that Ernie’s “Rubber Duckie” song has been around for more prompting us to lament, “Oops there goes another rubber tree plant … reference.” than 50 years, making its Sesame Street debut on Feb. 25, 1970? And did you know it reached No. 16 on the Billboard charts that year, earning a Grammy nomination for “Best Children’s Song?” And did you know it’ll be in your head for the rest of the day? The song originally was sung by Jim Henson, but it since has been covered by 4. The Simpsons the Irish Rovers, Little Richard, Jane Krakowski and every parent in history. The actual Rubber Duck has been around since the 1800s—these days, most The landmark Uniroyal Tire of them are made of vinyl—and was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame near Detroit made a quick ap- in 2013. That same year, the Double-A Akron Aeros changed their name to the pearance in an episode of The Akron RubberDucks, honoring the city’s nickname as “The Rubber Capital of Simpsons last year, but since we the World.” already wrote about that for our “Wacky World of Rubber” series, we’re going to go a bit off script and highlight what has to be the only time benzene got any pop 5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation culture love. The chemical, a key ingredi- Look, we know Christmas is still a few ent in tire and rubber manufac- months off, but if you’re a CEO toying with turing, also is used in ink pro- the idea of suspending the Christmas bo- duction and has a sweet, nuses, warn your employees. aromatic, gasoline-type odor, according to none other than the Centers for Dis- Because giving them a one-year sub- ease Control and Prevention. scription to the “Jelly of the Month Club” That’s why, when one of Lisa Simpson’s classmates opens a box of yearbooks in may sound like the gift that keeps on giv- the Season Seven finale “The Summer of 4 Ft. 2,” she smiles and says, “Oh, you ing the whole year, it’s really just a cheap, can smell the benzene!” lousy way to save a buck. The CDC warns that breathing in too much benzene can cause confusion, We’ll give the SWAT team commander which may explain why another classmate then told her, “When kids see those the final word: layouts and fonts, you’re going to be the most popular girl in school.” “That’s pretty low, mister. If I had a (She was not.) rubber hose, I would beat you …”

P006_RPN_20210726.indd 6 7/22/21 2:47 PM www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 7 Lubrizol partnership aims to make medical devices safer By Mike Scott providers, Lubrizol began transi- duce some of the supply chain As more testing is done, Tuel invest $80 million in TPU capac- Rubber & Plastics News Correspondent tioning from a material science concerns that could have an ad- said the belief is that there will ity expansions at sites in North CLEVELAND—Transparent company to one that is more fo- verse effect on deliverability. be significant improvements in America, Europe, and Asia back communication and high-tech cused on design and device manu- “Any supply chain issues can both patient safety for these in- in March 2018. The firm has long improvements highlight a poly- facturing capabilities a few years be improved with more dialogue,” serted medical devices, along been a major producer of TPUs in mer technology designed to in- ago. These days, both speed to Tuel said. “It’s something we are with improved durability of the a variety of industries that also crease patient safety and prolong market and supply chain consoli- aware of but have been able to devices themselves. There is risk include footwear, consumer prod- the functional life of medical de- dation are among the more im- work through.” involved when investing in a uct and transportation. vices derived from it. portant traits for a polymer man- Within the health care field, medical device component, but Founded in 1928, Lubrizol Lubrizol Life Science Health ufacturer, Tuel said. specifically with medical devices, Lubrizol has been willing to de- owns and operates more than expanded its partnership in May Supply chain issues have been the proof of value for the patent- viate from its standard product 100 manufacturing facilities, with B. Braun, an international a concern for many manufactur- ed TPU’s effectiveness will come lines to create polymer or other sales and technical offices medical technology and pharma- ers since the pandemic began in from pre-clinical work with data materials needed for custom around the world and has ap- ceutical company, to produce a earnest in March 2021, although being validated in a lab setting products for several years. This proximately 8,800 employees. B. patented ther- LLS Health feels its long-stand- using raw materials. So far, the is possible in part because of the Braun employs more than 64,000 moplastic ure- ing relationship with material pre-clinical performance of this numerous acquisitions made by in 64 countries to help improve thane designed providers can help. Added redun- material has worked well, with the company over the years, al- processes in hospitals and medi- to provide a dancy at global manufacturing the hope that measurable im- lowing it to increase the versatil- cal practices, and increase safety more reliable de- sites and maintaining multiple provements will be proven for a ity of its offerings. for patients, doctors and nursing vice that works global distributors also can re- high percentage of patients. Lubrizol announced plans to staff. inside of a pa- tient with health needs, according to Darren Tuel, LLS Health se- Tuel nior director of strategic marketing. LLS Health is known for man- ufacturing and distribution of its silica TPUs for a wide variety of prod- ucts in health care and other in- DESIGNED FOR dustries. Some of its medical polymers are highlighted on the YOUR HIGH company’s website. ADDITIVES PERFORMANCE “One of the issues of adding a medical device inside someone’s APPLICATIONS body for a long time is that when you introduce that foreign (ob- ® ject) there can be a reaction to • STRUKTOL HT 207 make it less usable,” Tuel said. “The goal with this is to lessen • STRUKTOL® HT 276 the impact of someone having this type of reaction.” This patented TPU also is • STRUKTOL® JV 46F made to “deliver breakthrough solutions and effective technolo- • STRUKTOL® ZB 49 gies aimed at improving patient safety and clinical outcomes,” Tuel added. LLS Health and B. Braun have had a long-standing relationship over the years, but this current effort was born from a need to better relate to each other’s goals and strategic focus, Tuel said. “Safe and efficient new prod- ucts are not only based on intelli- gent design, but also on innova- tive materials,” Meinrad Lugan, a B. Braun board member, said in a statement. “With Lubrizol Life Science, we found a strategic partner with unmatched experi- Saves Processing – Saves Fuel ence and know-how who will support us to develop the next generation of medical devices op- timizing treatment efficiency and effectiveness as well as pa- tient safety.” While there are elements of this partnership, particularly as it relates to product specifics that neither company will release publicly, there is an enhanced transparency between the two partners relating to manufactur- ing processes, use of technology and more. It has made for a more productive working relationship, and a more seamless manufac- Struktol Additive Solutions – let our team improve the functionality, quality and performance turing process, the companies values in your business. When it comes to polymer additives, Struktol’s vast chemical experience is translated said. into the most intelligent solutions available anywhere. Our sales and technical staff are the industry’s most “We created this (TPU) mate- knowledgeable polymer additive experts and are dedicated to improving your processing performance. rial knowing their goals and markets, and the same can be Call 800-FAST-MIX or visit www.struktol.com for our Intelligent Additive Solutions. said for (B. Braun),” Tuel said. The partnership also has in- cluded the ability for both parties Struktol Company of America to leverage their capabilities in 201 E. Steels Corners Road | P.O. Box 1649 | Stow, OH 44224-0649 medical device design and manu- 330-928-5188 | 800-327-8649 | Fax: 330-928-0013 facturing, with expertise in Email: [email protected] bio-compatible polymer science. Unlike traditional material

P007_RPN_20210726.indd 7 7/22/21 4:15 PM 8 Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 www.rubbernews.com

Opinion Vol. 50 No. 27

Brennan Lafferty, V.P./group publisher Infrastructure or not, EDITORIAL STAFF Bruce Meyer, Editor 330-865-6124 • [email protected] expanding broadband would Erin Pustay Beaven, Managing editor 330-865-6106 • [email protected] Andrew Schunk, Reporter bene t elastomer rms 330-865-6115 • [email protected] Jim Johnson, Reporter hen people unfamiliar with the rubber industry study 937-767-2751 • [email protected] Joe Scalzo, Online content editor the sector and its impact, it usually ends with them be- 330-865-6169 • [email protected] Wing amazed at the reach and impact rubber has. And with Michael McCrady, Art director the material and the products made from it being so vital in ev- 330-865-6148 • [email protected] John Dick, Technical editor eryday life, it should be no surprise that opportunities appear in a [email protected] wide variety of places. Don Loepp, Editorial director One such area that may be worth focusing on is the renewed ef- [email protected] fort to boost the availability of high-speed internet to areas where ADVERTISING Christine Zernick, Sales director the access either is limited or non-existent. While the market for 330-865-6108 • [email protected] producing jacketing for wire and cable is highly fragmented, those is that as it becomes more important—for such things as eduction, REGIONAL MANAGERS producing and supplying rubber and thermoplastic elastomer everyday commerce activities such as paying bills, and for potential- Tony Antolini 917-705-8252 • [email protected] products for such projects could see a major boost to business. ly life saving applications like emergency alerts—people who live in Peter Bianchi The push to increase such internet access goes back more than a rural areas or those that are typically left behind socioeconomically 312-265-6484 • [email protected] John Hickey decade, with the National Broadband Plan that was introduced in are further isolated and have bigger hurdles to overcome. 260-437-8502 • [email protected] March 2010, part of the recovery act that was enacted during the During the pandemic, most schooling was done online, as was Linda Hickey Great Recession. The initiative had mixed results over the ensuing the dif cult task of signing up for COVID-19 vaccines online. That 330-592-4857 • [email protected] Diane Owen years, but was brought back into the public eye when President left a good deal of the population who lacked internet connections 313-446-0445 • [email protected] Biden’s infrastructure bill included a push to make high-speed or technology capabilities at a disadvantage that will continue to Catherine Clipper, Advertising & marketing specialist, including Classified sales broadband available nationwide, including to more than a third of grow if broadband isn’t prioritized as a basic necessity in the in- 313-446-6063 • [email protected] the rural population who don’t have such access. frastructure plans. EVENTS & INTEGRATED MARKETING Part of the debate centered on why such a provision would be includ- If the initiative to expand broadband moves forward, there will Debbie Hershfield, Director, events & ed in an infrastructure package. After all, it’s not roads or bridges, or be ample opportunities for rubber rms involved in wire and cable. marketing 330-608-0231 • [email protected] other things thought of as being “traditional” infrastructure projects. Those likely to bene t the most are suppliers that get involved in Joe Pryweller, Conference director But as changes in technology have advanced exponentially, the the process early and can provide the innovation to solve any prob- 330-212-3731 • [email protected] internet became a critical component to everyday life. The problem lems in the efforts and, as always, make them less costly. Colleen Jones, Events manager 313-446-1645 • colleen.jones@ crain.com Katherine Hampson, Marketing manager +44 (0)7976 222256 • [email protected] Christian Davis, Custom project editor Viewpoint 248-930-2943 • [email protected] DeShonta Dupree, Digital events specialist 248-943-9561 • [email protected] Meaghan Crawford, Email marketing specialist Herm Edwards inspires at NAHAD 313-446-1652 • [email protected] Amber Steelman, Web/digital specialist By Andrew Schunk More than his accomplished professional career, 313-529-5968 • [email protected] Lindsay Crawford, Trade show coordinator “ here are two types of leaders. The ones who Edwards beams when he talks about his father, Her- 313-446-5869 • [email protected] lead with their seat, and the ones who lead man Edwards Sr., a master sergeant who served in Hadi Shehadeh, Graphic designer with their feet.” World War II and the Korean War. 313-446-0425 • [email protected] T IT/PRODUCTION STAFF Leadership can take many forms, but there are certain While Edwards bases his own leadership style on Simone Pryce, Media services director tenets that are applicable to any position of esteem—as the foundations that an open ear makes for an open Paul Vaccari, Media services manager president of a hose manufacturer or distribution compa- mind; possessing a keen eye for personnel puts the Anthony DiPonio, Chief information officer ny, as floor manager at a hose accessories plant, or, as collective in a winning position; and that flexibility AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Veebha Mehta was the case at NAHAD 2021, as “the ole ball coach.” and adaptation are critical when the unknown occurs, Chief marketing officer Herman Edwards, the Arizona State Sun Dev- such as the COVID-19 crisis, his patriotism trumped 212-210-0725 ils head football coach, referred to himself as such all else when he was overseeing the Jets’ practice that EXECUTIVE OFFICES 2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000, Cuyahoga during a June 13 keynote address to The Association of Hose fateful Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. Falls, Ohio 44221. Phone: 330-836-9180; and Accessories Distribution. “I looked up and didn’t see any planes in the sky,” he said. Editorial fax, 330-836-2831; Sales, admini- For close to one hour, Edwards held the rapt attention of “What is this? What’s going on? Then we heard the news. stration fax: 330-836-1005 Rubber & Plastics News is published 600 conference attendees in the ballroom of the Scottsdale “And there was no way I felt like coaching a football game bi-weekly by Crain Communications Inc. Fairmont Princess Resort, offering inspiring and insightful that Sunday. We were going to forfeit.” Subscriptions: U.S., one year $99; two years, $178. Group rates, $79 each for five or anecdotes based on his life experiences. By that Thursday, based in part on Edwards’ stern con- more copies. Air mail and first class delivery Known for his press conference sound bites—think “you viction—and initially unpopular decision—not to play that to U.S., U.S. possessions, Mexico and play to win the game”—a number of “Hermisms” found their following Sunday, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue post- Canada, $164; the Middle East and Europe, $219; all other regions, $293. For surface way into his hortatory talk. poned that week of the NFL season. “More than anything— delivery to Canada, $138 (including GST); “Everyone wants to sit in that seat,” Edwards said. “That as a player, father or head coach—loading trucks that Sun- Mexico and all other foreign countries, $140. Single copy, $4.50. GST #136760444. is, until problems occur. Most people want to know the score day for firefighters and first responders is my most cherished Printed in the U.S. before they play the game, and that’s just not the way it works.” accomplishment,” Edwards said. For new subscriptions and change of Edwards is a 10-year NFL veteran with the Philadelphia The notions of family and legacy represent the highest of address, write: Audience Development Department, Rubber & Plastics News, 1155 Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams who later be- callings for Edwards, and they struck home for the 600 NA- Gratiot Ave., Detroit, Mich. 48207-2912; call came an NFL head coach with the New York Jets and Kansas HAD members as they considered their own companies, em- 1-877-320-1726 or e-mail customerservice [email protected] for customer service. For City Chiefs. He has been head coach of the Sun Devils since ployees—even competitive colleagues. subscription information and delivery December 2017. “My Dad told me, ‘I gave you a good last name, something concerns please email customerservicerpn@ Edwards never missed a practice or a game in his playing money cannot buy. When you do something, you do it well crain.com or call 877-320-1726 (in the U.S. and Canada) or 313-446-0450 (all other career, from Monterey High School in California, to San Di- because your name is on it.’ ” locations) ego State University, to his professional career, a run of iron- REPRINTS man-like durability that no doubt is a function of his military Schunk is a reporter for Rubber & Plastics News. He can be Lauren Melesio, Reprint account executive family upbringing. reached at [email protected]. 212-210-0707 • [email protected] Website: https://www.rubbernews.com Quote of the week Online Exclusives CRAIN COMMUNICATIONS INC Keith E. Crain Mary Kay Crain Stories you’ll nd only at rubbernews.com “George Carver was a strong busi- Chairman Vice chairman CHEERS!: This celebration is half a century in the making. To honor our 50th nessman without being ruthless, a KC Crain Chris Crain CEO Senior executive year, current and former staff members look at the industry they love so much. tough businessman without being Lexie Crain vice president Find all our anniversary coverage at rubbernews.com/50th-anniversary-0. Armstrong Robert Recchia tough on people.” Secretary Chief financial officer CHARGING AHEAD: EVs will ask a lot of our electric grid. Can our current —Tom Paff, retired from Campbell Fittings Inc., G.D. Crain Jr. Gertrude R. Crain set-up handle it? Find more at rubbernews.com/online-exclusive. Founder (1885-1973) Chairman (1911-1996) Other online content: and recipient of NAHAD’s George W. Carver Out- STORIES • VIDEOS • PHOTOS • NEWS • BLOGS • NEWSLETTERS standing Commitment to Excellence Award

P008_RPN_20210726.indd 8 7/22/21 5:40 PM www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 9 From The Web Bridgestone to reduce plans to produce 2 million pairs Akrochem buys Bech Chem Medical device maker expands a year after Medical Murray of gloves per year, and subse- opened a 30,000-sq.-ft. R&D and costs, optimize operations quently aims to double the capac- AKRON—Akrochem Corp. has NORTH BARRINGTON, Ill.—Medi- manufacturing space in Char- TOKYO—Bridgestone Corp. ity in the future. The plant em- acquired Bech Chem L.L.C. of cal Murray Inc. has completed ex- lotte, N.C., bringing the total oc- seeks to cut fixed costs by approxi- ploys 120 people. Houston. pansions of its two Illinois manu- cupied area to 85,000 square mately $480 million over the next Ansell claimed to be one of the Bech Chem has more than 25 facturing and research and feet, the firm said. All three fa- two years as part of leaders in the years of experience in specialty development facilities, adding a cilities are FDA registered and its mid-term busi- Russian market of chemical distribution. It serves clean room, testing lab and mold- ISO 13485:2016 certified for de- ness plan to 2023. To keep up with the daily personal protec- markets such as paint and coat- ing space. sign and manufacturing. The company pulse of the industry, visit tive equipment, ings, grease and lubricants, plas- At the company’s headquarters Medical Murray specializes in plans to reform its rubbernews.com. with its products tics and chemical processing. and R&D facility, a new 5,200-sq.- medical products, including com- expense and cost covering 15 per- Terms were not released. The ft. suite offers a lab for testing plex catheters, molded components structure to further efficiency cent of the market. transaction is effective immedi- devices to ISO and ASTM stan- and covered stents. Its products and optimization in procurement In the segment of premium ately, and Akrochem will contin- dards and expanded prototyping find application in minimally in- and logistics across all regions, gloves, Ansell said its share ex- ue to operate under its current workspace. vasive medical devices used in Bridgestone said in its 2020-21 ceeds 80 percent. name. At its facility in Lake Zurich, neurovascular, vascular, urologi- Sustainability Report. The activi- According its website, Ansell’s Akrochem, which was found- the company added a 1,600-sq.- cal and surgical applications. The ties are expected to reduce fixed ActivArmr Hycron gloves are ed in 1929, serves companies ft. Class 7 clean room, new injec- company utilizes proprietary in- costs by $480 million by 2023, based on its unique nitrile formu- globally in the rubber, plastic, tion molding machines, and ex- sert micromolding technology for compared with the 2019 baseline. lation and offer superior resistance paint, coatings and lubricant panded storage and workspace. thermoplastic, silicone rubber and The group said its 2020 struc- to sharp and abrasive materials. markets. These additions come just over bioabsorbable materials. tural reforms, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, improved fixed annual costs by $225 million. As part of the “drastic” struc- tural reform, Bridgestone said it will “consider and execute the re- structuring of its business portfo- lio and manufacturing footprint over the long term.” This includes possible restructuring of 160 manufacturing sites, including diversified products and material manufacturing sites, keeping in mind the sustainable growth of each business. In addition, Bridgestone looks to maximize tire production ca- pacities through optimization of its global supply system. The tire maker also hopes to rebuild earning power by rein- forcing sales of larger rim-diam- eter passenger tires. In developed markets, especially North Amer- ica and Europe, where the shift to larger rim-diameter tires is ahead, the group is reinforcing sales of 18-inch and larger tires as premium products. In the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific and Latin America, it will be selling 17-inch and larger tires as premium products in anticipation of the trend to- ward the larger tires. Avon Rubber changes name MELKSHAM, England—Avon Rub- ber has formally changed its trading FULL-CYCLE FASTER FORMULATED name of more than 130 years, ac- SERVICE DEVELOPMENT FOR YOU cording to a filing at U.K. Compa- nies House. The company’s name formally changed to Avon Protection P.L.C. on July 12. The Melksham-based manu- RUBBER REIMAGINED facturer had operated under the Avon Rubber banner since its founding on Dec. 23, 1890. We reimagine rubber’s possibilities every day. For longer-lasting belts and CEO Paul McDonald signaled treads. Tighter seals and stronger hoses. Better- performing infrastructure the move in May, saying the new name would reflect the shift in components and tougher oil field equipment. Every compound is custom- focus of the group’s portfolio over formulated, A2LA-tested onsite, and expedited from start to delivery as if recent years. Having once manufactured a your business is our top priority. Which it is. wide range of rubber products, Avon now specializes in personal protection equipment, particu- larly for military, defense and NATURAL BUTYL EPDM FKM HNBR emergency-service applications. RUBBER Ansell opens Russian glove plant UZLOVAYA, Russia—Ansell Ltd. CPE CSM NBR SBR has opened its first production plant in Uzlovaya, a town in the Tula region of western Russia. The plant localizes production of ActivArmr Hycron gloves, WWW.AIRBOSSOFAMERICA.COM meeting capacity to cover the de- mand in Russia, as well as Belar- AUTOMOTIVE • TIRE & TRACK • BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION • ENERGY & OIL • MINING • AEROSPACE us and Kazakhstan. WATER TREATMENT… AND WHEREVER ELSE RUBBER WORKS. At the first stage, the company AIRBOSS OF AMERICA CORP.

P009_RPN_20210726.indd 9 7/21/21 5:40 PM 10 Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 www.rubbernews.com

Rubber & Plastics News SPECIAL REPORT Wire & Cable Making connections Broadband becoming a central focus for U.S. infrastructure upgrades By Andrew Schunk ingly obvious notion but one that too often Rubber & Plastics News Staff can be an unknown quantity. PHILADELPHIA—As the name portends, “One of our problems is that we don’t the National Broadband Plan is a massive DID YOU KNOW? have a good idea of what infrastructure undertaking by the Federal Communica- we have,” Corey said. “How do we under- tions Commission, born out of the Ameri- 65% of U.S. counties 35% of Americans stand what we don’t have? Accuracy suf- can Recovery and Reinvestment Act of have internet connection living in rural areas fers when we do not have a national stan- 2009 and unveiled in March 2010. speeds lower than the FCC’s dard of what we are looking for.” The idea to bring the internet to 330 lack access to high-speed Collaboration with local and state gov- million Americans has seen support ebb definition of broadband* internet++ ernments and private industry, especially and flow since its inception, recently gain- with wire and cable companies, will be key. ing steam once again in the Biden admin- “We need to understand where the gaps istration’s American Jobs Plan, otherwise 1 in 5 school-aged children are,” Corey said, adding that redundancy known as “the infrastructure bill.” is important for safety and resiliency, but “Too many lack access to affordable, lack high-speed internet not when it manifests as inefficiency and high-speed internet and to quality hous- connections needed to access bureaucracy. ing,” the plan states. “The past year has lessons and materials* led to job losses and threatened economic The digital divide security, eroding more than 30 years of Two other industry experts and engi- progress in women’s labor force participa- An estimated neers authored a working paper to the tion. It has never been more important for broadband.gov website on a gap of a differ- us to invest in strengthening our infra- 30 million Americans ent sort. structure and competitiveness. lack access to high-speed In the introduction to their Dec. 30, “And it will bring affordable, reliable, ++ 2020, paper, Judith Dempsey and Patrick high-speed broadband to every American, internet Sun note that “high-speed internet access, including the more than 35 percent of ru- Sources: *American Society of Civil Engineers, or broadband, is critical to economic op- ral Americans who lack access to broad- ++WhiteHouse.gov (American Jobs Plan Fact Sheet) portunity, job creation, education and civic band at minimally acceptable speeds.” engagement. Yet, there is a digital divide The plan has taken on different forms, WIRELESS between people who have access to high- downsized to include The Accessible, Af- 5G (MOBILE WIRELESS) BROADBAND speed internet/advanced telecommunica- fordable Internet for All Act, which was Data streaming (internet tions, and those who do not.” co-sponsored by Congresswoman Teresa The two concluded that the mobile digital Leger Fernandez of New Mexico. 5G data streaming connection) to a home or business divide does exist across certain dimensions. “My hope is that this will become part of as supporting up to 300 Mbps connects between the customer’s “Rural areas are somewhat more depen- the American Jobs Plan and will break or greater. A feature-length location and the service provider’s dent on non-Wi-Fi mobile technology and down barriers that have historically re- facility. Wireless broadband can be experience slower speeds on their mobile duced access to broadband funding for movie can be downloaded in as connections. We also find that counties Tribal communities,” Fernandez said in a little as 15 seconds. mobile or fixed. with higher minority populations are more release from the U.S. Department of Com- likely to use older mobile technologies and merce earlier this year. “I am honored ... to FIBER OPTIC experience slower speeds,” they wrote. discuss how we can work together to bring SATELLITE In addition, counties with older popula- high-speed internet to unserved and un- BROADBAND tions are more likely to use mobile tech- derserved parts of the Navajo Nation.” Wired technology BROADBAND nologies and are more likely to have slower While there is a critical need to get speeds. Counties with larger households that converts data-carrying electric The FCC defines satellite broad- broadband access to underserved commu- band as another form of wireless are more likely to use Wi-Fi and have nities, the challenges are many, according signals to light, which can then be faster Wi-Fi. to Daniel Corey, deputy national Intelli- transmitted through glass fibers broadband, useful for serving re- Whether pressure to install fiber optic gent Transportation Systems practice approximately the diameter of mote or sparsely populated areas. networks and additional infrastructure leader with AECOM, a Los Angeles-based for a National Broadband Plan comes from human hair. According to the FCC, Speeds can be slower than DSL infrastructure consulting firm. Corey, and cable modem, but 10 times individuals, local governments or a collec- based in Philadelphia, is a member of the fiber transmits data at speeds far tive of wire and cable companies, it will be American Society of Civil Engineers. exceeding current DSL or cable faster than the download speeds essential “to getting out in front of local “What we are seeing is the need to con- modem speeds, typically by tens or of dial-up internet access. Extreme representatives,” Corey said. nect people in rural communities,” Corey weather conditions can disrupt “I think the biggest thing is the user told Rubber & Plastics News. “We need to even hundreds of Mbps. group,” he said. “Some urban areas have Source: Federal Communications Commission satellite service. address how we can use existing infra- 30 percent of people who do not want structure and the Department of Trans- broadband ability. Often it’s a ‘big brother’ portation to build out the necessary infra- can vary,” Corey said. “Where are you develop and enhance what we have now to issue. We need to make sure people under- structure to connect fiber to the homes. putting it? How are you installing it? Are reduce costs? They need to consider different stand the opportunities that this can We need to see what is there and what is you plowing the fiber into the ground or ways of doing things. Those innovations and bring, again because it is key to so many needed—filling in those gaps is key.” stretching lines? Every area is different— ways to install things will be key.” important, essential parts of life.” With broadband access critical to so there is a lot of rock and geographic con- Success of the National Broadband Plan Broadband carries a divide that the many parts of everyday living—emergen- straints in Colorado.” also hinges on supply line efforts and COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated, as on- cy alerts, impact to the environment, jobs, Another solution might be to address avoiding being held in reserve—with what line schooling in rural areas and Tribal social networking, homeland security and the national plan in regional steps, then could be considered national security im- communities fell by the wayside for more energy efficiency, to name a few—accept- tie the regions together. Regardless, a set plications—to imports from China or an- than a year. ably fast internet access is as fundamental of uniform standards will be necessary “so other country. “Everyone should have access to wire- to human life as shelter or food. that everyone is playing from the same Another challenge will be obtaining fi- less broadband internet, but for genera- “We think that broadband will be part of rulebook,” he said. ber optic infrastructure funding on its tions, a lack of investment in infrastruc- the (American Jobs Plan) policy,” Corey “There are a couple flavors to what this own merits, not as an earmark to another ture in Indian Country has left Tribes said. “We will hopefully see some movement might be,” Corey said. “What’s clear is that project. And wire and cable companies further behind in the digital divide than in a couple weeks. Broadband is so import- all of it will have to go through fiber at some can play an influential role in pushing most areas of the country,” Secretary of ant to so many crucial areas of our lives.” point. In rural areas it might make sense to this narrative, Corey said. the Interior Deb Haaland said in the De- make the wireless connection regionally, “As part of the legislation (that is) fund- partment of Commerce release. “No kid The wire and cable angle such as at a Tribal Council office, where the ing broadband, we need funding that should have to bear the burdens of pover- What, exactly, will this plan require hot spot could be utilized. A larger area stands alone, not as it relates to another, ty, and no community should be left behind from a wire and cable standpoint? could be served with such a hotspot.” larger infrastructure project,” he said. “In in the digital world. We have a responsi- It is clear that many areas will need ei- For wire and cable companies, either areas that don’t have internet access, it is bility as a country to build infrastructure ther a ground-based or telephone pole- those who braid the lines or those who expensive for the traditional telecommu- that will fuel economic development, pro- type infrastructure, and that is not cheap. make the cable shields with PVC or flexi- nication companies to go out there. How vide public safety, and ensure everyone Fiber optic installation can cost any- ble thermoplastic elastomers, innovation do we leverage support to help create that has opportunities to succeed. We’ll be where between $130,000 and $300,000 will be key. ‘middle mile?’ ” working in partnership with the Com- per linear mile. “I think it’s a couple things for those com- A final hurdle is identifying the infra- merce Department to expand broadband “The cost for building the infrastructure panies,” Corey said. “How can the industry structure that already exists—a surpris- access for all communities.”

P010_RPN_20210726.indd 10 7/21/21 5:54 PM www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 11 Rubber & Plastics News SPECIAL REPORT Wire & Cable TPC Wire & Cable expanding reach via acquisitions By Mike Scott ing to leverage TPC’s support to new customers. “As our business Rubber & Plastics News Correspondent pursue additional global opportu- grew over the last few years, we MACEDONIA, Ohio—TPC Wire nities,” he said. knew we would need outside re- & Cable Corp. has made two ac- ICS is based in Colorado and sources to support the current quisitions this year designed to since being developed in the late and future needs of the organiza- further expand its revenue growth 1980s has become known for its tion,” he said in a statement. and industry reach. engineering expertise, responsive Founded in 1979, TPC has In February, TPC acquired lead times, maintaining stringent branded itself as a leading design- Integrated Cable Systems Inc. regulatory policies and a success- er and provider of high perfor- (ICS), an ISO 9001 certified ful quality assurance process that mance wire, cable, connectors, as- supplier of custom cables, har- offers significant value to clients, semblies and accessories used in nesses, electro-mechanical as- according to TBC. challenging environments where semblies and industrial panels. Former owner Curt Even will one mistake can cost a company ICS’s solutions are used in a remain general manager of the millions of dollars. Its products are wide variety of industries where ICS group within TPC’s struc- designed to exceed customer per- chemicals, extreme temperatures, significant changes in employee precision is critical and safety is ture. He said TPC will support formance specifications and with- miniaturization and other de- count for the new components of paramount. The firm’s custom- future investments designed to stand virtually unlimited abuse manding design requirements. TPC, which is a portfolio compa- ers most commonly are found in further expand revenue and find from impact, abrasion, flexing, It does not appear there will be ny of Audax Private Equity. the medical, defense, aerospace, testing/measurement and sever- al other markets. One month later, Macedo- nia-based TPC acquired Hydro Group, a custom subsea connec- tivity solution provider based in CREATING TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS Scotland. Hydro specializes in the design, engineering and manufacturing of subsea connec- tivity products for the oil and gas, marine, renewable energy and defense industries. These two recent acquisitions are ideal for TPC because of its recent and ongoing investment in a new Engineered Products EXPERIENCE PRIMERLESS LSR Division, which specializes in be- spoke customer solutions in niche markets, according to a TPC news ADHESION TO POLYCARBONATE release. This division will expand the company’s ability to serve markets with high expectations and specific needs such as mili- tary, aerospace, medical device and equipment, other health care entities and semiconductors, among others. By bringing ICS and Hydro into the fold, TPC said it will fur- ther expand its portfolio of spe- cialized wire and cable solutions for high-reliability applications. “We’ve invested in our Engi- neered Products Division to build on this promise in a growing num- ber of high reliability end markets and applications,” Jeff Crane, TPC president and CEO, said in a state- ment. “We continue to focus on providing high performance con- nectivity solutions for our cus- tomers’ high-cost-of-failure ap- plications.” The Hydro acquisition will ex- pand TPC’s reach into the Euro- pean market, with the anticipa- tion that using the Hydro brand will help increase revenue and market share for new business on that continent. Hydro will contin- ue to operate as its own entity under the parent company. “We believe this will be a mu- Our newest Liquid Silicone Rubber, ELASTOSIL® LR 3078, provides superior tually beneficial partnership, al- lowing Hydro Group to continue adhesion to multiple grades of polycarbonate without primers or additional growing its capabilities and geo- surface preparation. Experience e€cient processing for two-shot, insert, graphic reach by benefiting from TPC’s investment, technical ex- or over-molding with no mold fouling. With fast cycle times and a stable pertise and global footprint,” Nildeep Patel, president of TPC’s shelf life, our BPA-free LSR can meet a wide range of Shore A hardnesses. Engineered Products Division, said in a statement. Contact us to reserve your free sample (available Fall 2021) or ask TPC’s investment in Hydro will allow that group to deliver custom about a processing trial for your polycarbonate application needs. solutions to even more customers in extreme environments where high performance is a factor, said Wacker Chemical Corporation, 3301 Sutton Road, Adrian, MI 49221 USA Douglas Whyte, managing direc- [email protected] | (517) 264-8506 tor and owner of Hydro Group, who will continue to oversee the new division of TPC. “Hydro has a formidable pedigree and is look-

P011_RPN_20210726.indd 11 7/21/21 4:56 PM 12 Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 www.rubbernews.com NAHAD Conference 2021 SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA Upholding standards of honesty, communication Tom Paff of Campbell Fittings receives NAHAD’s prestigious George W. Carver Award By Andrew Schunk “They appointed me to start a much Rubber & Plastics News Staff broader standards group for both manu- SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—George Wilson Carv- facturers and distributors,” he said. “My er, the founding father and third president first goal was to get rid of the name ‘stan- of NAHAD who passed away in 2005, lends dards’—just too boring.” a legacy of mentorship and commitment to The group’s first meeting was at a Balti- the eponymously named award, the most more hotel, and Paff and the board invited prestigious issued by The Association for anyone who wanted to come. Hose and Accessories Distribution. They ultimately got about half of Thomas J. Paff, the 2021 recipient of the NAHAD’s membership to show up. George W. Carver Outstanding Commit- “We started the first meeting by trying to ment to Excellence Award, is both the come up with a definition for ‘ambient’—like beneficiary and embodiment of these val- ambient temperature,” he said. “Everyone ues as the former president of Campbell immediately got into a defensive posture Fittings Inc., based in Boyertown, Pa. just trying to come up with the definition. Though Paff could not attend the June 12- “Ultimately, we agreed on the defini- 15 convention in Scottsdale due to the pend- tion, and I told them ‘See?! There’s a suc- ing birth of his granddaughter (he has since cess already and we just started.’ ” taken the moniker of proud grandfather), he But the point was clear. accepted the honor via video recording. “We needed to get people to start talking, “This award is unique and special to to start establishing relationships with me, and having just retired, it is the pro- Goodyear and ContiTech and different peo- verbial icing on the cake,” Paff told a ball- Thomas J. Paff addresses NAHAD attendees from the training room at Campbell Fittings. ple, all of whom make their own claims on room of 600 NAHAD attendees. “Year af- hoses. But how does the end user use the ter year, fewer and fewer people know who the Paffs continue to be a generational fix- established Dixie Rubber Corp. in Green- equipment? George Carver is. ture with Campbell—Paff’s grandfather ville, S.C., Coastal Hose and Rubber in “Now it is 30 years on with this commit- “That’s why this is a true honor for me— began with the company in the 1940s, while Wilmington, N.C., and Danflex in England. tee, and to this day hose and hose fitting George was a people person.” Thomas D. Paff, Paff’s father, be- “When I first met George, he asked me manufacturers need to continue talking Paff, a constructionist of the gan with Campbell in the 1960s. all kinds of questions about who I was, to each other,” he said. NAHAD Standards Committee Tom Paff Jr. now works for Ide- about what Campbell was and what we Such is the legacy of George W. Carver that now is known as the Hose al-Tridon, continuing the family intended to do,” Paff said. “He called with his foundation of communication and Safety Institute, is the 14th legacy in the industry. around everywhere for me—Florida, Tex- mentorship. person to receive the Carver “ ‘We are growing,’ my father as, even business connections in Chicago. “I think this award means a bit more Award, first issued in 2007. told me,” Paff said. “Was I interest- He set up business meetings when I had now in retirement,” Paff said. “Not just as “Tom is an exemplary steward to custom- ed in joining him? The answer was an em- no one and nothing to go on. a way to promote Campbell, but the idea ers, end users and industry colleagues,” said phatic ‘yes.’ The timing was good and busi- “George Carver was a strong business- that there are only 13 people before me to Sam Petillo, president of NAHAD and a ness was booming.” man without being ruthless, a tough busi- have received it. partner with Singer Equities of Houston. “He For the moment, that was. Less than six nessman without being tough on people.” “It certainly is a great honor.” maintains an outstanding commitment to months later, the oil boom busted, just as While Paff said he learned honesty and technology and safety remains No. 1 with Paff was working his way up the ladder at the sometimes necessary tough talk from Committing to excellence him. Tom is one of those rare individuals who Campbell. Paff ultimately became presi- his father, his selflessness in offering has left an indelible mark, both on our indus- dent of the company in 1990. others a hand up came from Carver. try and on those who are lucky enough to “This put us in a tough situation, but I “My father was always straightforward know him personally.” believe this was my seminal moment,” Paff with people,” Paff said. “He never said. “You can’t just pick up your ball and over-promised something and he always History of making connections go home when you owe money to a bank. treated people fairly. I have always tried Campbell Fittings, which began in 1905 This pushed me into rethinking things and to do that as well—even if what I had to making pipe nipples, has morphed into a it taught me how to run a business through tell a customer was uncomfortable, I have manufacturer that serves the food and difficult times. We dug ourselves out by always tried to be up front with people. Previous George W. Carver beverage, mining and construction, oil answering with new products.” “I learned a willingness to help others Outstanding Commitment to and gas, and chemical industries, among Paff noted that his versatile economics de- from George—he had that way about him.” Excellence Award winners: others, with its flanges, ferrules, sleeves gree from Lehigh University just outside of As Tom Paff Jr. accepted the Carver and unique unions. Philadelphia—which included classes in En- Award June 14 on his father’s behalf, he • 2019: Don Fritzinger, The company, purchased in 2018 by the glish literature, art, history and linguistics— offered his own experience that illustrated SBP Holdings Smyrna, Tenn.-based Ideal-Tridon Group, benefited him during these difficult times. his father’s “tough talk.” makes couplings for steam, nitrogen air “It truly taught me how to navigate In seventh grade, as the younger Paff • 2018: Jim Parrish, and water hoses, tank trucks, tank farms, through a difficult period,” he said. “Our was preparing a history presentation that Parrish Manufacturing Group mixing rooms, water removal systems, mantra and reputation was built on inno- he thought was well-curated, he gave a • 2017: Robert M. Mitchell Jr., sewage bypass transfers and air compres- vating new products and products that trial talk to his father—who promptly and Omni Services Inc. sors. The company also boasts a technical already existed—taking an old design and bluntly told him, “Well, that’s a good start.” center for testing. asking, how can we do better?” In the end, the idea that preparation • 2016: Curtis W. Sprague, Over the years, the company has intro- All told, Paff logged three decades with equals performance was not lost on Tom Jr. Branham Corp. duced innovative hose accessory designs, Campbell Fittings before his retirement. “Ultimately and with his help, I nailed including the Campbell-patented “Crimp- With 40 total years in the hose and hose ac- the presentation,” Tom Jr. said. “He brings • 2015: Daniel D. Ahuero, nology,” which “refers to the methodology of cessory industry, Paff, like Campbell, continues a drive and a professional mentality to ev- The United Distribution Group crimping sleeves or ferrules designed spe- to push the virtues of making connections and erything he does. I am very proud of him.” • 2014: Steven D. Gray, cifically to fit onto specific Campbell fittings the benefits of communication. He has worked and couplings to a precisely calculated in the three main areas of the company—sales, Making his mark at NAHAD Manuli Hydraulics crimp specification,” according to Campbell. marketing and product design. Appropriately, Paff accepted the Carver • 2013: Richard L. Goodall, But early on, one particular fitting de- But early on, it was George Carver Award from the training room at Campbell Dixon Valve and Coupling signed for the water well industry put himself who helped Paff make his initial Fittings, where communication is crucial Campbell on the map. introductions. in learning the esoterics of the industry. • 2012: Keith Collett, “They were a water well supply manu- He spoke to Rubber & Plastics News Veyance Technologies facturer, supplying a variety of domestic The Carver Way from the same room July 12. water well systems—including a particu- Both Paff’s father and George Carver were “In this room we do not necessarily dis- • 2011: Robert A. Lyons Sr., lar fitting for plastic pipes,” Paff said. Blue Devils (though not at the same time)— cuss quality,” he said. “We talk about proven Tipco Technologies Inc. Soon thereafter, Campbell was approached an instant connection for Paff as a rookie in performance. How does it fit and stay on the • 2010: Edward B. Fabacher Jr., by other fitting manufacturers who found the hose accessory and fittings industry. hose? Can it endure high temperatures or Fabacher Inc. the piece, a combination nipple, intriguing. Carver was a 1953 graduate of Duke Uni- rigorous chemical applications?” At the time, Paff had moved south from versity, a starting pitcher who led the Blue Paff brought this same “proven perfor- • 2009: Harry “Buzz” Hooper Jr., Pennsylvania to Chattanooga, Tenn., and Devil baseball team to the Southern Confer- mance” mentality to NAHAD, helping to es- Rubber and Accessories Inc. gotten into the textile business just after ence Championships in 1952 and 1953. tablish the Standards Committee in the graduation. As demand began to skyrocket A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Carver early 1990s when he served on NAHAD’s • 2008: Chuck Connors, for Campbell thanks to the aforementioned pitched and coached the Fighting Falcons to Board of Directors. The Hose Safety Insti- Omni Services Inc. fitting, especially as it related to the oil a World Championship. In 1963, he founded tute, as it is now known, educates members • 2007: Sam Foti, drilling space, Paff’s father called him. Catawba Industrial Rubber, which he on top-tier hose assembly specification, de- Hose Master Inc. As with many family-owned franchises, owned until his retirement in 1995. He also sign, fabrication, handling and management.

P012_RPN_20210726.indd 12 7/21/21 4:57 PM www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 13 Movin’On Summit MONTREAL - PARIS - SINGAPORE What’s old is new again Michelin unfurls newly designed sail for shipping industry at Movin’On By Erin Pustay Beaven weather conditions, or allow a ves- little man who usually manufac- Rubber & Plastics News Staff sel to come into port or pass under tures tires,” Desjoyeaux said PARIS—Innovation isn’t just bridges, according to Michelin’s with a smile. about technology. Sometimes, it Bruno Fragniere, who brought The innovative sail not only involves leaning into what’s R&D and mechanical engineering has won the approval of experts worked for centuries. expertise to the project. like Desjoyeaux, it has caught That’s what Michelin has done “It has a small air compressor the eye of major shipping compa- with one of its most recent devel- inside that blows it into shape on a nies, too. opments: a telescopic, inflatable telescopic mast. Once it is pumped Francois Cadiou, chairman of wing sail designed to give ocean with air, it captures wind like an BRS Group, a diversified global vessels the chance to harness the airplane wing, thanks to its de- shipping services company, wind and dial back their depen- sign,” Fragniere said. “That gener- praised the innovation and design dence on fossil fuels. While Mi- ates power that propels the boat behind the Wisamo sail. In the chelin did not say what materials forward. When you want to capture video that debuted the technology were used in the sail, it did tell wind, you inflate it. And when you at Movin’On, Cadiou emphasized Rubber & Plastics News that “the want to return to port or pass un- the need for sustainable solutions proprietary technology in the der a bridge, you deflate it.” that allow the shipping industry fabrics and reinforce- to drastically cut into its ments of the wing are large carbon footprint. adapted to specific us- “Our ambition is to help humani- “Maritime transport age needs, and all ty conquer new frontiers on the is essential, but can be in materials meet mari- the public critique spot- time transport re- planet. Wisamo fully embodies lights. So we really have quirements.” what people talk about when to do something. The use During its Mov- of fuel oil has become in’On Summit, an an- they say, ‘we have to change the catastrophic, and we nual event intended need to cut CO2 emis- to bring leaders from world.’ ” sion,” Cadiou said. “ … Benoit Baisle Dailliez a variety of industries We may not be able to fly Wisamo’s sail design helps make ocean transport more sustainable. together to discuss in the air, but we can and address some of the biggest The Wisamo sail is controlled certainly sail on the wind.” actly what makes it the perfect transport by drawing on Miche- challenges facing businesses, remotely by the ship’s crew and While it may seem an unlikely company to raise an innovation lin’s engineering know-how. communities and the planet, Mi- can inflate or deflate with the project for a world-renowned tire like Wisamo. “For Wisamo, this know-how chelin unveiled the Wisamo sail push of a button. This is a critical maker and a pair of Swiss inven- “Two years ago, our president relates to the materials for the project. component of the wing sail’s de- tors, Patrice Kefalas, Michelin’s said, ‘at Michelin, everything sail, as well as the automations “Our ambition is to help hu- sign, according to Michel Desjo- innovation and partnership di- will be sustainable.’ The innova- to pilot the sail close to the wind manity conquer new frontiers on yeaux, a world-renowned French rector, contends that the project tion from Michelin and Wisamo and the engineering to install it the planet,” Benoit Baisle Dai- navigator who has become an am- is right in Michelin’s wheelhouse. is a great example of this,” Ke- on the vessel. Wisamo is the lliez, the Wisamo initiative lead- bassador of the Wisamo project. After all, he said, the tire mak- falas said. “With Wisamo, we are first step toward our dream of a er, said during a pre-recorded “It has a plug-and-play system, er’s deep experience in material going to contribute to reducing completely decarbonized supply presentation at the virtual Mov- which is very easy to install and and product development is ex- CO2 emissions in maritime chain.” in’On event. “Wisamo fully em- use. Whether it’s for a refit— bodies what people talk about meaning an addition for an exist- when they say, ‘we have to ing boat—or for a newly built change the world.’ We have ship, you lower the mast into the moved from talk to action.” boat, plug it in and off you go,” Ocean vessel transport rep- Desjoyeaux said. “Once you’re resents 90 percent of global out of the harbor, you push a Renoil Process Oil puts the trade, according to Michelin. De- button and the machine does ev- mand for the transportation is erything: It unfurls the wing and expected to triple within the next automatically chooses the correct 30 years, and this has led the setting for the cargo ships. This soft in soft-touch TPEs International Maritime Organi- is crucial because there aren’t zation to focus on the reduction of many crew members on the the industry’s greenhouse gas bridge and they don’t necessarily emissions, pledging to cut them know much about sailboats. They by 50 percent by 2050. need a system that operates au- Bring a luxurious feel and pliability to your Michelin believes Wisamo is tomatically.” soft-touch TPEs with Renoil Low Volatility the bridge that can connect the Desjoyeaux contends that in- Process Oils. shipping industry to its sustain- novation in the wing sail’s design ability goal, saying the wing sail isn’t limited to its mechanical system can improve a ship’s fuel properties. Wisamo, he said, is These crystal clear mineral oils range in efficiency by as much as 20 per- resilient and versatile—able to viscosity from 70 to 1500 SUS @ 100F. cent, depending on the vessel, its be fitted or retrofitted to roll-on, So you can meet requirements, while route and weather conditions. roll-off ships; bulk carriers; and extending your formulation and reducing “The impact of maritime trans- oil and gas tankers. port is clear: It represents 3 per- He also noted that the tech- the cost of your finished TPE products. cent of the world’s CO2. And CO2 nology behind Wisamo gives the emissions from transport alone, sails a dependable quality that Additional advantages include: represents 11 percent of the more mature sailing solutions • Highly compatible with rubber polymers CO2—as much as the airplane just don’t have. ones,” Baisle Dailliez said. “And “When I discovered that sys- • Extremely stable, low volatility regulations call for cutting 40 tem, I thought it had checked a • Excellent UV color stability, even for percent of CO2 emissions in Eu- lot of boxes compared to our other bright hues rope by 2030 and cutting 70 per- systems with more disadvantag- cent of global CO2 emissions from es. Wisamo wing sail is already Find out more at shipping by 2050.” much more advanced than other Wisamo, Michelin said, can go systems which may be a bit old- renkertoil.com/products.html a long way in helping to achieve er,” Desjoyeaux said. these goals, because its versatili- He also couldn’t help but notice ty allows for use on just about that Wisamo sails have that sig- any cargo vessel and in any con- nature Michelin look when fully dition. inflated: They look a little like The mast height, for instance, Bibendum. 1 (800) 423-6457 or [email protected] can be adjusted and the sail can be “It’s also aesthetically pleas- deflated as needed to adjust to ant, with a shape similar to a

P013_RPN_20210726.indd 13 7/21/21 6:20 PM 14 Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 www.rubbernews.com www.rubbernews.com Technical Technical How does a DMA work? A DMA is a testing device that deforms a sample and measures Dynamic mechanical analysis that sample’s response. The de- formation is plotted using stress and strain or temperature and The authors time. “DMA works by applying a for non-tire applications Nicki Hershberger is the com- sinusoidal deformation to a sam- pound development manager at ple of known geometry. The sam- By Nicki Hershberger, Paul Akron Rubber ple can be subjected by a con- Pavka, Kylie Knipp and Development trolled stress or a controlled strain. For a known stress, the Michael Schmitz Executive summary Laboratory Akron Rubber Development Laboratory Inc. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is a testing method that measures the elasticity and damping Inc., and has 24 sample will then deform a certain Dynamic mechanical analysis of rubber compounds, also referred to as viscoelastic properties. DMA applies sinusoidal deformation years of expe- amount. How much it deforms is is a testing technique that has to evaluate a compound’s response to different temperatures and frequencies. rience mixing related to stiffness. A force motor been employed in the tire indus- The DMA traditionally has been used in tire compound development; however, DMA can be a useful and developing is used to generate the sinusoidal try for over half a century. Each tool in evaluating any rubber part used in dynamic applications. DMA has the capability to evaluate rubber com- wave, and this is transmitted to 5 tire company has its own version strain, frequencies and temperatures in compression, tension or shear, allowing for a unique finger- pounds. She is the sample via a drive shaft.” that roughly does the same print of a rubber compound at operating conditions that goes beyond traditional, one-dimensional lab an instructor The deformation applied to the sample can be done in compression, thing—evaluates rubber com- tests like unaged physical properties and hardness. for the ACS Hershberger pounds for traction under various This paper elaborates viscoelastic theory through a non-tire lens and includes a case study evalu- Rubber Division shear, dual cantilever bend, and conditions, fuel economy, han- ating how DMA can be used to determine compound suitability in wiper blade and engine mount and has substantial experience in with a 3-point bend. A schematic of dling and damping properties. applications. custom mixing and testing. the different DMA deformation Kylie Knipp is the education types can be found in Fig. 2. TECHNICAL NOTEBOOK coordinator/technical adviser There are two ways to test vis- coelastic properties in a lab envi- Edited by John Dick to understand damping properties required to go through these or flexed like in the glassy region. at ARDL, and she has eight of a rubber compound. phases changes based on the As the temperature continues years of experience in rubber ronment. DMA is one of the pillars that These two theories provide the base polymer and the addition of to increase, the rubber product compounding. 1. Forced vibration testing. The has helped advance tire science framework for understanding plasticizers. Therefore, viscoelas- enters the rubber region. In this She is an in- sample is put through a sinusoi- to where it is today, so why has it elastomer viscoelastic properties. tic properties can be hard to un- region, rotational motion is possi- structor for dal force vibration under a speci- not gained footing in the non-tire Other theories exist, including the derstand because each unique ble. The polymer becomes highly the ACS Rub- fied amplitude, temperature, and arena? Mostly because viscoelas- Kelvin-Voigt Viscoelastic Model, compound will react differently in elastic and rubber-like, allowing ber Division frequency. The stress (force) and tic properties are governed by a Brownian Motion, Maxwell Model, changing environments. These for high elongation. In this region and also coor- strain (displacement) response of series of mathematical equations and Standard Linear Solid Model. four regions are: there still is resistance to transla- dinates and the rubber is then measured. that can be hard to translate to However, most of these models use 1. Glassy Region tional motion (slippage of one teaches rubber 2. Free vibration testing. A real life, especially for companies some blend of both Hooke’s theory 2. Glass Transition (Tg) Region polymer chain past another). This compounding weighted object is rebounded off that do not have scores of techni- and Newton’s law. 3. Rubber Region resistance is because the polymer courses directly the rubber sample. This testing also can be done by measuring cal people working on a single Analyzing viscoelastic theory 4. Flow Region chains develop entanglements to ARDL cus- Knipp layer of a multi-layered process. through a rubber perspective can The glassy region exists below that act like crosslinks. In this tomers. the decay response the rubber This paper helps shed light on be very challenging because the the compound glass transition region, the rubber part acts the Paul Pavka has worked for sample has after it is deformed. the theories surrounding visco- foundational theories were based temperature (Tg) and essentially way it is expected to act and is four years as a technical adviser DMA falls under forced vibra- elastic properties and analyzes on elasticity of a metal spring and the polymer chains are frozen in highly elastic. and compound development tion testing, whereas different them from a non-tire perspective. the viscosity of a given fluid. place. This causes rubber parts An example of this would be chemist at ARDL, where he as- kinds of rebound testing fall un- These theories also were put forth to become very stiff and have lit- stretching a rubber band. Fig. 1 sists customers der free vibration testing. The Viscoelastic theory before rubber vulcanization was tle to no elastic qualities. “The shows a schematic of the elastic with compound DMA predicts a lot of different The main theories used today even discovered. In a vacuum it is only molecular motion is the and viscous modulus in the rub- development, properties ranging from G” to J”, to describe viscoelastic proper- easy to understand damping bending and stretching of chemi- ber region. test program and can be confusing to under- ties were developed before the properties and elasticity proper- cal bonds.”2 In fact, rubber com- As the temperature greatly in- design, data in- stand because most information discovery of rubber vulcanization ties; however, elastomers are pounds can break or shatter creases, the rubber will enter the terpretation and is given in terms of tire technolo- even occurred. The two main complex compounds that change when exposed to temperatures flow region. This happens at teaching cours- gy. However, next we will go over theories that create the founda- based on their environment. For within this region. In this region processing temperatures. The es on rubber all the different viscoelastic defi- tion for viscoelastic properties en- instance, Robert Hooke’s metal the rubber is almost glass-like. resistance to translational mo- compounding. nitions and describe their mean- compass Hooke’s Law and New- spring was the same in freezing When a compound enters the tion decreases and the polymer Pavka got ing in non-tire applications. ton’s law of viscosity. temperatures, ambient tem- glass transition region the poly- chains easily slip past one anoth- his first taste Pavka Robert Hooke theorized in the peratures and elevated tem- mer’s rotational motion increas- er. The polymer loses dimension- of rubber com- Viscoelastic definitions 17th century the basis of elasticity. peratures up to 1,500°C—rub- es, but the frictional resistance is al stability and flows like a vis- pounding working as a graduate The type of stress deformation “Hooke’s Law states that the force ber not so much. still high, leading to a decrease cous liquid. The flow region intern in Goodyear’s research applied to the sample will dictate needed to extend or compress a Elastomers go through four in elastic modulus. The rubber allows for the processing of rub- laboratory while still in school, its alphanumeric character. metal spring by some distance is distinct phases as the tempera- part will feel stiff but will not ber compounds through internal and also has worked in the adhe- Samples deformed in shear have proportional to the distance. This ture rises, and the temperature shatter or crack when impacted mixers, extruders, calenders, sive and sealant industry. He an alphanumeric character of G; is the first classical example of an building equipment and the cur- holds a bachelor’s degree in mate- whereas samples deformed by explanation of elasticity.”1 Fig.1: Viscous modulus, elastic modulus and tan delta. ing equipment. rials science and engineering compression or tension have an In laymen’s terms, it is the In the finished product, the from Ohio State University and a alphanumeric character of E. ability of an object to return to its polymer no longer has a flow re- master’s degree in polymer sci- G’ and E’ represent the elastic normal shape after experiencing gion because the polymer chains ence from the University of Akron. and or storage modulus, so we some form of distortion. This are vulcanized (crosslinked) with Michael Schmitz received a are back to Hooke’s theory of theory works well for materials chemical curing agents. Howev- bachelor’s in elasticity (the ability of an object that behave linearly, like steel. er, the three other regions still chemical engi- to return to its normal shape af- The Newton Dashpot Model of exist after vulcanization. neering from ter experiencing some form of viscoelastic properties is based An elastomer’s ability to change the University distortion). “An example is a on Newton’s law of viscosity, and categorically based on tempera- of Akron. He is rubber band that is stretched for is looking at true viscous behav- ture is why viscoelastic proper- a compound de- a certain time and when released 8 ior. “Newton’s law of viscosity ties can be difficult to determine, velopment chem- goes back to its original shape.” defines the relationship between because they are not static. ist at ARDL, and This is looking at stored energy. the shear stress and shear rate of Therefore, DMA testing can have has been in the “G’ or E’ is the resultant stress in a fluid subjected to a mechanical beneficial use in determining the industry for three phase with the applied strain in stress. The ratio of shear stress life span and best product for years. Schmitz a sinusoidal deformation, divided 2 to shear rate is a constant, for a dynamic applications. by the strain.” given temperature and pressure, Fig. 2: DMA deformation types. G” and E” represent the vis- and is defined as the viscosity or Fig. 3: Mullins effect and Payne effect. cous or loss modulus, so we are coefficient of viscosity.”3 now back to Newton’s law of vis- Newton used this theory to ana- cosity (once the stress is removed lyze different fluids. Whereas on the part there is no recovery). Hooke’s law explains elasticity (an “If you chew gum then stretch it, object returning to its normal let it go, it will not go back to its shape after experiencing some original shape because molecules 8 form of distortion) Newton’s law have slipped past each other.” G” states once the stress is removed on and E” represent damping prop- the part there is no recovery. This erties or dissipated energy. G” or is the law used to explain the vis- E” is the resultant stress compo- cous portion of a polymer that con- nent 90º out of phase with the trols creep and stress relaxation. It applied strain in a sinusoidal de- is the best viscoelastic theory used formation, divided by the strain. Tan delta also is referred to as

P014_P017_RPN_20210726.indd 14 7/21/21 5:44 PM www.rubbernews.com www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 15 Technical Technical How does a DMA work? the loss tangent. Tan delta is a much energy was used. Complex temperature is reduced, which is fail if the high frequency is not A DMA is a testing device that measure of the ratio of the energy modulus helps describe a sam- equivalent to high frequencies. considered in its design.”5 deforms a sample and measures lost to the energy stored during ple’s resistance to deformation.”7 Generally, a 5ºC to 10ºC change that sample’s response. The de- sinusoidal deformation. The tan Loss compliance is represented in temperature is equivalent to a Mullins effect formation is plotted using stress delta quantifies the way in which by J” in shear and D” in compres- one-decade change in frequency. The Mullins effect refers to a and strain or temperature and a material absorbs and disperses sion. “The loss compliance is the This means that data collected theory that fillers re-agglomerate The authors time. “DMA works by applying a energy. A rubber superball that ratio of the resultant strain com- as frequency scans at a range of in the vulcanized rubber com- bounces extremely high “is ‘elas- ponent 90º out of phase with the temperatures can be used to pound due to Van der Waals forces Nicki Hershberger is the com- sinusoidal deformation to a sam- tic’—its kinetic energy on hitting applied stress in a sinusoidal de- predict behavior at frequencies and contribute to the compound pound development manager at ple of known geometry. The sam- a hard surface is largely stored formation, divided by the stress.”2 that are not directly measurable. modulus. When the rubber part is Akron Rubber ple can be subjected by a con- as deformation energy, which is This is important because rub- strained, the weak forces holding Development trolled stress or a controlled Loss compliance can be described afterward available for bounc- ber parts may experience many the agglomerates together break Laboratory strain. For a known stress, the as the ratio between sample ing.”6 frequencies in the field. Wind- and may not have time to reform, Inc., and has 24 sample will then deform a certain Whereas, when a softball is strain and sample stress and is shield wiper blades and engine softening the compound. This years of expe- amount. How much it deforms is bounced, “the deformation ener- attributable to viscous flow, mounts fall in this category. A softening is known as the Mullins rience mixing related to stiffness. A force motor gy of the softball is transformed rather than elastic deformation. wiper blade will be run at multi- effect and is important because and developing is used to generate the sinusoidal mainly into heat. This energy is ple speeds and experience a range viscoelastic properties change be- rubber com- wave, and this is transmitted to no longer available for bouncing Time temperature 5 of temperatures within its lifecy- tween the first, second and subse- pounds. She is the sample via a drive shaft.” so the softball bounces to a much supposition theory 6 cle. It will remove rain, ice, dirt, quent strains. This means that a an instructor The deformation applied to the lower height.” “The Williams-Landel-Ferry and other debris from a wind- wiper blade will not have the for the ACS sample can be done in compression, “G* and E* represent the com- model (WLF) says that under Hershberger shield during its lifecycle. An en- same modulus profile from the Rubber Division shear, dual cantilever bend, and plex modulus. The complex mod- certain conditions time and tem- gine mount will experience ex- first wipe across the windshield and has substantial experience in with a 3-point bend. A schematic of ulus is the resultant stress that perature can be mathematically 5 treme changes in temperatures as the second wipe or even the custom mixing and testing. the different DMA deformation is out of phase with the applied interchanged.” This theory is and periods of intense vibration hundredth wipe. Kylie Knipp is the education types can be found in Fig. 2. strain by the angle, divided by important because laboratory 2 interspersed with periods of rest. The Mullins effect can be coordinator/technical adviser There are two ways to test vis- the strain.” “Complex modulus measurements for rubber arti- “It is often advisable to not just measured with strain sweeps at ARDL, and she has eight coelastic properties in a lab envi- is the sum of the elastic and vis- cles that see very high frequen- look at modulus-frequency at one and is calculated as the differ- years of experience in rubber ronment. cous response, so it looks at how cies may not be able to be done by temperature, but to scan many ence between E’ at the start of compounding. 1. Forced vibration testing. The much energy was stored and how the dynamic instruments so the frequencies as you heat a materi- the first strain sweep and the E’ She is an in- sample is put through a sinusoi- Table 1: Wiper blade formulations. al. For example, in some poly- at the start of the second strain structor for dal force vibration under a speci- mers a shift from 1 to 100 hertz sweep. An example of the Mull- the ACS Rub- fied amplitude, temperature, and will move a Tg by 14 degrees, ins effect can be seen in Fig. 3. ber Division frequency. The stress (force) and which could cause a material to and also coor- strain (displacement) response of See Non-tire, page 16 the rubber is then measured. dinates and Table 3: Bashore resilience properties. teaches rubber 2. Free vibration testing. A compounding weighted object is rebounded off courses directly the rubber sample. This testing also can be done by measuring to ARDL cus- Knipp tomers. the decay response the rubber Paul Pavka has worked for sample has after it is deformed. Fig. 6: Temperature sweep, tan delta. four years as a technical adviser DMA falls under forced vibra- and compound development tion testing, whereas different chemist at ARDL, where he as- kinds of rebound testing fall un- sists customers der free vibration testing. The with compound DMA predicts a lot of different development, properties ranging from G” to J”, test program and can be confusing to under- design, data in- stand because most information terpretation and is given in terms of tire technolo- teaching cours- gy. However, next we will go over all the different viscoelastic defi- es on rubber Table 2: Physical properties. compounding. nitions and describe their mean- Pavka got ing in non-tire applications. his first taste Pavka of rubber com- Viscoelastic definitions The type of stress deformation pounding working as a graduate Table 4: Tension set data. intern in Goodyear’s research applied to the sample will dictate laboratory while still in school, its alphanumeric character. and also has worked in the adhe- Samples deformed in shear have sive and sealant industry. He an alphanumeric character of G; whereas samples deformed by holds a bachelor’s degree in mate- Fig. 4: Elastic modulus, -30°C. rials science and engineering compression or tension have an from Ohio State University and a alphanumeric character of E. master’s degree in polymer sci- G’ and E’ represent the elastic ence from the University of Akron. and or storage modulus, so we Fig. 7: Shear loss modulus, G”. Michael Schmitz received a are back to Hooke’s theory of bachelor’s in elasticity (the ability of an object chemical engi- to return to its normal shape af- neering from ter experiencing some form of the University distortion). “An example is a of Akron. He is rubber band that is stretched for a compound de- a certain time and when released 8 velopment chem- goes back to its original shape.” ist at ARDL, and This is looking at stored energy. has been in the “G’ or E’ is the resultant stress in industry for three phase with the applied strain in years. Schmitz a sinusoidal deformation, divided by the strain.”2 G” and E” represent the vis- Fig. 5: Elastic modulus, 23°C. Fig. 3: Mullins effect and Payne effect. cous or loss modulus, so we are now back to Newton’s law of vis- Fig. 8: Tan delta, strain. cosity (once the stress is removed on the part there is no recovery). “If you chew gum then stretch it, let it go, it will not go back to its original shape because molecules have slipped past each other.”8 G” and E” represent damping prop- erties or dissipated energy. G” or E” is the resultant stress compo- nent 90º out of phase with the applied strain in a sinusoidal de- formation, divided by the strain. Tan delta also is referred to as

P014_P017_RPN_20210726.indd 15 7/21/21 5:45 PM 16 Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 www.rubbernews.com www.rubbernews.com Technical EV market growth spurs Cooper teractions are much stronger hy- tion. They must perform outside over a range of frequencies at much more consistent over dif- drogen bonds.”2 in both arctic and desert condi- -30°C and 23°C to mimic various ferent temperatures. In fact, Non-tire Better filler dispersion gives tions. They must be able to move motor speeds. The data can be Batch C with N326 stayed con- lower Payne effect because filler rain, snow, ice, mud and other found in Figs. 4 and 5. sistent regardless of temperature Continued from page 15 Standard portfolio shift particles are finer and more debris from a windshield at vari- As the frequency increased at change, whereas Batch B with Payne effect evenly distributed throughout ous speeds. Wiper blades work by low temperature, all the elastic N650 saw a reduction in tan del- By Sarah Kominek The Payne effect is like the the polymer with less chance to acting as a squeegee to push the moduli went up. Batch A, with ta, meaning lower hysteresis. Plastics News Mullins effect in that it is depen- re-agglomerate. The net result of water off the windshield. The NR, had the highest increase in Tension set properties are ex- NOVI, Mich.—Automotive suppliers dent on the filler system; howev- the Payne effect is higher hyster- edge of the blade leads and must modulus because the BR in tremely important to wiper blade will need a product portfolio that can meet er, it is more dependent on filler esis in the rubber compound. The have the capacity to flip before batches B and C has a lower glass properties and help determine the needs of the electric vehicle market, dispersion. The Payne effect is Payne effect is calculated as the the beginning of the next pass transition temperature than the hysteresis. Tension set is per- expected to become “increasingly plastic” the phenomenon of the dynamic drop in E’ from the start of the over the windshield. NR, so they will be more elas- formed using tensile dumbbells as the market develops and grows. modulus being dependent on first strain sweep to the end of Three different formulations tic at lower temperatures and that are clamped in a jig and Cooper Standard Automotive Inc. ex- strain. “In filled rubber (particu- the first strain sweep. An exam- were compared for different prop- less stiff. stretched 100 percent at a de- pects the EV market will grow from larly carbon black and silica) the ple of the Payne effect can be erties, including ASTM D 412 At room temperature, higher fined temperature and time. roughly 13 percent today to 64 percent dynamic modulus is high at low seen in Fig. 3. tensile properties, ASTM D 412 frequencies had less impact on When the samples are un- electric by 2031, including hybrid vehicles, strains (<1%) but decreases at Now we will evaluate how DMA tension set properties, ASTM D the rubber compounds. At 23°C, clamped, they are allowed to re- according to its market research. higher strain (>10%). The Payne testing can give more insight into 2632 Bashore resilience, and Batch A, with NR, had the lowest cover for 10 minutes and then New EVs will have to maintain a low effect is attributed to the fill- physical properties of wiper ASTM D 5992 temperature sweep elastic modulus properties and are measured for percent set. component and fluid mass to meet vehicle er-filler interaction, the breaking blades and engine mounts than in dual lap shear, strain sweep in Batch C had the highest elastic The data for all three batches driving range goals while meeting ther- and recovery of weak physical general physical property testing. dual lap shear, and frequency modulus. The DMA data collect- can be found in Table 4. mal management functions. Plastics can bonds linking adjacent filler par- sweep in dual lap shear. All DMA ed at different temperatures is Batch B has the best tension help to reduce weight and add flexibility ticles. For carbon black these in- Study 1: Wiper blades data was generated on a Metravib much more telling than conven- set after 24 hours at room tem- to fluid systems’ routing and tube shape, teractions are weak Van der Wiper blades are a highly engi- DMA + 2000. The formulas mixed tional modulus done on a tensi- perature. Batch C with N326 Chris Couch, senior vice president and Waals forces. For silica, these in- neered dynamic rubber applica- can be found in Table 1. ometer. Each batch was tested carbon black has worse tension chief technology officer at Cooper Stan- Fig. 9: Mullins effect. Batch A is 100 percent natural for resilience properties and the set then Batch B with N650 car- dard, told Plastics News. rubber, Batch B is a 50/50 blend of data can be found in Table 3. bon black. At 70°C, both batches “Fluid handling systems on gasoline NR and BR, Batch C is the same As expected, both batches B and A and B have similar tension set vehicles tend to be rubber,” Couch said, in as B except the N650 was replaced C had higher resilience properties properties. A strain sweep was part because of temperature and pressure with N326. Each batch was tested than Batch A because of the addi- performed to evaluate each com- requirements. for physical properties and the tion of BR polymer. A temperature pound’s reaction to changes in As the market grows, he said he expects data can be found in Table 2. sweep was performed on each strain for shear loss modulus G” “EVB thermal management fluid han- Batch A, as expected, had the batch and evaluated for tan delta and tan delta. The data can be dling systems really transitioning to a highest tensile properties be- properties to determine hystere- found in Figs. 7 and 8. plastic portfolio.” cause of its 100 percent natural sis. Lower tan delta equates to By the graph, it appears that Not only are plastics lighter weight, rubber content. All batches had lower hysteresis. ysteresis in wiper carbon black type has the largest adding to vehicle efficiency and range, but similar durometer properties blade compounds is fundamental impact on shear loss modulus. they also help Cooper Standard optimize and would fall within the same to their ability to flip and lead The N326 in Batch C increases architectures and designs for its OEM hardness specification. All batch- with the edge on every pass over the shear loss modulus, reducing customers. es had similar 50 percent modu- the windshield. The data can be the amount of energy stored it lus and Batch B had the highest found in Fig. 6. can use to return to its original 100 percent modulus, while Batch A had the largest change shape. At lower strains, polymer Batch C had the lowest 100 per- in hysteresis as the temperature does play a role; however, at Fig. 10: Payne effect. cent modulus. Each batch was changed. Batches B and C, with higher strains the polymers react Technical tested for elastic modulus (E’) a 50/50 blend of NR/BR, are the same. Tan delta also shows that car- Fig. 12: Compression stress relaxation. bon black type has the largest impact on strain. Batch B has Non-tire the lowest tan delta meaning the Continued from page 16 best rebound and hysteresis of all the batches. DMA was able to conclusively Earlier in this paper we dis- show that the blend of 50/50 NR/ cussed the Mullins effect. The BR improved elastic modulus Mullins effect refers to the break- and tan delta at different tem- down of re-agglomerated filler peratures and proved that carbon particles from Van der Waal’s black type can impact loss modu- forces that cause softening in a lus and tan delta as well. DMA compound between the first and also showed that using a polymer second strain. The Mullins effect blend may impact polymer filler for these compounds can be found interaction, so a homogenizing Table 5: Engine mount formulations. in Fig. 9. agent may need to be added. Batch A has the least amount of Mullins effect because there is Study 2: Engine mounts only one polymer in the polymer Engine mounts consist of two filler matrix; whereas Batches B metal plates that are held togeth- and C have both NR and BR poly- er by a large piece of cured EPDM compound designed to isolate Fig. 13: Storage modulus-frequency sweep. mers that are different chemistry and viscosities competing against noise and vibrations coming from each other during filler incorpo- the engine. This EPDM compound ration. must be able to withstand high We also discussed the Payne temperatures and vibrations for effect, which is dependent on extended periods of time, inter- filler-filler interaction and re- spersed with periods of rest. En- lates to filler dispersion. The gine mounts work as a passive data for the Payne effect can be vibration isolation system. “Pas- found in Fig. 10. sive vibration isolation systems Based on the theory of the Payne work by isolating an object from 9 Fig. 11: Compression set properties. effect, Batch A has the best filler the source of the vibration.” dispersion. Batches B and C have A passive isolation system in worse dispersion properties be- general contains mass, spring and cause two polymers of differing damping elements, and moves as a Fig. 14: Loss modulus-frequency sweep. chemistry and viscosity were used harmonic oscillator. Damping and phasing has occurred within causes energy dissipation and has the rubber matrix. a secondary effect on natural fre- This study shows that Batch B quency. The most important prop- is the best candidate to improve erty for an engine mount is vibra- hysteresis in a wiper blade com- tion resistance, followed by pound. Although B performed well compression set resistance to en- in rebound and tension set, testing sure vibration properties do not the data did not conclusively say change over time. Three com- that one batch would perform bet- pounds were evaluated for com- ter than another in all possible pound suitability and the formula- wiper blade conditions. tions can be found in Table 5. See Non-tire, page 17 Batch A is peroxide-cured and

P014_P017_RPN_20210726.indd 16 7/21/21 5:45 PM www.rubbernews.com www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 17 EV market growth spurs Cooper much more consistent over dif- ferent temperatures. In fact, Batch C with N326 stayed con- sistent regardless of temperature Standard portfolio shift change, whereas Batch B with N650 saw a reduction in tan del- By Sarah Kominek “As fluids move around the vehicle, every ta, meaning lower hysteresis. Plastics News twist and turn adds resistance,” Couch said. Tension set properties are ex- NOVI, Mich.—Automotive suppliers will “The more we can open up those systems for tremely important to wiper blade need a product portfolio that can meet the efficient flow, the more effective they can do properties and help determine needs of the electric vehicle market, ex- their job, which cools the power components hysteresis. Tension set is per- pected to become “increasingly plastic” as better, which means more range. formed using tensile dumbbells the market develops and grows. “Rubber tubes would typically contain Plastic tubing often is easier to bend around objects. that are clamped in a jig and Cooper Standard Automotive Inc. ex- multiple layers, including things like rein- stretched 100 percent at a de- pects the EV market will grow from forcement yarns,” he said. “They’re thicker of tubing, there’s more that has to wind its stage. fined temperature and time. roughly 13 percent today to 64 percent and heavier as an end product per meter. way through nooks and crannies in the The supplier has made “significant in- When the samples are un- electric by 2031, including hybrid vehicles, “Plastic tubing is easier to route in use- body architecture.” vestments” into more energy-efficient clamped, they are allowed to re- according to its market research. ful ways through the body architecture.” processes with computer-aided engineer- cover for 10 minutes and then New EVs will have to maintain a low Couch said. “Plastic is often much easier Materials and sustainability ing, Couch said, to reduce the number of are measured for percent set. component and fluid mass to meet vehicle to bend and shape to make not just round The materials market will have to sup- prototypes, or eliminate them in some The data for all three batches driving range goals while meeting ther- tubing but different types of cross sec- port a transition “from what were tradition- cases, by simulating the efficiency impact can be found in Table 4. mal management functions. Plastics can tions, oval shapes and flat shapes that fit ally rubber-based systems on gasoline cars of designs more accurately, before it starts Batch B has the best tension help to reduce weight and add flexibility through narrow openings. It’s easier to to plastic-based fluid systems,” Couch said. producing parts. set after 24 hours at room tem- to fluid systems’ routing and tube shape, convolute it and give in that accordion ap- Suppliers will need “the right kind of As the EV market grows, the company perature. Batch C with N326 Chris Couch, senior vice president and pearance where you can bend it easily.” plastic materials,” which must meet sus- also expects to adjust its fluids handling carbon black has worse tension chief technology officer at Cooper Stan- Plastic materials also allow tubes and tainability standards becoming increas- business, which includes fuel systems that set then Batch B with N650 car- dard, told Plastics News. connectors to incorporate communication ingly important in the automotive industry, “go away on EVs,” he said. bon black. At 70°C, both batches “Fluid handling systems on gasoline signals like temperature, pressure and “from the barrel of oil to what comes into “The good news is EVs have so much A and B have similar tension set vehicles tend to be rubber,” Couch said, in controlling fluid flow, he said. our door and even as it goes out,” he said. other content in terms of fluids that it properties. A strain sweep was part because of temperature and pressure “In a gasoline car, connecting hoses to a “When our customer thinks about sus- more than makes up for it, so we fully performed to evaluate each com- requirements. radiator to an engine is relatively simple,” tainability, it’s comprehensive,” Couch embrace (it),” Couch said. “We’re excited pound’s reaction to changes in As the market grows, he said he expects Couch said. “These EV cooling systems said. “It’s not just about what the factory about it. It gives Cooper Standard addi- strain for shear loss modulus G” “EVB thermal management fluid han- are more complex, there are more subsys- process looks like inside Cooper Stan- tional content per vehicle and financially and tan delta. The data can be dling systems really transitioning to a tems, they’re bigger in the vehicle.” dard’s four walls. We also have to continue (it) is a good story for us.” found in Figs. 7 and 8. plastic portfolio.” In an EV, heat is “dumped out of the the carbon footprint of the materials we’re Cooper Standard recently introduced By the graph, it appears that Not only are plastics lighter weight, system at the front, at the radiator,” he buying, and I think the market will have some specially designed tubing and con- carbon black type has the largest adding to vehicle efficiency and range, but said. With the battery in the middle of the to comprehend that.” nectors for EVs, including its PlastiCool impact on shear loss modulus. they also help Cooper Standard optimize car and a motor in the back, “there’s a lot For Cooper Standard, making its prod- 2000 multilayer tubing and its Ergo-Lock The N326 in Batch C increases architectures and designs for its OEM more distance of fluid flow on an EV com- ucts more efficiently and in an environ- connector with a single-push-to-lock design the shear loss modulus, reducing customers. pared to a gas engine. In terms of meters mentally friendly way starts in the design and scannable latch verification options. the amount of energy stored it can use to return to its original shape. At lower strains, polymer does play a role; however, at higher strains the polymers react Technical the same. Tan delta also shows that car- uses an oil extended polymer. sealing capability. In the engine mount study, it 4. https://www.ques10.com/p/11526/explain- Batch B is sulfur-cured and uses Each batch was tested for fre- was determined that cure type newtons-law-of-viscosity-and-concept- bon black type has the largest of--1/ impact on strain. Batch B has Non-tire an oil extended polymer. Batch C quency strain in compression and had no impact on damping prop- 5. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), the lowest tan delta meaning the is sulfur-cured and uses some oil the data can be found in Figs. 13 erties; however, molecular weight Frequently asked questions, Perkin El- Continued from page 16 mer brochure. best rebound and hysteresis of extended polymer and loose oil. and 14. does impact the loss modulus. DMA was able to conclusively The object of this study is to As the frequency increases, 6. https://www.mt.com/us/en/home/support- all the batches. ive_content/matchar_apps/MatChar_UC404. Earlier in this paper we dis- show that the blend of 50/50 NR/ determine if crosslink type or the storage modulus goes down References html cussed the Mullins effect. The BR improved elastic modulus molecular weight of the polymer for all three compounds making 1. https://phys.org/news/2015-02-law.html 7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chem- Mullins effect refers to the break- and tan delta at different tem- impact vibration dampening. the batches less elastic. 2. Dynamic Viscoelastic Properties Review istry/complex-modulus peratures and proved that carbon Each batch was 1-pass mixed in a As the frequency increases, Compound Ingredient Effects, Non-Tire Fo- 8. https://www.researchgate.net/post/Please_ down of re-agglomerated filler cus: Bonnie Stuck, ARDL, March 2020. what_is_G_prime_modulus_in_simple_terms particles from Van der Waal’s black type can impact loss modu- 1.6-liter BR Banbury and sheeted the loss modulus on batches EA 3. https://polymerdatabase.com/polymer%20 9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibration_ forces that cause softening in a lus and tan delta as well. DMA out and cooled on a two-roll mill. and EB stays stable, showing physics/Maxwell-Kelvin.html isolation compound between the first and also showed that using a polymer Compression set, and compres- crosslink type does not affect loss second strain. The Mullins effect blend may impact polymer filler sion relaxation are related to the modulus. Batch EC, with the for these compounds can be found interaction, so a homogenizing fluid characteristics of a polymer. loose oil, trends up, indicating in Fig. 9. agent may need to be added. This viscous or fluid characteris- this compound is more viscous at Batch A has the least amount tic of a compound also are going to higher frequencies, giving it bet- of Mullins effect because there is Study 2: Engine mounts govern damping properties as ter damping properties. only one polymer in the polymer Engine mounts consist of two well. Therefore, each batch was After review of compression set filler matrix; whereas Batches B metal plates that are held togeth- tested for ASTM D 395 Method B and compression stress relaxation, and C have both NR and BR poly- er by a large piece of cured EPDM compression set, ASTM D 6147 Batch EA looked like it would per- mers that are different chemistry compound designed to isolate Method B compression stress re- form the best; however, when and viscosities competing against noise and vibrations coming from laxation, and ASTM D 5992 fre- evaluated further with a DMA each other during filler incorpo- the engine. This EPDM compound quency sweep in compression. All frequency sweep, it was found that ration. must be able to withstand high DMA data was generated on a it would not help reduce vibration, We also discussed the Payne temperatures and vibrations for Metravib DMA + 2000. which is the primary objective of effect, which is dependent on extended periods of time, inter- Compression set was performed an engine mount. filler-filler interaction and re- spersed with periods of rest. En- for 22 hours at 100°C and the re- lates to filler dispersion. The gine mounts work as a passive sults can be found in Fig. 11. As Conclusions data for the Payne effect can be vibration isolation system. “Pas- expected, EA with the peroxide DMA is a testing technique found in Fig. 10. sive vibration isolation systems cure system had the best com- that is a helpful tool in character- Based on the theory of the Payne work by isolating an object from pression set resistance. EB with izing dynamic viscoelastic prop- 9 effect, Batch A has the best filler the source of the vibration.” all oil extended polymer had bet- erties in all rubber compounds, dispersion. Batches B and C have A passive isolation system in ter compression set resistance not just tire applications. Visco- worse dispersion properties be- general contains mass, spring and than EC with some loose oil. elastic behavior is dependent on cause two polymers of differing damping elements, and moves as a Compression stress relaxation the polymer and plasticizer used chemistry and viscosity were used harmonic oscillator. Damping was performed for 168 hours at and can change greatly when ex- and phasing has occurred within causes energy dissipation and has 23°C and the data can be found posed to different temperatures. the rubber matrix. a secondary effect on natural fre- in Fig. 12. After 30 minutes, all In the wiper blade study, DMA This study shows that Batch B quency. The most important prop- batches still have 100 percent was able to conclusively show that a is the best candidate to improve erty for an engine mount is vibra- sealing capability. After that it blend of 50/50 NR/BR improved hysteresis in a wiper blade com- tion resistance, followed by starts to drop. After 24 hours, elastic modulus and tan delta at pound. Although B performed well compression set resistance to en- the sulfur cure systems actually different temperatures, and proved in rebound and tension set, testing sure vibration properties do not outperform the peroxide cure. that carbon black type can impact the data did not conclusively say change over time. Three com- After 48 hours, all batches have loss modulus and tan delta as well. that one batch would perform bet- pounds were evaluated for com- equal sealing capacity. After 72 DMA also showed that using a ter than another in all possible pound suitability and the formula- hours, the sulfur systems start polymer blend may impact polymer wiper blade conditions. tions can be found in Table 5. to drop off and the peroxide stays filler interaction, so a homogeniz- See Non-tire, page 17 Batch A is peroxide-cured and constant at around 87 percent ing agent may need to be added.

P014_P017_RPN_20210726.indd 17 7/22/21 2:32 PM 18 Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 www.rubbernews.com some operational and strategic cent of the company’s total sales, “The WEDC partnership has always been changes to meet changing custom- Steele said. Nolato helpful in contributing resources for the er demands brought on by COVID. Double-digit revenue growth is jobs created. More significant is the great While Nolato does not disclose likely for the parent company, Continued from page 1 work force in the area and the support of individual sales by unit, North and possibly Nolato Contour in The goal is to meet new incom- America now comprises 13 per- the coming years. ing projects in the expanding the local high schools, tech colleges and diagnostics market segment, (local universities) that provide the educa- Steele said. tion necessary to support the technical “We continue to expand in areas skills required.” of high-volume precision molding Russell Steele and assembly,” Steele said. “This growth primarily supports medi- Those 112 new jobs are expect- port the technical skills re- cal products in the diagnostics and ed to generate $170,863 in state quired.” drug delivery areas. Many great income tax revenue annually. The company first formed as opportunities are available as Nolato Contour secured up to Contour Plastics, with a goal to the U.S. re-assesses its manu- $225,000 in state income tax serve technically demanding facturing base.” credits over the next three years customers. In 1993, Contour Steele said that numerous for the project. The actual Plastics built and moved to a new segments had little to no support amount of tax credits Nolato facility at its current Baldwin lo- in the U.S., but medical products Contour will receive is contin- cation. In 2010, Contour Plastics and related diagnostics is ex- gent upon the number of jobs was purchased by Nolato, a pected to grow and can be sup- created and the amount of capital Swedish company that has facili- ported. investment during that period. ties throughout Europe. Nolato “For our part, we see (opportu- This is the second award Nola- A.B. is a publicly traded company nities for growth) primarily in the to Contour has received from with more than $1 billion in diagnostic arena,” Steele said. WEDC, according to David Cal- global revenues. Its business Nolato Contour’s focus on med- lender, WEDC Director of Com- philosophy is decentralized man- ical components and devices has munications. In 2018, WEDC agement with collaboration to led to rapid growth in sales and and Nolato Contour entered a share best practices and support demand. The company expanded contract to receive $250,000 in the needs of global customers, its current facility twice before, business tax credits for an ex- Steele said, meaning that Nolato including 43,000-sq.-ft. and pansion that created 62 jobs and Contour largely is run autono- 27,000-sq.-ft. additions with add- $17.9 million in capital invest- mously by leadership in Wisconsin. ed clean rooms, manufacturing ments. That contract was com- Growth has continued even room and warehouse space. pleted earlier in 2021. during the pandemic, Steele said, Nolato expects to add 75 jobs with its latest expansion. In addition to the 75 jobs ex- “The WEDC partnership has requiring the company to make pected to be created by the com- always been helpful in contribut- pany’s most recent expansion, an ing resources for the jobs creat- economic modeling study devel- ed,” Steele said. “More significant oped in part by the Wisconsin is the great work force in the Economic Development Corpora- area and the support of the local tion estimates the project indi- high schools, tech colleges and rectly could generate 37 addition- (local universities) that provide al jobs in the region. the education necessary to sup-

Nolato’s latest project investment includes a 60,000-sq.-ft. warehouse Nolato continued to see growth, even during the pandemic. As a result, the company made operation and system- expansion. atic changes to better meet changing customer demands.

it’s Honeywell,” he said. “Throughout the as one of their product-related challeng- rators “are protecting millions of health pandemic we’ve been able to step up and es to take care of patients, with many care workers, and now we’re bringing our Honeywell fill customers’ needs.” implementing glove conservation prac- technical and supply chain management Premier, which is also based in Char- tices and other precautionary measures expertise to support another category of Continued from page 1 lotte, and Honeywell said they expect the to protect the supply of gloves, the two essential PPE.” tribution of the gloves, according to Colin collaboration to expand access to U.S.-man- firms said. Honeywell and Premier also are collab- Bain, Premier’s president of direct sourc- ufactured examination gloves to the coun- Bain said the collaboration with Honey- orating to expand access to Honeywell’s ing for S2S (Source to Specification) try’s hospitals, clinics and health care pro- well “assures our members that if some- broad line of other PPE products to the Global, a wholly owned subsidiary of the viders. More than 80 participating Premier thing happens we can meet their needs members of Premier’s network, they said. company. member health systems have committed to domestically.” For more than a decade, Premier has For more than a decade, the firm has purchase a certain percentage of the Hon- Honeywell makes a variety of products focused on direct sourcing, working with focused on direct sourcing, working with eywell gloves for a period of five years, for a number of industries, including aero- manufacturers worldwide to produce high manufacturers worldwide to produce high Bain said. space, buildings and industry, and per- quality products, including those in short quality products, including those in short Honeywell said it also will provide addi- sonnel protection. supply, according to Bain. “We primarily supply. tional gloves to S2S Global, enabling the On the personnel protection equipment serve the U.S. … and partnering with Further details on Charlotte-headquar- sale of domestically manufactured gloves side, it designs and manufactures head- Honeywell will expand our reach.” tered Honeywell’s nitrile glove manufac- to other health systems and hospitals to-toe safety goods for workers. Its broad Premier’s collaboration with Honeywell turing plans are expected to be released across the U.S. portfolio of PPE offerings for hospitals and “is another step forward in Premier’s later this summer, the Honeywell spokes- Since the beginning of the COVID-19 health care workers includes respiratory steadfast commitment to protect health man said. pandemic, demand for the gloves continu- protection products and face shields along care providers from shortages, drive sup- During the first year of the collabora- ously outpaced supply by nearly 40 per- with numerous other goods aimed at aid- ply chain innovation and increase domes- tion between the two firms, they expect to cent, the two companies said in a press ing patients and improving the perfor- tic manufacturing of critical products,” produce and supply at least 750 million release. They cited worldwide raw materi- mance of critical medical equipment. Michael J. Alkire, president and CEO of domestically manufactured nitrile gloves, al scarcity, port closures and other delays, “Honeywell and Premier share a com- Premier, said in the press release. Bain said. “Distribution of the gloves is along with increased glove usage because mitment to increase the domestic produc- “Throughout the pandemic,” he added, likely to start in June of next year, but it of higher hospitalization rates and vacci- tion capacity for safety solutions to help to “our members stepped up to make strate- could start sooner.” nation efforts, as the prime reasons for the protect American health care workers,” gic investments and purchasing commit- “We work in collaboration with our shortages. Praveen Reddy, president of Honeywell’s ments, changing the way we source critical heath care members and we scour the Because of that, Premier member hos- PPE business, said in the press release. products and improving the reliability of globe for the best match, and in this care pitals reported shortages of exam gloves He noted that the company’s N95 respi- supply for employees and patients.”

P001_P022_RPN_20210726.indd 18 7/22/21 6:16 PM www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 19 Avient materials focus on paint elimination, recyclability By Frank Esposito real-world recycling, will conduct inspiring,” officials said. “We ap- Plastics News chemistry testing and evaluations plaud our manufacturing associ- AVON LAKE, Ohio—Improved to produce data for use in develop- ates who have kept production materials based on ABS and ment of masterbatch formulations. lines going so that Avient could thermoplastic elastomers have “Circularity is a goal for Avient continue to support the COVID-19 expanded the product mix at customers in many industries recovery effort by supplying es- Avient Corp. and is affecting how the company sential advanced materials to An Artisan-brand pre-colored directs its resources now and in manufacturers of critical medical ABS has a metallic effect that the future,” officials said. They equipment and devices.” can help electronics manufactur- added that the firm “is also com- Avient changed its name from ers eliminate secondary painting mitted to bringing more and PolyOne on July 1, 2020, the to reduce VOC emissions, time better sustainable solutions to same day it completed its acqui- and cost, officials with Avient market to help customers achieve sition of the masterbatch concen- said. The new material offers a their circularity goals.” trates business of Clariant A.G. high-gloss metallic look and en- Like many firms, Avient has The firm employs more than 9,000 hanced scratch performance. been dealing with the impact of worldwide and posted sales of “Customers want the look and COVID-19 since early 2020. $3.24 billion in 2020. feel of paint without the extra “The pandemic has affected our Avient is one of the world’s larg- steps,” Senior Marketing Manager customers and our associates in est concentrate makers and one of Russ Danielson said in an inter- so many ways, and their resilience North America’s largest com- The new Versaflex-brand TPE offers UV and stain resistance to endure ev- view with Plastics News. “Interest and adaptability have been truly pounders and resin distributors. eryday wear and tear. in that area continues to grow.” A new, non-blooming Versa­ flex-brand TPE allows brands and OEMs in consumer electronics to achieve a “silky-soft” overmolded surface without surface blooms, of- ficials said. The new material also offers UV and stain resistance to endure everyday wear and tear. Overmolding onto polycarbonate and PC/ABS with a smooth surface also eliminates the need for sec- ondary coatings, officials added. Avient also recently commer- cialized ColorMatrix Optica PET- brand blue toners and colorants, which enhance recyclability of PET packaging. The new materi- Who needs data? Your business! als work to correct and reduce yellowing or color variation that can occur during recycling. Opti- ca PET also can provide improved bottle mechanical strength; re- Check out the RUBBER & PLASTICS News’ Data Store for scores of duced stoppages, blowouts and scrap rates; and reduced energy rankings AND LISTS THAT CAN HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS TODAY consumption during bottle blow- ing, officials said. Other new product develop- ments at Avient include: • Trilliant Healthcare com- FEATURING: pounds with longer device life. The materials guard against The Book: This business resource is an essential cracking from disinfectants. reference guide as well as the ultimate business • PKE polyketone com- pounds that can replace nylon development and lead generation tool. The Book is 6/6 and acetal. Officials said the your one stop resource for the latest and most materials have a lower carbon sought after news in the rubber industry. footprint than nylon and they perform well in chemical and fuel contact, and high-moisture North American Rubber Rankings: environments. • ReSound R recycled content Annual Spreadsheet of the Top 50 North American TPEs with more than 80 percent rubber product manufacturers recycled content. Danielson said that although product development during the Global non-tire Top 50 COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging in some ways, it North American Top-50

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P019_RPN_20210726.indd 19 7/22/21 2:33 PM 20 Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 www.rubbernews.com www.rubbernews.com material involved. And that’s something we’re going to continue to expand,” said Dale Harrigle, Going high tech for EVs Bridgestone’s chief engineer for replacement tires. Bridgestone and other tire man- Tire manufacturers must meet dueling demands for new age vehicles ufacturers are using 3D-printing By Richard Truett to handle what the human was mula E electric race cars. Pilot technology to test new tire designs Automotive News doing before.” Sport EVs have hardened sections and tread patterns and to make DETROIT—The coming GMC Most of today’s tires are not in the center of the tread that en- molds for testing new ideas. Harri- Hummer EV weighs more than optimized for EVs. The weight of hance grip. The tire also has low gle said Bridgestone is using 3D 9,000 pounds and can reach 60 a battery pack often exceeds that rolling resistance that extends technology in part to test new de- mph in about 3 seconds. The twin of a conventional powertrain, driving range, Michelin said, signs for a tire’s sipes—the grooves electric motors in the Ford Mus- and the full torque arrives at the compared with regular tires. cut into the tread that help im- tang Mach-E GT make more wheels instantly and is often far Japan’s Bridgestone is one of prove grip and reduce noise. torque than a diesel-powered F-150 higher than on internal combus- the first tire companies to start The Turanza tires, Harrigle and can propel the 4,500-pound tion engine vehicles. delivering lightweight EV-specif- explained, have noise abatement vehicle to 60 mph in just 3.5 sec- Also, tires play a key role in the ic tires to auto makers. The technology in their grooves. onds. Tesla’s Model S Plaid can overall refinement of all vehicles. Volkswagen ID3, a Golf-sized “There are little protrusions in reach 200 mph and hit 60 mph in On gasoline- and diesel-powered hatchback that went on sale in the groove of the tire which are less than 2 seconds. vehicles, engine sounds often Europe last fall, debuted Bridge- designed to break up the sound All three deliver torque numbers mask tire and other noises. But stone Turanza Eco tires that waves. Those are the types of tech- usually associated with high-out- on EVs the sounds of the tire have Bridgestone’s Enliten tech- nologies that we will be bringing put diesel-powered trucks. And treads on the pavement get tele- nology. Weight is reduced by forward into battery-electric vehi- they are shod with tires created graphed straight into the interior. about 20 percent, or 4.4 pounds. cles’ tire design.” specifically for electric vehicles. Early efforts to combat this are “Once you make a tire lighter, In the EV era, almost no part somewhat crude. Tesla’s Good- you can make it more fuel efficient Working together of the automobile will go un- year tires, for example, have an because of the reduced amount of While some EVs use off-the- changed—including tires. With inch of foam glued to the inside of shelf rubber, creating tires for Tire engineers and chemists at Bridgestone/Firestone are doing stress tests the new generation of rugged, more than 100 electric models and evaluating new additives to save weight and add strength. the tire to help tamp down those scheduled for launch in the next unwanted sounds. It’s effective, off-road electric vehicles and su- few years, tire companies are less friction, or rolling resistance. year. but tire engineers are looking be- per- high-performance cars and under pressure as they wrestle In addition to handling greater “Maybe it is simple stuff, like it yond that low-tech solution. crossovers presents a challenge. with conflicting demands for a torque and higher loads from needs to be inflated. But maybe it Engineers at Goodyear, Cooper Ford, for example, spent three new generation of tires. electric powertrains, tires on ve- is more detailed information, like Tire & Rubber Co., Bridgestone, years with Pirelli developing the These new tires need to be hicles that will have some auton- the tire is worn out. Or maybe it is Michelin and elsewhere are de- tires for the Mustang Mach-E stronger to handle increased vehi- omous driving features also are information about the road and signing new generations of tires GT. Rob Iorio, Mach-E vehicle cle weight and substantially great- going to be collecting and trans- the fact that the traction has gone that run quieter and use new low- engineering manager, said engi- er torque created by electric motors. mitting information. away or something the car needs weight, eco-friendly materials. neers at the two companies often But the tires have to be made as “What you are starting to see to know to operate in the safest France’s Michelin in April worked side by side, driving test light as possible to help EVs drive is intelligence coming. So, think condition. We do a lot of work there launched its Pilot Sport EV, a line Tire makers are using 3D or additive mules, collecting and analyzing further between charges. They also about a tire that is sensing some- with sensors and integration with of tires designed specifically for manufacturing technology to design data as they worked to create a will need to provide greater grip to thing and telling it to the car or the vehicle. As you start to move high-performance EVs, such as new tread patterns for tires. Using 3D tire that best fit the DNA of keep the vehicle stable during hard telling it to you on your app,” said toward an autonomous vehicle, Tesla’s Model S Plaid. They use printers to make tooling for tire treads Ford’s fastest electric vehicle. acceleration. But the tread patterns Steve Rohweder, vice president of where there is not a human and a technology gleaned from the com- saves time and money. Engineers can The collaboration started with will have to be quieter and generate technology development at Good- steering wheel, those systems have pany’s experience equipping For- quickly evaluate new designs. Ford engineers meeting with Pirelli engineers to explain their targets for the tires—including Catherine Clipper wet performance, dry perfor- Classified Sales Specialist mance, longitudinal and lateral Phone: 313-446-6063 performance and wear, Iorio said. During the Mach-E GT’s ges- Email: [email protected] tation, “we got submissions from Visit our website at: www.rubbernews.com Pirelli. They’ll say, here’s our first set of tires and they’ll share their data. It was about manag- EQUIPMENT WANTED HELP WANTED CUSTOM GRINDING EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Don’t Miss Your Chance to Advertise in ing the torque, hitting the range These Upcoming Issues and being very efficient,” Iorio PRODUCTION Rubber & Plastics Equipment Looking to buy 1 or more told Automotive News. SUPERVISOR Desma Model “The GT is all-out performance. Established Midwest All Types & Sizes For Sale 966.220(T) August 9 September 6 The full torque comes on in less than 500 milliseconds, so it comes manufacturer of rubber www.RubberAndPlasticsEquipment.com injection heads. 50th Anniversary 36th Annual extrusions, including rolls, & on incredibly quick, and it is a very [email protected] Please contact Chris at: polyurethane fabrications. Special Issue Global Tire Report high number. We worked very As-is to Refurbished M-F 8am-6pm 330.631.7823 [email protected] Email Inquiries to: Closes: July 28 Closes: August 25 closely with Pirelli to ensure the [email protected] tires will grip. What we call the Reference Box #3002 September 20 longitudinal mew has to be tuned in Subject Line August 23 to that 0 to 60 time,” he said. Chemicals & Huge electric trucks, such as Seals & Gaskets Additives the GMC Hummer and Rivian’s Timely. Technical. Trusted. Closes: August 11 battery-powered delivery van for rubbernews.com Closes: September 8 Amazon, are even tougher tests for tire companies. “They present a bigger challenge because of the added weight of the battery pack,” said Goodyear’s Rohweder. “We are seeing higher and higher load indexes requested by (vehicle) manufacturers. They want the same functionality” as internal combustion engine vehi- COMPRESS PRESSES COMPRESS PRESSES cles. The tires also have to be su- BUILD per-strong to stay on the rim while Reach more taking the punishment of driving ERIE MILL & PRESS Co. AWARENESS over rocks and stumps and “WE MAKE MOLDING EASIER” MOLD MART With frequency in potential through deep, jagged ruts. Compression “While EVs do present some Presses The most cost effective way to run Rubber & Plastics News customers unique differences over ICE vehi- and Rubbernews.com cles, specifically the way torque Contract your company’s message in comes on and the stress on tires, Machining when you Call about our New the overall development and test- Mixing Mills EVERY issue of ing for tires on any of our vehicles Advertiser discount advertise in is very similar,” said David Cow- 814-454-1581 program that maximizes Rubber & ger, General Motors’ engineering [email protected] Rubber & Plastics News! your exposure! and technical leader for tires. “We Plastics News work closely with our tire suppliers www.empco-inc.com Call: 313-446-0446 during the development process on

P020_P021_RPN_20210726.indd 20 7/22/21 4:25 PM www.rubbernews.com www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 21 material involved. And that’s the various performance metrics a shear beam assembly, basically something we’re going to continue that need to be achieved, as well as a mechanical spring. The one- to expand,” said Dale Harrigle, the vehicle metrics itself. As you piece Tweel bolts on to the axle. Going high tech for EVs Bridgestone’s chief engineer for may have noticed on the GMC Two years ago, GM and Miche- replacement tires. Hummer EV, we have an eight-lug lin began working together on a Bridgestone and other tire man- wheel pattern, something that you version of the Tweel, called Up- Tire manufacturers must meet dueling demands for new age vehicles ufacturers are using 3D-printing would also see on our HD trucks tis, that could be on EVs by 2024. mula E electric race cars. Pilot technology to test new tire designs which make a lot of torque.” Other companies are looking Sport EVs have hardened sections and tread patterns and to make at plastics to replace rubber. in the center of the tread that en- molds for testing new ideas. Harri- Beyond rubber “I think you are going to see hance grip. The tire also has low gle said Bridgestone is using 3D Since 1888, when Scottish vet- more and more of what we call rolling resistance that extends technology in part to test new de- erinarian John Boyd Dunlop de- non-pneumatics, something that’s driving range, Michelin said, signs for a tire’s sipes—the grooves veloped the concept of a pneumat- made of more of a plastic structure compared with regular tires. cut into the tread that help im- ic tire, the main ingredient in and has a tread to it,” said Rohwed- Japan’s Bridgestone is one of prove grip and reduce noise. nearly all tires has been rubber. er of Goodyear. “Those are still the first tire companies to start The Turanza tires, Harrigle That might not be the case in coming along as far as being able delivering lightweight EV-specif- explained, have noise abatement the future. One technology to to carry the load, achieve the speed technology in their grooves. watch is Michelin’s Tweel—an and develop the forces, but the in- ic tires to auto makers. The Michelin is looking beyond rubber and is producing the Tweel, an integrated “There are little protrusions in airless radial tire-and-wheel tent there is to create a new way of Volkswagen ID3, a Golf-sized airless tire and wheel that could someday replace the classic rubber tire. hatchback that went on sale in the groove of the tire which are combination. It’s now in produc- carrying the load and transmitting Europe last fall, debuted Bridge- designed to break up the sound tion for light-duty tractors, lawn the forces to the vehicle.” bit of a weight penalty there and Rohweder says. “Could it evolve stone Turanza Eco tires that waves. Those are the types of tech- equipment and off-road recre- Airless tires still have a long there’s still a performance trade- into a wheel and tire that is better have Bridgestone’s Enliten tech- nologies that we will be bringing ational vehicles. Poly-resin spokes way to go. off. It’s not quite the same, but than what we have at present? nology. Weight is reduced by forward into battery-electric vehi- are mated to what Michelin calls “With non-pneumatics there’s a that technology is coming,” Potentially in the future, yes.” about 20 percent, or 4.4 pounds. cles’ tire design.” “Once you make a tire lighter, you can make it more fuel efficient Working together because of the reduced amount of While some EVs use off-the- shelf rubber, creating tires for the new generation of rugged, off-road electric vehicles and su- per- high-performance cars and crossovers presents a challenge. Ford, for example, spent three years with Pirelli developing the tires for the Mustang Mach-E Upcoming Marketing Opportunities GT. Rob Iorio, Mach-E vehicle engineering manager, said engi- neers at the two companies often worked side by side, driving test DON’T MISS OUT TH Tire makers are using 3D or additive mules, collecting and analyzing RPN 5O ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL ISSUE manufacturing technology to design data as they worked to create a Publishes Aug. 9 | Ad Close Jul. 28 tire that best fit the DNA of DON’T MISS OUT new tread patterns for tires. Using 3D Advertise in this special keepsake edition of printers to make tooling for tire treads Ford’s fastest electric vehicle. saves time and money. Engineers can The collaboration started with DON’T MISS OUT Rubber & Plastics News. quickly evaluate new designs. 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P020_P021_RPN_20210726.indd 21 7/22/21 4:25 PM 22 Rubber & Plastics News • July 26, 2021 www.rubbernews.com Experts share tips for avoiding cybercrime By Catherine Kavanaugh authentication now.” ered as well. Don’t use social se- Plastics News Westminster Tool Inc. in Plain- curity numbers unless required. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Keeping field, Conn., has been beefing up Don’t keep customer credit card up with work and business emails its risk mitigation strategy, in- information unless needed. can be painful enough without cluding a switch to duo-factor au- To improve wireless security, having to log into a virtual private thentication across all devices. use WPA2 encryption or higher network, or VPN, so a six-digit Founded by Ray Coombs and and update router software regu- number can be texted to your AMBA’s 2021 Mold Maker of the larly. Also, install antivirus soft- phone for input to gain access to Year, Westminster Tool invests ware and activate spam and the company’s computer systems. at least 10 percent of profits back phishing filters. But those extra steps of multi- into its production and people, Another best practice is to in- factor authentication, or MFA, including training. sure the company’s exposure have become a necessary securi- Cybersecurity training sessions against the costs of responding ty tool in a world of increasing are scheduled quarterly and phish- to data breaches, remediating cybercrimes. ing tests are conducted monthly to damage from unauthorized ac- Businesses in the oil, construc- identify gaps in employee training, cess or malware and cyber extor- From left, attorney Alan Rothenbuecher, Westminster Tool Chief Financial tion, machinery and plastics pro- Westminster Chief Financial Offi- tion, such as ransomware. Officer Colby Coombs and Federated Insurance Manager Steven Searl offer cessing markets are among the cer Colby Coombs told conference There’s also coverage for re- cybersecurity tips at the American Mold Builders Association conference. most targeted and need to take attendees. Executives and compa- sponding to legal actions taken action, Steve Searl, Federated In- else from logging in even if they in Cleveland, told conference at- ny leaders in finance, human re- against a business for data breach- surance manager, told members of know the password. tendees about an incident in which sources and management undergo es, network security events and the American Mold Builders Asso- Investigators have said it’s still he received an email asking for role-based training because those electronic media incidents. ciation on June 24 at its conference a mystery as to how the crooks donations to buy gift cards for a positions are vulnerable, too. Ryan Sulkin, a Benesch Law at- in Grand Rapids. obtained the Colonial Pipeline charitable cause he supported. In addition, the company in- torney who specializes in data pri- “Colonial Pipeline was breached Co. credentials—perhaps from a Rothenbuecher said he knew creased virus and malware pro- vacy and cybersecurity, told AMBA because of a leaked password— one batch of leaked passwords on the enough about the charitable group tection. “These are steps that can members that it’s important to password,” Searl said of the hack dark web or perhaps they figured and the supposed sender that red be taken quickly for next to noth- know their responsibility. He said that brought down the largest fuel it out on their own. flags went up that the email was a ing,” Coombs said. the law requires businesses to take pipeline in the U.S. and led to wide- In some cases, phishing scams scam. He made up a reply that the By following best practices, “reasonable and appropriate secu- spread gasoline shortages in May. are used. The crook sends a sender’s account was in arrears Westminster Tool gained 70 points rity” measures to protect data, The culprits, a Russia-linked fraudulent message designed to and he would need a retainer of on its compliance audit (NIST 800- systems and networks. cybercrime group called Dark- either trick someone into divulg- $50,000 to advance $50. The 71) score for cybersecurity. “Organizations that are best Side, got into the network through ing sensitive information or to scammer responded, Rothenbuec- There’s a long list of best prac- equipped to defend themselves le- a VPN, which lets employees re- deploy malicious software that her said, telling him he was miss- tices related to sensitive informa- gally when there’s a cybersecurity motely access a computer network. holds their system for ransom. ing the point about a charity in tion, wireless security, software, event have really strong gover- The VPN account didn’t use For example, the hacker might immediate need of money. passwords, websites and money nance, strong policies and a really MFA, so the hackers could gain send an employee a prompt to Rothenbuecher said he then transfers. good story to tell that takes into access with a compromised name reset a supposedly expiring pass- backed off and contacted the firm’s Industry experts recommend account the size of their organiza- and password. word and then gain access to the information technology specialist. identifying sensitive information. tion and the reasonable budget The MFA platform adds one or email server and possibly more “Had I done more, they would Take an inventory of all devices they have to spend on security,” more layers of security to online from there. have had more access to my in- where sensitive data is stored. Sulkin said. “At the end of the day, accounts. Employees must verify Cyber experts also warn people formation so it was a huge mis- Look at what kind of information they just got beat by an adversary their identity using a second fac- not to engage suspected hackers. take,” Rothenbuecher told AMBA is collected at each entry point and much larger than they were and tor, such as a phone or other mo- Alan Rothenbuecher, AMBA’s members, jokingly adding, “IT who has or could have access to it. potentially funded by an enemy of bile device, to prevent anyone attorney who is with Benesch Law said you’re going to three-factor Limit the information gath- the United States.”

electrification of vehicles as a factor in the use and longevity of UHP tires. UPH “Tires do not last as long on electric ve- hicles, so we see the replacement frequen- Continued from page 1 cy increasing with the growth of electric cars for higher performance over the vehicles driving up the unit volume in years, and as a result, they have been UHP. These vehicles are much heavier equipping them with higher speed rated than their gas-powered counterparts, tires,” he said. and, coupled with the need for lower-roll- “This has shifted the tire market for ing resistance, has decreased the effective sports cars/performance vehicles from mileage rate of tires,” Campbell said. high performance tires to ultra-high-per- He expects “the price point for tires that formance tires and these new vehicles will fit electric vehicles will remain high as continue to fuel the replacement demand the Tier 3 and 4 manufacturers will take in the future,” Robison said. a few years to catch up. This will drive up Both Bridgestone and Nexen see robust Ultra-high performance tires need to exhibit a number of characteristics such as sporty handling the average ticket for UHP.” UHP tire demand continuing. and grip in both wet and dry conditions. Yokohama Tire Corp., the U.S. subsidi- “Looking into the future, Bridgestone be- ary of Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., sees the lieves UHP is going to remain strong in the year,” Robison said. due to the virus, according to Bridgestone. UHP segment as one aspect of the compa- near term for both sports cars and sports Lee said there are obvious warm-weath- “As we are opening back up, tire de- ny’s success in 2021 following the negative sedans. In the longer term, we believe the er areas where UHP tires traditionally mands are picking back up across all cat- impacts of COVID-19 on the entire tire desire for UHP products will remain strong have been more popular. egories,” Robison said. manufacturing sector. as the demand for sporty CUVs continues to “Regions dominated by summer envi- “In the near term, we see what has grow in the market,” Robison said. ronments, such as California and Florida, Dealer perspective classically been categorized as UHP grow- Lee added: “As the trend toward higher have strong UHP segments. That being Cincinnati-based Tire Discounters, ing, which is an extension of a consistent performance vehicles continues to grow, said, as sales of high-performance CUVs which operates 140 stores in six states, trend for about the last decade,” YTC CEO the trend for larger tires and higher speed and SUVs are expanding throughout the reports that entry-level UHP demand has Jeff Barna told Rubber & Plastics News. grades is expected to continue.” United States, UHP sales are showing an increased, but supply has been challeng- “However, just like in other segments, even growth regardless of region,” he said. ing. The supply challenges started in the the future UHP tires, specifically in Focus on UHP While vehicle preferences are changing second half of 2020 and have carried into all-season categories, will be asked to do UHP tires represent the key segment in among consumers as fewer and fewer cars 2021. more than their predecessors, including the tire industry, Robison said, and re- are being sold, the demand for “responsive Jeff Campbell, chief supply chain officer but not limited to higher mileage and main a focus for Bridgestone. handling and UHP levels of grip will contin- at Tire Discounters, said several factors four-season traction,” he said. “UHP all-season tires are ideal for con- ue to be desired by drivers,” Robison said. are contributing to this trend. Pirelli Tire North America CEO Pietro sumers who live in a region that gets some With the nation coming out of the grips “First, it was due to factory shutdowns Berardi believes the UHP market has light winter weather—essentially, they of COVID-19, Lee reflected on market during the pandemic, then tariffs on shown resiliency, and the company ex- want a tire that provides sporty handling, conditions during these difficult times. Southeast Asian imports,” Campbell said. pects that to continue, noting that people great wet and dry grip, and mild winter “During the COVID-19 period, almost “Now, there are shipping container short- with the financial wherewithal tend to performance,” he explained. all tire companies were affected by a de- ages due to unprecedented consumer invest in higher-value items. “UHP summer tires are designed for crease in the sales of UHP tires as well as goods demand. And once they try UHP tires, they typi- someone who wants maximum wet and other tire segments,” Lee said. “The trend “Overall, we do see demand continuing cally do not go back, he said. dry grip, and sporty handling. These tires of vehicle performance enhancement will to increase in the UHP market, while “I think UHP is going to grow as a seg- work best for consumers who live in mar- continue, and the tire market will also price point puts a strain on consumers. ment, and we want to play a major role as kets with very mild winters such as Flori- accelerate into the UHP tire segment ac- Manufacturers that can supply a value we have done,” Berardi said. da or Southern California, or for consum- cording to vehicle trends.” line will fill a much-needed void and take ers who plan to switch to a dedicated For the period, there was an overall de- advantage of the market,” he said. Tire Business Editor Don Detore contrib- winter tire in the colder months of the cline across all tire categories and segments Tire Discounters also sees the ongoing uted to this story.

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