Born to Be a Teacher

July 15, 2019 The Rubber Industry’s International Newspaper $99 per year. $4.50 per copy Born to be a teacher Charles Goodyear Medalist Quirk combines academia and industry By Bruce Meyer spend all his time in the classroom and Rubber & Plastics News Staff laboratories. He made sure his research INDEPENDENCE, Ohio—Roderic Quirk and—therefore that of his students—had knew he wanted to be a teacher as early as a grounding in practical applications in he can remember. industry. After all, it was his teachers that he most And as one of the most relevant authori- admired and respected growing up. “Plus, I ties in the field of anionic polymerization, always had a thirst for learning,” said the Quirk was named the 2019 recipient of the professor emeritus at the University ACS Rubber Division’s Charles Goodyear of Akron. “I loved to study and Medal, the highest honor awarded learn new things.” by the Akron-based technical asso- He recalls how the instructor ciation. Quirk received the medal for his first freshman chemis- during the Rubber Division’s re- try class just loved what cent Spring Technical Meeting Quirk called “real chemistry.” in Independence. “I loved chemistry, “He’d talk about cold tar Quirk’s research in anionic po- I loved the lab and chemistry. Acetylene chemis- lymerization used alkyllithium try. How it was made and manu- initiators in hydrocarbon solution, it just kind of fell factured, and how sulfuric acid technology used to make butadiene, into place.” was made,” Quirk said. “I just found it isoprene and styrene homo and block fascinating.” copolymers, solution SBR, polyisoprene, Roderic Quirk Of course, in a career that has spanned polybutadiene and its hydrogenated deriva- more than a half-century, Quirk didn’t See Medalist, page 19 Suppliers joining forces Hexpol buys Preferred, merging Synergies bring chemical firms N.A.’s biggest custom mixers Synthomer, Omnova together By Bruce Meyer tion was completed July 1 on a cash and By Miles Moore year after the acquisition is completed. Rubber & Plastics News Staff debt-free basis, and was funded by a Rubber & Plastics News Staff “For our investors, the transaction hits the MALMO, Sweden—Hexpol Group, the combination of cash, existing bank facil- LONDON—Synthomer P.L.C., a United sweet spot in respect to size and strategic world’s largest rubber com- ities and a new credit facility. Kingdom-based manufacturer of elasto- alignment, supported by a conservative- pounder, is getting even bigger “Preferred Compounding has mers and specialty chemicals, is acquiring ly financed approach,” MacLean said. as it has closed a deal to pur- a legacy of technical excellence Beachwood, Ohio-headquartered Omnova Omnova has about 1,900 employees chase Preferred Compounding with a product suite of over Solutions Inc. for $10.15 per share. with 13 manufacturing facilities across Corp. from private equity firm 7,500 compounds designed for In announcing the acquisition North America, Europe and Asia, Audax Group in a deal worth the most critical applications,” July 3, Synthomer said strong eight of which are in the U.S., as $232 million. Tracy Garrison, president of synergy potential, a natural well as sales representatives in Copley, Ohio-based Preferred Hexpol Compounding Ameri- strategic fit and an extended more than 90 countries, accord- was the No. 2 compounder in cas, said in a statement. “Fur- geographic footprint dictated ing to Synthomer. North America, trailing only ther, approximately 70 percent the deal. Omnova is a manufacturer of Hexpol, and posted 2018 sales of of the compounds are derived “Omnova has been on our ra- polymers, dispersions and elasto- about $240 million, according to a Picard from proprietary or enhanced dar for several years,” Syntho- mers, giving it a strong alignment news release from Hexpol Group. co-developments serviced by high- mer CEO Calum MacLean said with Synthomer, MacLean said. Preferred employs about 540 and has six ly strategic relationships.” in a webcast announcing the Sixty percent of Omnova’s sales factories, five in the U.S. and one in Mexico. Garrison added that the purchase acquisition. “We have been pa- are in North America, and the At Malmo-based Hexpol, compound- leverages Hexpol’s global supply chain tient in waiting for the right Noonan acquisition will give Synthomer a ing revenues accounted for $1.46 billion and provides the firm with added capa- time and price to acquire it.” much greater presence in the re- of the firm’s $1.58 billion in 2018 sales. bilities, application technology and cus- In a press release, Synthomer valued gion, as well as its first manufacturing The compounding unit did 63 percent of tomer base. the purchase of Omnova’s outstanding presence in China, he said. its business in the Americas, 33 percent Preferred Compounding supplies rub- shares at $473 million with an implied Synthomer’s key activities include in Europe and 4 percent in Asia, accord- ber compounds to such markets as gen- enterprise value of about $824 million, aqueous dispersions, both acrylic and ing to data in Hexpol’s annual report. eral industry, automotive, power and based on current exchange rates. vinyl; performance elastomers including The business area employs about 3,200 infrastructure. Synthomer also estimated the target NB rubber latex, SB rubber latex and worldwide, the report said. Further, Preferred will help Hexpol run-rate pre-tax cost synergies of $29.6 high-solids SB rubber; and industrial Hexpol said the $232 million acquisi- See Hexpol, page 22 million annually by the end of the third See Synergies, page 22

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Goodyear plans to expand Fayetteville tire facility Kaman to sell distribution unit By Kyle Brown FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.—Goodyear is plan- Rubber & Plastics News Staff ning to expand capacity for larger rim-di- BLOOMFIELD, Conn.—Kaman ameter passenger tires at its 50-year-old Corp. will sell its distribution seg- Deal details Fayetteville plant following the approval ment to affiliates of Littlejohn & Co. Includes Kaman’s distribution business. of a 10-year jobs incentive package by L.L.C. for total cash consideration of • the North Carolina Department of Com- $700 million. • Sold for total cash consideration of $700 million. merce. The transaction, which is subject to Purchased by Littlejohn & Co. L.L.C. The incentive package, a renewal of a Job • customary closing conditions and work- Close is expected for third quarter of 2019. Maintenance and Capital Development grant, ing capital adjustments as well as regu- • is valued at $30 million, Goodyear said. latory approvals, is expected to close in • Segment generated about $1.1 billion in net revenue in 2018. These funds will be used to “modernize the third quarter of 2019, according to a • Unit distributes more than 6 million items, including belting and improve operations” at the Fayetteville Kaman news release. The deal is not and rubber fabrication, hose assemblies and components for plant, Goodyear said, including expanding subject to shareholder approval. power transmission and fluid power components, among others. capabilities to produce high-value tires The total price is worth a value of with rim diameters 17 inches and greater. 10.4 times trailing 12-month segment-adjusted EBITDA for the distri- neered products and increase its margin ing forward will remain strong as the Vibracoustic adds center bution segment, Kaman said. The profile. While diversification has its core aerospace product offerings gener- for material development segment reported GAAP operating merits, the greater opportunity for val- ate significant cash flows, Keating said. income of $12.7 million for the quar- ue creation comes from investing in “For Kaman, this transaction rep- WEINHEIM, Germany—Vibracoustic ter-to-date ending March 29 and highly engineered solutions across the resents an important milestone in our A.G. has opened a new material develop- $52.4 million for the trailing 12-month aerospace, medical device and industri- portfolio transformation and the cul- ment center at its Weinheim location. period, which also ended March 29. al markets, Keating said. mination of a thorough stra- The firm said 25 material experts will Kaman expects its remaining aero- Current market conditions tegic review undertaken by work closely with its engineering team to space segment to generate between create favorable timing for the our board of directors,” Keat- support new prototype compounds and $730 million and $760 million in rev- sale, and it provides flexibility ing said. conduct comprehensive testing. The site enue for 2019, it said. It will continue to pursue both growth oppor- The company will further spans about 23,700 square feet. Investment to design and manufacture critical tunities and increases of scale strengthen its balance sheet details were not disclosed. components, structures and systems of the company’s engineered by paying down debt and The firm can conduct analytical and for commercial and military custom- product business. will look to leverage the in- physical material testing in the new lab. ers from its 14 global facilities, which The sale process was initiat- creased financial flexibility The site also allows for corrosion tests to support about 3,000 employees. ed early in 2019, with multiple to grow the business and produce quality, durability and perfor- Kaman plans to receive about $600 bidders involved over several provide additional capital mance metrics provided by automotive million in net proceeds from the trans- months, Keating said. The returns for shareholders, he customers. action and will allocate about $100 distribution business has been Keating said. Transitioning to a pure The prototyping area will develop new million in proceeds to pay down debt improving and leveraging its product aerospace and engineered products raw compounds in small batches, which can and accelerate new product develop- platform effectively in the marketplace. company also makes Kaman’s invest- be mixed and vulcanized to conduct further ments, it said. The firm also will pur- At the same time, in the long term it ment thesis clearer, so investors un- testing, Vibracoustic said. sue strategic acquisitions in engi- made more sense for shareholders to derstand the value-driving aspects of neered product end markets and plans separate the business. the business. Correction on returning capital to shareholders through its quarterly cash dividend Driving growth Planning acquisitions A story in the July 1 issue of Rubber & and share repurchase programs. Keating said the differentiated Looking forward to mergers and Plastics News on the succession plan for Because of the sale, Kaman is dis- portfolio of aerospace and defense acquisitions activity in the range of Vip Rubber & Plastic Co. Inc. misidentified continuing its current guidance out- products supported by strong end specialty bearings and engineered some family members. Newly named Presi- side of its aerospace outlook, and will markets positions Kaman to drive products, “we see a strong landscape dent Bernardyne (Deena) Campana is the provide more details about capital long-term value creation. The compa- for potential acquisitions,” Keating niece of Vip Chairman Howard Vipperman allocation with its second quarter ny also will drive growth by acceler- said. “They’re not only in the existing Jr. and his sister Kathy LeClair, who is the 2019 results in August, according to ating internal investments, such as markets that we participate in today, company’s chief financial officer. Rob Starr, executive vice president the completion of an expansion of its but to continue to expand into some and chief financial officer. Bloomfield facility for specialty bear- new markets in both the industrial, INSIDE THIS EDITION ing products, the development of its the medical device area that we Creating efficiencies K-Max uncrewed aircraft system, the started through our acquisition of Going forward, Kaman will evalu- advancements it has made in new GRW, and we’ve been really pleased Elastomers face challenges ate its cost structure for efficiencies, fuzing technology and the expansion with the growth rates that we’ve ex- and expects annualized savings of of its acquired GRW Bearing GmbH perienced there.” The medical market is pushing the bound- $15 million to $20 million, according business in Germany. While that segment of the market aries of elastomer technology, according to to a presentation made during a “You can see from the growth of that has seen some consolidation, Kaman Marie Crane, health care market leader for company investors conference call. (bearing) business how we continue to will pursue acquisitions in that field, DuPont, who discussed some at the recent The distribution segment operates expand those capabilities into new he said. It also will look for acquisi- Healthcare Elastomer Conference. . . Page 4 about 220 locations across the U.S. and product platforms and applications,” tions that will accelerate its uncrewed Puerto Rico, with roughly 2,200 em- Keating said. “That was one of the key aircraft program or provide a tech- Straightening out regulations ployees, Kaman said. It generated about things that we wanted to do as we ex- nology platform that would allow a Tire makers face a variety of regulations $1.1 billion in net revenue in 2018. panded into the miniature bearing broader application of the program. from U.S. and Canada, making it important to “The (distribution) busi- space through the acquisition “I think the key things we look at to remember who is responsible for what under ness today is stronger and of GRW. Because it provided begin with are whether it is a technolo- the current laws, according to speakers at the more diversified than at any us certainly some additional gy or a capability that we think we can 2019 Tire & Rubber Summit...... Page 6 time in its history,” Neal penetration with existing both augment using existing capabili- Keating, Kaman chairman, aerospace customers but it ties or technologies that we have, pro- Guill unveils new crosshead CEO and president, said provided us expansion into vide us with opportunities for growth, during the conference call. new and growing markets like and also entry into new markets in in- Guill Tooling & Engineering showed off “Distribution’s enhanced industrial and health care, dustrial or medical,” Keating said. its in-line, five-layer extrusion crosshead for scale, profitability and deep which we really liked and “That’s where we’ve begun to expand its 800 series designed to help manufactur- customer relationships posi- we’ve benefited from.” through our GRW acquisition, and ers in the wire and cable market, part of tion the business for contin- Keating said one area Ka- we’ve had very good results with that. I RPN’s special report...... Page 10 ued growth, and Littlejohn’s man has continued to grow think those are our key areas.” acquisition of the business is Starr is its joint programmable Kaman isn’t likely to go off target DEPARTMENTS validation of the great progress we’ve fuze product line, which is used by to markets not associated with its made.” the U.S. Air Force in weapon design current business, Keating said. The segment covers more than 6 mil- to allow weapons to be programmed During the transition period, which Calendar...... 11 lion items in applications including on wing in flight. is expected to last through the end of Editorials...... 8 electro-chemical, bearings and power “When we take a step back and 2019, Kaman will provide transition From the web...... 9 transmission, among others. It also think about today as the transforma- services to the new entity to help it Technical notebook ...... 13 provides engineering, design and sup- tional step in the company, it really is run smoothly, while being reimbursed Vol. 48, No. 25. July 15, 2019—Rubber & Plastics News port for automation, electrical, linear, a return to innovation and technology for those services, Starr said. (ISSN 0300-6123) is published bi-weekly, except the last hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The in aerospace and engineered sys- Based in Greenwich, Conn., Little- week in December by Crain Communications Inc. Periodical postage paid at Akron and at additional mailing group also offers belting and rubber tems,” Keating said. “I think that john is an investment firm that focus- offices. Address all subscription correspondence to: fabrication, customized mechanical we’ve never had a stronger lineup of es on middle market companies. The Circulation Department, Rubber & Plastics News, 1155 services, hose assemblies, repair, fluid products and technologies than we do company said it looks forward to in- Gratiot Ave., Detroit, Mich. 48207-2912. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Rubber & Plastics News, Circulation analysis and motor management. right now. We’re very excited about vesting in the distribution business Dept., 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, Mich. 48207-2912. The sale will create a competitive, taking this next step.” to drive growth both organically and differentiated company focused on engi- Kaman’s cash flow performance go- through acquisition. 4 Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 www.rubbernews.com

Schaumburg, Ill. Elastomers face new challenges in medical By Kyle Brown Part of what makes the health care market different for Rubber & Plastics News Staff elastomers is the type of customer claiming the market, Developments for elastomers in the health care market Crane said. Large OEMs such as Alphabet Inc. (Google) will be driven by large original equipment manufactur- are making big investments, such as the 60 start-up com- ers investing in wearable medical devices, according to panies it acquired by 2009 in the health care market. Mi- Marie Crane, health care market leader for DuPont. crosoft and Apple also have made transformations to try to Crane covered the changes in the elastomers market for take technology they already had in the electronics space health care in her presentation “Connected Healthcare and improving what they can do in health care. Transformation” at the Healthcare Elastomer Conference Tiered suppliers such as Flexcon Co. Inc. and Jabil Inc., in Schaumburg, Ill. while traditionally focused in other markets, have been The global medical device market is growing at 5 per- investing in design work and contract manufacturing cent year over year, with a projected value of $674 billion work for OEMs in the health care market, she said. Beyond by 2022, according to BCC Research results from 2018, those are many smaller start-up companies. Crane said. Broken down by region, the U.S. accounts for 45 percent of that market, with 25 percent in Europe, 10 New obstacles percent in Japan and 8 percent in the Asia-Pacific region. The new technology approaches and market action Crane said the U.S. market has contracted somewhat make new challenges for elastomers, Crane said. One as customers are starting to go to the Asian market, but major challenge is the incorporation of sensors, LEDs those percentages could change depending on the situa- and batteries. That means dealing with issues like tion with tariffs. maintaining temperature for lithium batteries. In tra- As technology advances, consumers have a greater ditional electronics, manufacturers could protect bat- access to health care, which in turn drives global expan- teries through potting or capsuling. sion and mergers and acquisitions activity for compa- RPN photo by Kyle Brown “But what the market’s trying to tell us is if we’re really nies providing those products, Crane said. DuPont’s Marie Crane shows how the health care going to be successful, we’ve got to look at how we can take “OEMs are consolidating because of pressures of ex- market is becoming more connected, providing new the traditional way of building an electronic, and use injec- penses and their ability to get reimbursement,” Crane opportunities and challenges for elastomers. tion molding,” Crane said. “Because believe it or not, pot- said. “Today, what OEMs are doing is trying to have a ting and capsuling capabilities are very similar functional bigger suite of offerings at the hospital.” your baby as it’s growing inside you.” capabilities to what a traditional elastomer does.” That market activity has allowed larger companies to Monitoring sleep is another popular application, espe- In particular, it can mean lower temperature process- bring advantages when negotiating with health care pro- cially for sleep apnea, Crane said. While patients generally ing, which is necessary to be able to work with compo- viders, and made the market more competitive for smaller have to visit a clinic for a sleep study, technology is being nents with liquid injection molding, she said. companies to find leverage, she said. In order to win in developed to study sleep at home. Wearable textiles, usual- “You’ve got to have a lower temperature, and also be that market, companies must be able to demonstrate that ly for use in fitness settings, are also gaining ground, as able to have a decent cycle time,” Crane said. “It’s very products add value, reduce hospital stays and trips, im- well as therapeutic pain management technology. important, that’s a big challenge that we have to look for.” prove health and make patients more independent. Going forward, smart patches will make up a large Another reason LSRs are very important to the medical “If you’re going to develop a new product and be success- part of the wearable medical device market, Crane said. device health care market is what Crane called “damping,” ful, even as a small company, you’ve got to achieve one of The overall wearable device market will be worth $27.6 or protecting the components from impacts and everyday those. It’s very important if you’re going to be successful in billion by 2021. Smart patches will make up more than use. The device needs to be able to withstand both those this market,” Crane said. “That is why everyone is talking 30 percent of the wearable technology market by 2020. bumps and continue to provide a service. about wearables.” “If you wear a device like a Fitbit tracker or some- “So if you drop something, it needs to still work. That thing, it moves,” she said. “If it moves on your body, you LED light, that sensor still needs to be working,” she Wearable applications get a little distortion of the signal. So patches are be- said. “The needs of our technology are changing.” The biggest application draw for the wearable market coming important for true critical monitoring devices Another challenge for elastomers in the health care continues to be fitness and activity trackers, she said. because they prevent that noise that can happen if that market is conformability, Crane said. Depending on While devices such as wearable ECG monitors have device moves around.” where the device goes, it needs to be able to bend, flex been around for many years, developers are trying to Transdermal transmission patches, with applications and stay in contact with the skin. make them easier to use, more patient-friendly and such as drug delivery, diabetes and cosmetics, will make up “Most of all, it should be non-irritating. If it’s going to higher-tech to find new ways to catch the attention of 47 percent of the smart patch market by 2020, she said. go on your body over and over, the last thing you want is the health care market. While there’s a market for injectable pens for some types of a red mark where you’re scratching,” she said. The biggest growing trend seen in the market now is pharmaceuticals, patients can still have a phobia of needles. If the device isn’t comfortable for the patient to use in glucose monitoring for diabetic patients, both in “If you look at the convenience of having a patch ver- and conform to the patient’s body and needs, it won’t be dealing with pumps and monitoring devices to improve sus having to carry around a pen, that makes a big successful in treating them, she said. quality of life, she said. Pregnancy is another developing deal,” she said. “They’re not going to use it. The whole purpose of doing part of the market, to use wearable technology so a pa- Monitoring patches for fitness, health care and diabe- all these things in a wearables space is to make it so patient “can hear and monitor the fetus as it’s growing tes, will provide 33 percent of that market, and electronic tients actually follow the doctors’ orders, right?” she said. within your body. It’s peace of mind for the mom and it’s stimulation for fitness, wellness and chronic pain treat- “If we don’t make it comfortable, they’re not going to use also the ability to understand what’s happening with ment will cover 20 percent. it, so you might as well throw away the device.” Action Technology adds certification for tubing line

By Kyle Brown we’ve never had the chance to before.” pressure control. In food and beverage, Rubber & Plastics News Staff Volden said Action Technology began it makes products such as spreader Action Technology is in growth mode the project in September 2017 and re- sticks for food applications, and sticks as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, ac- ceived certification in December 2018. for lollipops and ice cream popsicles. cording to Sales Manager Kevin Volden. The certified tubing is available between “I tell people that every single household The Tekni-Plex Inc. business makes diameters of up to a half inch. in America has probably got 15 items in the rubber and plastic products like aerosol Action Technology initially took on the house that come out of our plant and you and pump components, and invested re- certification for a “major player” custom- wouldn’t know it, because it’s tied in to a sources toward achieving National Science er, he said. The customer was interested soap dispenser or an aerosol spray of some Foundation certification for some of its in Action Technology and Tekni-Plex as a kind,” Volden said. polypropylene and polyethylene tubing whole, and believed it was a good fit, but While the company has been very products. Volden discussed these activities NSF certification was required. strong in a few industries before, Action at the Healthcare Elastomer Conference “That whole relationship acted as a Technology has been looking to expand in Schaumburg, Ill. catalyst to drive that business,” he said. its footprint and “push the envelope a The products are certified under both “It’s given us a chance to lock in a major little bit,” Volden said. That drive was standards 51 and 61, for food equipment player, and also we’ve got two or three another part of what led to the NSF materials and drinking water systems. other major players behind them that certification and an enhanced focus on Action Technology went for the classifi- we’re working with as well at the same the health care market. cations to reach a wider range of oppor- time. They all require NSF certification.” “And then it was just finding a whole tunities, he said. From its facility in Clinton, Ill., Action range of new applications and areas that RPN photo by Kyle Brown “We’ve always had the capability, but Technology reaches markets including we weren’t looking at before,” he said. Kevin Volden and John Doherty rep- we’ve made the investment now,” Volden health care, sanitation, and food and On top of the company’s 50-year mile- resented Action Technology at the said. “What this does is not so much just beverage, where the certification is re- stone, Action Technology reached eight Healthcare Elastomer Conference. The in the health care market, but every mar- quired for products, he said. It produces years of no lost time because of an acci- company recently achieved NSF certifi- ket, it’s given us the chance to get into tubing for pharmaceutical sprays and dent, which Volden said is a record for both cation for some of its tubing products. some industries and applications that misters, as well as products for blood the company and Tekni-Plex as a whole. www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 5 Sentury halts plans for U.S. plant

By Bruce Davis using a factory near Bangkok, Thailand, owned entity that controls Wanli Tire Tire Business to supply customers in the U.S. The Group, had proposed building a tire LAGRANGE, Ga.—China’s Qingdao plant, in which Sentury invested $400 plant in Orangeburg County, S.C., capa- Sentury Tire Co. Ltd. has indefinitely million, is rated at 12 million car and ble of producing 6 million consumer put on hold plans to build a car and light light truck tires a year. tires annually in the eight-year project’s truck tire plant in the U.S., according to Sentury Tire USA maintains warehouse first phase. various sources close to the project. distribution centers in Miami; Memphis, Sources at the Orangeburg County The company—which sells tires un- Tenn.; and Southern California. Development Commission confirmed in der the Delinte, Groundspeed, Landsail This development is the second set- June 2018 that the project was in “neu- At last report, the company had begun and Sentury brand names—had dis- back involving a Chinese tire maker tral,” although the OCDC didn’t rule clearing land at the site, work that was closed plans in September 2016 to invest that had announced plans for a U.S. out completely that it may still come to interrupted last September by the heavy $530 million to build a plant in Troup plant. In June 2018 Guangzhou Vanlead fruition. rains that accompanied Hurricane Flor- County, Ga., capable of producing 12 mil- Group Co. Ltd. was forced to put on hold A third China company, Triangle Tire ence as it drove inland through the lion car and light truck tires a year at indefinitely plans it had announced in Co. Ltd., disclosed plans in late 2017 for Carolinas. full capacity. The project represented 2017 to invest $1 billion in a tire plant in a pair of plants to be built near Rocky up to 1,000 jobs. South Carolina. Mount, N.C.—one for passenger/light Jane Ho, European Rubber Journal, Sentury originally projected the plant Guangzhou Vanlead, a China state- truck tires and one for truck/bus tires. contributed to this report. would be operating by 2018 but to date only minor site preparation work has been carried out, local sources indicated. Sentury officials in China and the U.S. did not respond to multiple requests for comment. An office set up by Sentury Tire North America in LaGrange has closed and Rami Helminen, a former Nokian Tyres P.L.C. executive who was hired in 2017 to head up the project, is now working in the U.S. for Finrenes Oy, a Finnish bio- mass-to-fuels company. Late last year the company consoli- dated separate U.S. sales organizations, one attached to the Georgia plant project and one reporting directly to the parent company in China, under Miami-based Sentury Tire USA Inc. The Development Authority of La- Grange posted a statement on its Face- book page May 22 stating that the “project is on indefinite hold” until the company can secure the financing necessary to complete the work. The agency cited the uncertainty of an Initial Public Offering in China as the reason for delaying the U.S. factory project. “Unfortunately with all of the uncertainty with the trade relations between the U.S. and China, the Chinese Gov- ernment Agency that approves IPOs in China put Sentury’s IPO on hold indefinitely,” the agency’s statement said. “The IPO is critical to Sentury being able to finance the project.” Since disclosing the project in 2016, Sentury Tire has said little publicly about the project, citing confidentiality restrictions related to the IPO, proceeds FULL-CYCLE FASTER FORMULATED of which were designated in part to fund SERVICE DEVELOPMENT FOR YOU the construction of an aircraft tire plant in China. “We are proud of the confidence Sen- tury Tire has shown in making Georgia the primary choice for their first U.S. manufacturing facility,” Pat Wilson, RUBBER REIMAGINED commissioner of the Georgia Depart- ment of Economic Development, said in a statement. “While the company has We reimagine rubber’s possibilities every day. For longer-lasting belts and not been able to meet the aggressive treads. Tighter seals and stronger hoses. Better- performing infrastructure timetable first proposed for construct- ing the plant, Sentury’s leadership has components and tougher oil ﬁeld equipment. Every compound is custom- pledged to continue working to secure formulated, A2LA-tested onsite, and expedited from start to delivery as if all necessary financing needed for the project. your business is our top priority. Which it is. “Delays like this, while unfortunate, are understandable whenever a business enters a new international market with this level of investment. We continue to NATURAL BUTYL EPDM FKM HNBR work closely with the LaGrange leader- RUBBER ship to ensure the community is kept well informed and updated on the progress of this project. CPE CSM NBR SBR “The state of Georgia and LaGrange remain fully committed to the project and look forward to working with Sentu- ry Tire on a new timeline for construction of their manufacturing plant and first production of Georgia-made tires WWW.AIRBOSSOFAMERICA.COM for the U.S. market.” In the meantime, Qingdao Sentury is AUTOMOTIVE • TIRE & TRACK • BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION • ENERGY & OIL • MINING • AEROSPACE WATER TREATMENT… AND WHEREVER ELSE RUBBER WORKS.

AIRBOSS OF AMERICA CORP. 6 Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 www.rubbernews.com Regulations pose challenge for tire makers

By Miles Moore Rubber & Plastics News Staff U.S. and Canadian tire makers face multiple challenges on the regulatory front, and it is incumbent on them to know their responsibilities under the law. This was the message of three speakers at “Driving to the Future,” the 2019 Tire & Rubber Summit, held June 12 in Toronto by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada. North American tire makers must deal with the Cana- dian Chemicals Management Plan and the Toxic Sub- stances Control Act in the U.S., according to Sarah Amick, vice president for environmental, health, safety and sustainability at the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association. In place since 2006, the CMP is under the aegis of two Canadian ministries, according to Amick—Environ- ment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada. The goal of the CMP is to evaluate and manage substances deemed to be toxic, with some 4,300 substances to be evaluated by 2021, Amick said. Currently the Phase III list, containing about 1,500 chemicals, is being assessed—including several substances important to the tire industry, she said. The CMP’s draft screening assessment of zinc began in April of this year and is due sometime in September, according to Amick. A draft screening assessment for benzothiazoles is RPN photos by Miles Moore set to begin in October of this year, with completion by Above: Pierrette LeBlanc (left), senior engineer, Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada, and Sar- March 2020, she said. A final screening assessment of ah Amick, vice president, environmental, health, safety and sustainability, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association. tetramethylthiuram disulfide was due any day as of Below: Michael Sherbo, director of appeals, Dominion Customs Consultants, addresses attendees of the event. June 12, she said. TSCA is the primary federal chemical management On the trade front, the Canada Border Services law in the U.S., according to Amick. An updated version Agency has had its “Trusted Trader” program in place of the regulation passed in Congress with bipartisan since December 2001, according to Michael Sherbo, di- support in 2016, and the U.S. Environmental Protection rector of appeals at Dominion Customs Consultants. Agency continues to work on implementation, she said. The Trusted Trader program, Sherbo said, provides Under TSCA, Amick said, the EPA designates chem- a simplified, expedited clearance process for approved icals of being either low- or high-priority for risk assess- importers and carriers who ship eligible goods from the ment; evaluates those in the latter category; and im- U.S. and Mexico. poses restrictions of those determined to present an “Importers can use their own business systems and unreasonable risk to human health. processes, which must meet CBSA requirements, to Several substances used in tire manufacturing, in- account for the imported goods and report and remit cluding formaldehyde and 1,3-butadiene, are currently payment of duties and taxes once a month through being evaluated under TSCA, according to Amick. their own financial institutions,” he said. The USTMA is responding to these and other TSCA Trusted Traders enjoy reduced scrutiny at the Cana- challenges, she said, by: dian border; access to Free and Secure Trade (FAST) • Educating the EPA about tire manufacturing and lanes if they use registered drivers to transport goods; the materials used to make tires; and various other programs including an expedited • Working with other chemical user associations; clearance option for carriers and enhanced accounting • Working directly with chemical manufacturers; and and compliance procedures for importers, according to • Providing data to the EPA about tire materials. Sherbo. Tire manufacturers also face challenges from state Canada also is currently implementing the CBSA As- regulations, especially in California, according to Amick. sessment and Revenue Management project to stream- able to manage your Trusted Trader programs and The USTMA has had to advocate for the industry in line and simplify the importing process, Sherbo said. registration status,” he said. the case of California stormwater laws, she said. Be- Once fully implemented, CARM will provide a mod- The first release of CARM functionality, in fall 2020, will cause California municipalities cannot meet their ern interface for importing goods into Canada; improve provide Trusted Traders with new tools including the web stormwater permit limits for zinc, the state has tried to consistency and reduce costs; and give importers portal and online invoicing and payments, Sherbo said. reduce zinc content in tires under its Green Chemistry self-service access to their own information via a web Additional CARM functionality is due out with the law—a move that would be both totally ineffective and portal, according to Sherbo. second release in spring 2021, he said. ruinous to tire makers, she said. “Under the future CARM environment, you will be Canada, like the U.S., is in the process of developing minimum tire efficiency standards for replacement passenger tires, according to Pierrette LeBlanc, senior engineer within the Office of Energy Efficiency for Natural Resources Canada. Outlook on raw materials Such standards would be enacted under Canada’s Energy Efficiency Act, which has been in effect since 1992, and were part of the Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change and Budget for 2017-18, LeBlanc said. “A 10 percent improvement in rolling resistance can lead to a 1-2 percent increase in fuel economy,” she said. There is currently no regulatory requirement for testing replacement tire fuel efficiency in Canada, although the European Union has had one in place since November 2018, according to LeBlanc. The U.S., through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, had a notice of proposed rulemaking on tire fuel efficiency testing as early as 2009, two years before Natural Resources Canada first consulted with stakeholders about a fuel efficiency standard, LeBlanc said. NRCanada proceeded with a market analysis in 2018 and a cost-benefit analysis this year, she said. Dennis Corson (left), senior vice president, sales and operations, Alan L. Grant Polymer; Robert Rist, Canada is working toward harmonization of a fuel regional director, product management, reinforcement materials, Cabot Corp.; and Karthika Kizhakke Vel- efficiency standard with the U.S., but the rulemaking late, senior procurement analyst, Beroe Inc., participated in a panel on the outlook for raw materials at the there has been delayed, according to LeBlanc. NHTSA 2019 Tire & Rubber Summit held June 12 in Toronto by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada. has a new timeline of March 2020 to publish a proposed standard, she said. www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 7 USTMA sends 11 tire ambassadors to Congress By Miles Moore • Queenie Edwards Miller, industrial Rubber & Plastics News Staff engineer, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.; WASHINGTON—The 2019 Tire Man- • Tony Quarles, senior tire engineer, ufacturing Ambassadors’ program, held Giti Tire (U.S.A.) Ltd.; and in Washington June 24-25, had the most • Alexander Stojanovski, continuous diverse group of participants in the improvement specialist, Sumitomo Rub- event’s history, according to Anne For- ber Industries Inc. ristall Luke, CEO and president of the Hankook Tire America Corp. did not USTMA. send a representative to the 2019 Am- “We have people from Des Moines, bassadors’ program. from Texarkana, from California and “They were sorry they couldn’t send New York—literally the length and someone this year, and they definitely breadth of America’s tire industry,” intend to send an ambassador next Eleven representatives from U.S. tire manufacturers showcased the industry to Luke said. year,” Luke said. lawmakers on Capitol Hill June 24-25. “There’s diversity of age, ethnicity and position. We have senior industrial engineers, tire engineers, tire builders, people from customer service and global trade compliance. This year’s group really demonstrates the breadth and diversity of our industry.” Personnel from 11 tire manufacturing companies, all members of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, were participants at the third annual Tire Manu- facturing Ambassadors’ program sponsored by the USTMA. All of the ambassadors were hand- picked by USTMA members based on criteria the association provided to go to more than 25 congressional offices, accompanied by USTMA officials, to meet with elected officials and their staff. Each elected official represented a state or district with strong manufacturing presences, according to Luke. “As in past years, we were looking for For Wire and Cable ambassadors with leadership ability, a dedication to safety and to the industry, and a history of community service,” she STRUKTOL® Innovative Additives are designed to help you enhance wire and cable compound processing. said. The ambassadors discussed issues of TR 016 (calcium based) – recommended for highly-filled compounds providing improved importance to tire manufacturers, as well as the economic contributions tire dispersion, metal release, and viscosity control manufacturing brings to national, state and local economies. TR 041 (non-metal based) – for improved processing of flame retarded, cross-linked HDPE Perhaps the most important issue this year was the new Congressional Tire and a good option for highly loaded non-halogen FR systems Caucus, which was founded in May by Reps. Joe Wilson, R-N.C., and Jim Coo- TR 071 (zinc based) – provides good flexibility at low temperatures & helps reduce viscosity; per, D-Tenn. particular efficiency with highly loaded flame retarded compounds The ambassadors discussed the caucus and urged the officials to join, ac-  cording to Luke. Several members of TR 121 / TR 131 / TR 141 – for reduction of surface friction properties; these additives bloom Congress have expressed interest, she to the surface to reduce wire pull-through force said, but so far the only one to confirm his membership in the caucus is Rep. TR 251 – enhanced functionality over EBS with similar gloss properties Mike Bost, R-Ill. The U.S. tire manufacturing industry accounts for more than 737,000 jobs, WB 212 – reduces mixing temperatures – improves gloss & finish on the cover both directly and indirectly, according to the USTMA. There are 56 tire manu- For High Speed PVC Wire & Cable: facturing facilities in 17 states, generat- ing more than $27 billion in annual V-PEDS / VLB 602 / VLB 618 – resist plate out; useful where surface printability or higher sales. The industry directly supports more than a quarter-million jobs repre- surface energy is required senting almost $20 billion in wages, it said. The 2019 Tire Ambassadors are as BENEFITS: follows: • Jennie Baldwin, global trade com-  Improved Processing pliance, Michelin North America Inc.; • Nelson Beato, corporate headquarters, Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc.;  Reduced Viscosity • Wesley Billups, components prep TT, Goodyear.; • Johnny Densmore, finishing coordi-  Improved Surface nator, Pirelli Tire North America Inc.; • Dwight Hansen, senior technical  customer service, Toyo Tire Holdings of Increased Throughput America Inc.; • Jay Johnson, logistics technology lead, Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C.; • Bryan Lawson, tire building division manager, Yokohama Tire Corp.; • Jared Lofland, area business manager, DSM-Curing, Bridgestone Americas.; Call us at 330.928.5188 Struktol Company of America email us at [email protected] Stow, Ohio | USA or visit us at www.4struktol.com 8 Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 www.rubbernews.com Opinion

Conti, Kordsa Vol. 48 No. 25 Brennan Lafferty, V.P./group publisher

EDITORIAL STAFF Bruce Meyer, Editor (330-865-6124) proposal could Chris Sweeney, News editor (330-865-6188) Miles D. Moore, Senior Washington reporter (703-256-9275) level playing field Erin Pustay Beaven, Online content editor (330-865-6106) here’s no denying the rubber industry is secretive. Kyle Brown, Reporter (330-865-6115) Through its history, the sector has seen itself as being Michael McCrady, Art director something akin to two parts science to one part art. (330-865-6148) T John Dick, Technical editor And it has been the “art” part of the equation that chem- ([email protected]) ists and scientists have held close to over the years, not results comparable to the current technology. Don Loepp, Editorial director wanting to lose a potential advantage. The open source platform would allow anyone, including ([email protected])

So when Continental A.G. and tire reinforcement specialist competitors, to use Cokoon on a license-free basis as long as INTERNET Kordsa Technik Teksil A.S. announced plans to offer up a they promise to share any improvements they develop. Mark McCarron, Digital coordinator new technology on an “open source” platform, it likely raised Will this work in such a secretive industry as rubber? (330-865-6123) a few eyebrows. One problem is others have been working on replace- SALES STAFF Dubbed Cokoon, the two firms said they had developed a ments for RFL as well. Michelin, particularly, has worked Brent Weaver, Sales manager sustainable adhesive technology for bonding textile reinforcing (330-865-6119) on a solution for 10 years, and created a business unit Peter McNeil, Display advertising sales repre- materials with rubber compounds. The knowledge is aimed called ResiCare to commercialize its solution. sentative (330-865-6109) mainly at use in tire cord materials, with Conti and Kordsa Wilma Dierkes, an associate professor at the University of Brooke Stender, Classified advertising sales claiming it eliminates the need for resorcinol and formalde- representative (330-865-6117) Twente, also gave a paper at the Tire Technology Expo deal- Lori DiFrancesco, Sales and conference coordi- hyde, the materials that have been used along with latex for ing with RF. She would like to see more open source work nator (330-865-6121) decades in a dipping process used to tread the tire cords. in the rubber industry, saying the university often does re- Sarah Arnold, Marketing and events manager But the industry has been looking at replacing formaldehyde (330-865-6169) search, only to find out later that others have been working Patrick Cannon, Group sales director and resorcinol for health, safety and environmental reasons. in parallel. Dierkes see the duplicative efforts as a pity. (313-446-1625) When Conti and Kordsa unveiled their new technology ear- In such a situation as RFL, it would solve a health and RUBBER DIRECTORY & BUYERS GUIDE lier this year, they said they want to see it become the new safety issue, and at the same time leave no players at ei- Sally Dietz, Assistant events manager/editorial standard, where the same equipment can be used to achieve ther an advantage or disadvantage. coordinator (330-865-6112)

IT/PRODUCTION STAFF VIEWPOINT Scott Merryweather, Media services manager Anthony DiPonio, Chief information officer

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Jennifer Mosley, Group director/Audience devel- Medalist makes an impact opment (312-649-5312) EXECUTIVE OFFICES By Bruce Meyer 2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000, Cuyahoga Another former student, now working in the industry, Falls, Ohio 44221. Phone: 330-836-9180; Edito- said as a lecturer, Professor Quirk never just gave a lec- rial fax, 330-836-2831; Sales, administration fax: y being named the Charles Goodyear Medalist by the ture. Students had to participate. They realized they were 330-836-1005 ACS Rubber Division for 2019, it’s clear that Roderic going to be asked questions, and that it wasn’t going to be Diana Clance, Office coordinator BQuirk, a professor emeritus at the University of Akron, easy, and you weren’t always going to get it right. (330-836-9180) made an impact on the rubber industry during a career When among themselves, he said the students used to that has spanned more than five decades. talk about having a “batting average,” on how they did on But what’s even clearer is the impact he had on his stu- the questions. Some might be batting .800, while others dents, as roughly 20 made the trip to the may be around .150, or in need of improvement. “You were Rubber Division’s Spring Technical Meet- getting a degree in philosophy,” the former student said. Rubber & Plastics News is published bi-weekly by Crain Communications Inc. ing in Independence, Ohio, to see Quirk “And for him it was very much a philosophical thing. You Subscriptions: U.S., one year $99; two years, receive the honor. He said besides coming had to learn how to think about science, and about what it $178. Group rates, $79 each for five or more from around the U.S. and Mexico, two for- means to be a scientist. And how you decide what’s right copies. Air mail and first class delivery to U.S., U.S. possessions, Mexico and Canada, $164; the mer students came in from South Korea and what’s wrong.” Middle East and Europe, $219; all other regions, and one each from South Africa and Spain. Another said Quirk was a very energetic teacher, always $293. For surface delivery to Canada, $138 (including GST); Mexico and all other foreign “I had the opportunity to work with really being well-prepared and excited on days he was teaching. countries, $140. Single copy, $4.50. excellent students,” Quirk said. “They’re like A former female student said Quirk was more relaxed by Rubber Directory & Buyers Guide, $89 per copy family. It’s a fantastic experience for me.” the time she became his student, but it was never his style plus $6 for first class postage and handling in the U.S. and Canada. Four weeks’ notice required for I had the pleasure of talking with sev- to spoon-feed students the answers. change of address. GST #136760444. eral of Quirk’s students, and it’s clear the Because Quirk was so prepared, he expected the students Printed in the U.S. For new subscriptions and change of address, feeling is mutual. to be prepared as well. His style may have made some un- write: Audience Development Department, Sergio Corona Galvan, the R&D advanced technology comfortable, but his goal was getting students to engage, Rubber & Plastics News, 1155 Gratiot Ave., manager at Dynasol, nominated Quirk for the medal and Detroit, Mich. 48207-2912; call 1-877-320- according to one former student. 1726 or e-mail customerservice-rpn@crain. presented him at the banquet. He said the most important “It wasn’t something where he was going to entertain you com for customer service. For subscription thing Quirk imparted on his students was to always be for an hour,” the student said. “It’s like old school, I guess. information and delivery concerns please email [email protected] or call 877-320- thinking and “to not only be good researchers, but excel- People used to gather around the wise person, and they 1726 (in the U.S. and Canada) or 313-446-0450 lent people working for the world.” would listen and talk.” (all other locations) Reprints: Lauren Melesio, 212-210-0707; As a professor, Galvan said Quirk made sure students knew e-mail, [email protected]. the information they were presenting, and that he still gives Meyer is editor of Rubber & Plastics News. He can be reached Website: http://www.rubbernews.com younger colleagues advice he himself received from Quirk. at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @bmeyerRPN. CRAIN COMMUNICATIONS INC

ONLINE QUOTE OF THE WEEK Keith E. Crain Mary Kay Crain Chairman Vice chairman “Patches are becoming important KC Crain Chris Crain Check out our redesigned website at rubbernews.com President Senior executive for true critical monitoring devices vice president WACKY WORLD OF RUBBER: The new Spider-Man movie has plenty of Lexie Crain rubber-inspired gadgets, as reporter Kyle Brown explains in his latest blog. because they prevent that noise Armstrong Robert Recchia Secretary Chief financial officer PHOTO GALLERY: Nokian’s three-year, $82 million, expansion of commercial that can happen if that device G.D. Crain Jr. Gertrude R. Crain tire production is on track, and the firm has the pictures to prove it. moves around.” Founder (1885-1973) Chairman (1911-1996) Other online content: —Marie Crane, health care market leader for DuPont, STORIES • VIDEOS • PHOTOS • NEWS • BLOGS • NEWSLETTERS on how wearable medical devices are evolving. www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 9 From The Web Hexion emerges from device, life sciences, microelectronics from the end of 2021. Hunsicker, who is retiring in August and personal care. As a result of the change in strategic after 30 years of service. Ch. 11 after reducing debt direction, BASF said in a statement that Cooper Standard Automotive Inc.—Pro- COLUMBUS, Ohio—Hexion Inc. com- BASF to realign, eliminate it will eliminate 6,000 jobs, largely in moted Aleksandra Miziolek to the newly pleted de-leveraging its balance sheet 6,000 jobs through 2021 the administrative division. created position of chief trans- and has emerged from Chapter 11 bank- As part of the changes, To keep up with the formation officer with the goal ruptcy protection. LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany—Chem- about 29,000 employees daily pulse of the of driving the company’s evolu- The producer of thermoset resins re- ical giant BASF S.E. will launch an orga- worldwide will be tasked with industry, visit www. tion within a changing auto- duced its debt by more than $2 billion and nizational realignment through 2021 that working in cross-functional rubbernews.com. motive industry. The firm said received an infusion of $300 million in eq- will include cutting as many as 6,000 jobs service units, billed as global that Joanna Totsky, Cooper’s uity capital through a rights offering, ac- worldwide. engineering services, global vice president/deputy general cording to a company news release. It also The work will include streamlining digital services and global procurement. counsel, will succeed Miziolek as senior raised about $2 billion in exit financing. administration operations and simplifi- vice president, chief legal officer and secre- Hexion’s global operations continued cation of procedures and processes. The On the move tary, as part of its global leadership team. uninterrupted during the process, which company expects annual savings of Davis-Standard L.L.C.—Appointed was supervised by the bankruptcy court. about $338.6 million upon completion of Akron Dispersions—Named Kayley Craig Richardson as its aftermarket The company said the de-leveraging the project, which will result in a $2.26 Fishel-Hayat as its new technical di- sales manager for its subsidiary, Ther- plan provided payment in full for the billion increase of anticipated earnings rector. The firm said she replaces Diane moforming Systems L.L.C. company’s trade creditors. Completing the plan allows Hexion to move forward with less debt and greater financial flexibility. The company said it will build its value-creating platform by accelerating new product development. Hexion’s growth strategy will be driven by product investments through research and development and strategic partner- ships, capitalizing on its global footprint. Hexion filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy April 1 and entered into a restructuring agreement for all U.S. subsidiaries and one non-operating entity in Nova Scotia. The company’s voluntary petition filing did not include other operations outside the U.S. In the process, the court granted Hexion interim approval to access up to $600 million of its $700 million in debt- or-in-possession financing to help meet operational and restructuring needs. U.S. auto sales drop for the sixth-straight month DETROIT—Total U.S. light-vehicle sales dropped 2.6 percent from a year earlier, marking the third time in the past decade that sales in each of the first six months of the year failed to top year-earlier totals. However, the down month did not slow the seasonally adjusted annual sales rate, which topped the 17 million mark for the third time in four months at nearly 17.3 million. Most analysts were projecting sales to come in below that level at the beginning of the year. There were 26 selling days last month, one fewer than June 2018, when the industry racked up one of its biggest gains Quality Service of the year. Sales are now down 2.4 percent through the first six months. Some analysts see a second-half bounce from the launch of new and redesigned light trucks, as well as a possible interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve. Selection Gelest acquires Bimax to strengthen presence MORRISVILLE, Pa.—Gelest Inc. has acquired Bimax, a manufacturer and marketer of specialty monomers and polymers. The addition is part of Gelest’s strategic plan as Bimax strengthens its position in high-growth, value-added appli- Providing the world’s best materials cations, Gelest CEO Ken Gayer said in a statement. The deal provides access to for over 85 years. new customers and talent, and expands its production and research and development capabilities. Glen Rock, Pa.-based Bimax develops products for life sciences and medical device applications, including coatings and adhesives, advanced technology applications, contact lenses, intraocular lenses and personal care products. Registered harwick.com l Akron, OH 1-800-899-4412 l Pico Rivera, CA 1-800-883-9911 to ISO 9001 ® Gelest is a manufacturer and supplier of silicones, organosilanes and metal-or- ganics for markets including medical 10 Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 www.rubbernews.com SPECIAL REPORT Wire and Cable Guill aims to save customers time, money By Mike Scott heads on the market, Masse said. They Rubber & Plastics News Correspondent have a fixed-center design that requires WEST WARWICK, R.I.—Guill Tool- no intervention from the operator to ing & Engineering believes that the best make “in spec” product. Secondly, the way it can help customers is not just to ease of disassembly of both the Bullet I provide them with products, but to be & II heads saves time and money by be- problem solvers. With a full-service engi- ing easy to clean and maintain. neering staff on hand, that role of being a Guill also said the 800 series fits into problem solver takes on greater impor- cost and time saving goals of customers. tance, especially with its customers ex- “The bottom line is that both the end pecting more consultative services. user and the plant manager are satis- At the recent Interwire show in Atlan- fied,” Masse said. “Our heads satisfy the ta, the largest and longest-running wire operator because they are simple to use and cable show, the West Warwick-based and maintain. The plant manager is firm featured its in-line, five-layer ex- happy because the heads reduce the trusion crosshead of its 800 series. The startup time, cleanup time and also the offering is a single-point concentricity scrap normally generated with older extrusion crosshead and Bullet II extru- style heads.” sion head. The 800 series are used in a wide vari- Potential ‘game changer’ ety of industries and applications, accord- One of the latest advancements devel- Guill Tooling’s team holds down the firm’s booth at the recently held Interwire ing to R.J. Masse, a Guill sales manager oped by Guill has a chance to become a show in Atlanta. and sales engineer. “Bullet heads are a game changer, according to Sales Manag- repeatable, Conley said. wonderful fit for single-layer applications er Bill Conley. He said the firm has manu- “Among the cost-saving benefits is that typically in wire and cable for jacketing factured and is now selling a 500 series this allows customers to continue using conductors,” he said. “The 800 series has crosshead with mechanically assisted their existing tips and design,” he said. found a home in multi-layer applications gum space (MAGS) adjustment. The 500 These days no product is put into the such as medical tubing and also for indus- series is designed specifically for the flow marketplace by Guill that can’t be con- trial applications where tight tolerance characteristics and unique processing sidered innovative, Conley said. The 500 wall thicknesses are required.” challenges of elastomeric compounds. series rubber/silicone crosshead was cre- The Bullet heads are a cost and time One of the key features engineered ated as a cast aluminum liquid-fed cool- saving solution when compared to other by Guill as part of the new crosshead ing sleeve that allows the user to switch design is the MAGS adjustment sys- out the cooling jacket in the event of a tem. This new method of gum space ad- line obstruction. This can significantly justment allows the operator to make an reduce downtime compared with tradi- effortless adjustment from a single point tional integrated cooling systems. using a common socket wrench. Gum The creation of this product was rough- Guill’s 800 series Bullett II extrusion head. space refers to the distance between the ly a six-month process from the creation SOLTEx face of a dye and front of the tip. of the initial prototype to having a mar- Guill expects to find more revenue op- Conley said the goal is saving time ketable product. “Customer ideas often portunities in the future related to sili- and money. drive innovation,” Masse said. cone- and plastic-based products. Masse “It’s really a mechanical method of As with many new products and ser- said there is always a large amount of moving gum space inside and out,” Conley vices, he said the idea was generated potential in the medical tubing and in- said. “In the past we used a big wrench to from conversations with customers re- dustrial markets. Acetylene move the gum space. The problem is that garding what keeps them up at night. Specifically, companies are hoping to rubber can act like a doorstep and “The industry has developed into a find ways to gain the desired shape be very difficult to move. This mature one here in North America,” he needed to support applications. Guill BLACK makes the whole process easier, al- said. “Our customers have standard employs more than 80 professionals and lowing users to change the pressure products that we can help breathe new mainly services such industries as BEYOND CARBON BLACK inside the head. The fact is it’s ac- life into through innovative strate- health care, automotive, energy and tually hardware-free.” gies and designs. If we can electronics. In other words, customers help customers save “We’re looking to identify new markets Upgrade your carbon black won’t continue to struggle with an hour a day on the and identify clients who have needs we multiple nuts and bolts in order line, the cost-savings can help with,” Conley said. That antici- to Soltex high-conductive to adjust gum space, which are significant. You pated increased demand means Guill ex- acetylene black – the ultra-pure leads to faster adjustments. could be talking hun- pects to be hiring additional mechanical specialty additive that takes The visual indicator on the core dreds of thousands of engineers, designers and machinists in performance to a new level. tube allows the operator to see dollars, or more, in the near term. The company has exhibited how far the gum space has been savings each year.” all over the world from the U.S. to China moved, making those adjust- in an attempt to further market its global Guill’s 500 series. North American Supply ments much more accurate and capabilities and collective knowledge. Fast Delivery Any Volume TPC acquires EZ Form Cable Technical Support Crain’s Akron Business cute on its aggressive growth strategy. Our organic initiatives MACEDONIA, Ohio—TPC Wire & Cable Corp. acquired EZ are driving sustained above-market growth in parallel with an Form Cable Corp. of Hamden, Conn., in a move that will give the acceleration of our strategic M&A activity.” Macedonia company new capabilities in coaxial cable and radio TPC, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, has been frequency connectors, according to a news release. growing through acquisition during the past couple years. The Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Macedonia company in December acquired Milrail Inc. of EZ Form supplies RF and microwave interconnect products Quebec, which supplies the rail, transit and military markets for applications in the defense, space, wireless communications with wire, cable and interconnect devices. and medical instrumentation industries. In September 2017, TPC acquired Electra Cord Inc. of Mas- TPC said in the release that the move strengthens its position as sillon, Ohio, a maker of custom molded cable assemblies, power a diversified supplier of high-performance wire, cable, connectors, cords and cord sets for original equipment manufacturers in assemblies and accessories used in harsh environments. different industries. EZ Form has about 50 employees, all of whom will be re- “TPC’s mission, vision and values align with EZ Form, posi- tained, TPC Marketing Manager Susan Biskopski said via tioning us for continued growth and commitment to quality email. TPC employs more than 200 people, she said. products and superior customer service,” EZ Form CEO Frank 800-275-8580 “We are very excited to have EZ Form join the TPC family,” Volpe said in a statement. “We are confident that TPC will be the www.soltexinc.com/ab Jeff Crane, TPC president and CEO, said in a statement. “Our best steward of the EZ Form business in the years to come.” [email protected] combined expertise will enhance our growth strategy, diversify TPC, founded in 1979, says its products are designed to our end markets and allow us to expand our innovative product withstand harsh environments and impact, abrasion, flexing, and service solutions for our customers. TPC continues to exe- chemicals and extreme temperatures. www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 11 Calendar

Rubber groups Thermoplastic Concentrates 2020: Examines key Chicago Rubber Group: Wisconsin Golf Outing, IN COMING WEEKS issues facing the thermoplastic concentrates industry, Aug. 14, Hawk’s View Golf Club, Lake Geneva, Wis.; Jan. 28-30, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Fall technical meeting, Sept. 19, TopGolf, Wood Dale, Golf Resort, Coral Springs, Fla. (Stephanie Berchem, Ill. (www.chicagorubbergroup.org) Michigan Rubber Group: Fishing out- iLearn Innovation Institute: Applied 610-478-0800, [email protected]; www.amiplas- tics-na.com/events) Detroit Rubber Group: Board meeting, July 29, ing...... July 26 rubber technology...... Aug. 6 venue TBD; Board meeting, Sept. 16, venue TBD; Fall Tire Technology Expo 2020: 20th showcase for the technical symposium, Nov. 20, venue TBD; Holiday global tire design, development and manufacturing in- board meeting, Dec. 2, venue TBD. (Jim Eddy, eddy@ CAR: Management Briefing Semi- International Latex Conference: Fair- dustry, March 25-27, Deutsche Messe, Hanover, Ger- zeonchemicals.com; www.rubber.org) nars...... Aug. 5 lawn, Ohio...... Aug. 6 many. (www.tiretechnology-expo.com) Energy Polymer Group: Educational symposium, Sept. T-PLAS 2019: International Trade Fair for the Plas- 17-18, Tremont House, Galveston, Texas; Fall technical tics and Rubber Industries, Sept. 18-21, Bangkok In- meeting, Sept. 19, Tremont House, Galveston, Texas; Mid-Atlantic Rubber & Plastics Group: Fall tech- chemshow.com) ternational Trade and Exhibition Center, Bangkok. Winter technical meeting, Jan. 16, Mariott Town Place, nical meeting, Sept. 12, American Additive Manufac- (312-781-5180; [email protected]; www.tplas.com) Sugar Land, Texas. (www.energypolymergroup.org) turing, Philadelphia; Educational symposium, Nov. 14, Hose Manufacturers’ Conference: Symposium for Lehigh University/Iacocca Hall, Bethelhem, Pa. (Bruce the rubber hose manufacturing industry, Nov. 12-13, Traction Summit 2019: Tire conference, Oct. 16-18, Fort Wayne Rubber & Plastics Group: Technical Rhoades, [email protected]; www.marpg.org) Sheraton Suites, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, organized by Hayes Mansion, San Jose, Calif. (www.tractionsum- meetings, Sept. 12 and Dec. 5, Ceruti’s, Fort Wayne, Rubber & Plastics News, Beaver Manufacturing and mit.com) Ind. (www.fwrpg.org) New England Rubber Group: Golf outing, Aug. 6, Continental ContiTech. ([email protected]; www. Blackstone National Golf Club, Sutton, Mass.; Fall techni- rubbernews.com/conferences) Trade/technical associations Los Angeles Rubber Group: Board meeting, Aug. 7, cal meeting or plant tour, Nov. 12, TBD. (www.nerpg.com) Vip Rubber Co. Inc., La Habra, Calif.; Golf tournament, iLearn Innovation Institute: A division of Ace ACS Rubber Division: International Elastomer Con- Aug. 12, Alta Vista Country Club, Placentia, Calif.; Ohio Rubber Group: Golf outing, Aug. 26, Silver Products & Consulting L.L.C., all courses held at Ace ference, featuring Rubber Expo, 196th Technical Meeting Board meeting and technical conference, Oct. 2, Phoe- Lake Country Club, Silver Lake, Ohio; Technical Products in Ravenna, Ohio; Applied rubber technology, & Education Symposium, Oct. 9-11, Huntington Conven- nix Club, Anaheim, Calif.; Golf tournamnet, Nov. 4, meeting, Sept. 24, Hilton Garden Inn, Twinsburg, Aug. 6-7. (Christie Robinson, 330-577-4088, christie. tion Center, Cleveland. (330-595-5531; www.rubber.org) venue TBD; Christmas party, Dec. 7, Hilton Orange Ohio. (www.ohiorubbergroup.org) [email protected]) County, Costa Mesa, Calif. (www.tlargi.org) Adhesive and Sealant Council: Executive Leader- Twin Cities Rubber Group: Golf outing, Aug. 1, Willingers ITEC in Focus: Green Tire: Biennial event spot- ship Conference, Oct. 21-23, Sonseta Resort Hotel, Mexico Rubber Group: Courses on July 25, Aug. 29, Golf Club, Northfield, Minn.; Technical meetings, Sept. 19, lighting green tires and their impact on the tire indus- Hilton Head, S.C.; World Adhesive & Sealant Confer- Oct. 17 and Nov. 21, Rubber Chamber Auditorium; 55 Nov. 21, Holiday Inn Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, Minn. try, Sept. 25-26, Sheraton Suites, Cuyahoga Falls, ence and Expo, April 20-22, Hilton Chicago, Chicago. year anniversary breakfast, Concamin Ballroom, Sept. ([email protected]; www.twincitiesrubbergroup.org) Ohio, organized by Rubber & Plastics News. (bweaver@ (www.ascouncil.org) 27; End of year luncheon, Dec. 5, Concamin Ballroom. crain.com; www.rubbernews.com/conferences) (52-55-55666199; 52-55-55352266; Francisco Martha Seminars/conferences Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers: [email protected]; Miguel Bernal cnih@prodigy. ITEC: Tire Manufacturing: Biennial event spotlight- Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference, Oct. net.mx; Jose Gazano [email protected]; www. American Coatings Show and Conference 2020: ing the tire industry, Sept. 15-17, 2020, John S. Knight 2-4, Marriott Downtown Indianapolis, Indianapolis. cnih.com.mx) Biennial event featuring coatings, paints, sealants, Center, Akron, organized by Rubber & Plastics News. (317-863-4072; www.arpminc.org) construction chemicals and adhesives, March 30-April ([email protected]; www.rubbernews.com/conferences) Michigan Rubber Group: Fishing outing, July 26, 2, Indianapolis Convention Center, Indianapolis. Center for Automotive Research: CAR Manage- Grand Haven, Mich.; Technical meeting, Sept. 11, (www.american-coatings-show.com) International Fluid Power Exhibition: Co-located with ment Briefing Seminars featuring topics impacting the TBD, Frankenmuth, Mich.; Technical meeting, Nov. 6, Conexpo-Con and AGG 2020 with a focus on integration of automotive industry, Aug. 5-8, Grand Traverse Resort, University Club at Michigan State, East Lansing, Chem Show: Focus on key issues facing today’s chem- fluid power with other technologies for power transmission Traverse City, Mich. (Lisa Hart, 734-929-0465. lhart@ Mich. (Keith Korthals, 989-435-7400, kakorthals@ ical processing market, Oct. 22-24, Javits Center, New and motion control applications, March 10-14, Las Vegas cargroup.org; www.cargroup.org) laursilicone.com, www.michiganrubbergroup.com) York. (Steve Levine, [email protected]; www. Convention Center, Las Vegas. (www.ifpe.com) Fluid Sealing Association: Annual Meeting, Oct. 21- International Latex Conference: Exploring new 25, Javitz Center, New York. (www.fluidsealing.com) applications, changing market dynamics and industry Speakers lined up for ITEC In Focus trends, organized by Rubber & Plastics News and Ak- Gasket Fabricators Association: Semi-annual ron Dispersions, Aug. 6-7, Hilton Inn, Fairlawn, Ohio. meeting, Sept. 24-26, Lansdowne Resort & Spa, Lees- ([email protected]; www.rubbernews/conferences) burg, Va. (www.gasketfab.com) CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio—The keting and events manager, at sar- agenda is taking shape for the ITEC [email protected]. There also are early K 2019: Trade fair for plastics and rubber held every International Rubber Conference Organization: three years, Oct. 16-23, Messe Duesseldorf, Duessel- International Rubber Conference, Sept. 3-5, Kia Oval, In Focus: Green Tire conference, to bird savings available on all registra- dorf, Germany. (www.k-online.com) London. (www.internationalrubberconference.org) be held Sept. 25-26 at the Sheraton tions until Aug. 26. Suites in Cuyahoga Falls. Besides the technical presentations, MD&M West: Medical design and manufacturing International Zinc Association: International Gal- expo featuring suppliers to the medical industry, Feb. vanizing Conference-India, Sept. 19-20, Le Meridien Conference co-chairs Walter Wad- ITEC In Focus will include table top 11-13, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif. New Delhi, New Delhi, India; 2019 Zinc Metal Round- dell and Larry Evans are putting to- exhibits, networking opportunities, (www.mdmwest.mddionline.com) table, Nov. 7-8, Chicago Marriott Downtown, Chicago; gether a program that will focus on lunch and an opening night reception. 2020 International Zinc & Zinc Oxide Conferences, Polyurethanes Technical Conference: Bringing to- Feb. 16-29, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scotts- sustainability in tire manufacturing. Attendees will have access to all avail- gether industry leaders to discuss and learn about inno- dale, Ariz. (www.zinc.org) Among the topics will be bio materi- able presentations after the conference. vations and applications for polyurethane, Oct. 7-9, als as alternatives to rubber, sustain- Detailed information about speakers, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, NIBA-The Belting Association: Annual convention, Fla. (http://polyurethane.americanchemistry.com) Sept. 18-21, Gaylord National Resort & Convention ability, recycling and silica treads. technical presentations and registra- Center, Washington. (www.niba.org) For information on registration spe- tion is available at www.rubbernews. Scrap Tire Research and Education Foundation: cials, contact Sarah Arnold, RPN mar- com/events. 8th scrap tire conference co-sponsored by the U.S. Tire Tire Society: 38th annual meeting and conference on Manufacturers Association, Dec. 4-5, Hyatt Regency, tire science and technology, Sept. 10-11, Hilton Inn, Greenville, S.C. (www.stref.org) Fairlawn, Ohio. (www.tiresociety.org) Chemistry With A Conscience

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By Kyle Brown way, so it’s kind of a no-good solution.” Rubber & Plastics News Staff “If we want to try a little different The 3D Way Wiper delivers oil to the GURNEE, Ill.—Prosco Inc. is using wiper behind the scraper, so it cleans a new technology to solve an old prob- configuration, something different, it but leaves oil behind, he said. That lem in the rubber roller market. also deals with the need to tear the The firm launched the 3D Way Wip- can be done immediately. It’s not whole machine apart to clean. It can be er, a 3D-printed wiper and oiler sys- used for V-ways, flat ways, slanted tem, at the Rubber Roller Group meet- like a mold, which is a huge expense.” ways and tailstocks. ing in Cincinnati. Prosco has developed the system in “This is a product meant to solve a Andre Kubala many different shapes to take the maintenance issue and prolong the life place of oiling systems, which is easier of machinery by providing a conve- to do with a 3D-printed model, he said. nient, practical way of keeping debris The company has been working on and from getting under the slideways and producing the 3D Way Wiper for about also providing lubrication,” said Andre two years, with multiple iterations as Kubala, engineering and product de- it developed the design. It’s Prosco’s velopment for Prosco. first 3D printed product, but there are Many machines include a wiper of plans for others in the future. While it some kind that provides a squeegee to may not turn into a huge business, clean waste off of parts, but the wipers Prosco also is looking to apply the pro- often end up in poor shape or damaged cess to other market segments, and through use, he said. With older equip- even outside the roller industry. ment, the wiper can be missing out- The firm has its own 3D printing right because the part is obsolete and capabilities, and the line is very scal- unable to be found. able as new 3D printers are small and “It’s kind of a forgotten thing, because relatively inexpensive, Kubala said. If each machine is different, and it can be demand got overwhelming for Prosco’s very inconvenient. Sometimes you can’t capacity, it could reach out to other 3D even source these things,” Kubala said. printing services to manage the load. “But they’re very important, because “The thing that’s interesting to me is that’s what protects the critical compo- that you can iterate on designs very nent of the machine from wear.” quickly,” he said. “If we want to try a Gurnee-based Prosco, a designer and little different configuration, some- manufacturer of rubber roller produc- thing different, it can be done immedi- tion equipment, sought to harness 3D ately. It’s not like a mold, which is a printing to tackle the problem, Kubala huge expense.” said. It seemed like a perfect fit because One of the main benefits is the ability the printing process allowed for cus- to add oiling to a machine without any tomized shapes to functionally fit many functioning cleaning system. There’s a different types of machines, and also it certain level of stress or guilt working could be customized economically with- with machines without oil, and if it The 3D Way Wiper uses a 3D printed model to fit different types of ways to both out having to make a mold. wears out, it can bring a heavy cost, clean and oil machine parts. Kubala said the wear parts, a poly- he said. urethane squeegee and a felt wiper for cut-to-length pieces, so easy mainte- pattern sticker that can be used to de- “This is a very traditional business additional way surface cleaning, are nance,” he said. velop a drill template for the 3D print- industry that relies a lot on equipment both replaceable and standardized. Because the units are printed as a ed piece. sometimes from the turn of the centu- The polyurethane wiper is an extru- single piece, they require a few screws Because the felt wiper can spread oil ry,” Kubala said. “But the other side of sion and can be cut to length before to hold them in place, and can often effectively on the way while also clean- it is, a lot of the equipment is import- being fitted to the system. The felt, use screw holes from the original wiper ing away debris, it can remove the need ant, and we won’t get rid of it for a long used for oiling the way, can be pulled part. That also makes them easy to to apply oil directly, Kubala said. time. Maintaining it is actually im- out as a rod. remove for upkeep, he said. If the exist- “With the rubber dust, oftentimes it portant. “Both of these wear parts are re- ing screw holes aren’t able to be used gets underneath the ways and clogs “This is meant to go along with that placeable and they’re standardized, for the Way Wiper, Prosco has a grid the whole oiling system of the ma- trend, that all the equipment that’s out chine,” he said. “So it’s common prac- there is still valuable, and it’s not going tice for someone to just pour oil on the to be replaced with new things anytime ways, which is a mess. And if the wiper soon. Gradually, maybe, but not soon,” works, all of the oil gets removed any- he said.

From left, brothers Andre and Peter Kubala used new technology to take on a maintenance issue for older machines. www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 13 Technical Optimizing silica-filled car tire tread performance

By Christine Domer, Scott Sarah, Keegan Moss, Nicholas Kasmar, Executive summary Dustin Jenkins and Walter Waddell The authors Smithers Rapra Precipitated silica use improves the lab predictors of a passenger car Christine Domer has more than 30 years of material In 1993, Michelin1 patented a sili- radial tire tread compared to carbon black. Wet traction is improved by science experience in the tire and rubber industries, ca-filled tire tread composition giving increasing the measured tangent delta at 0°C, and rolling resistance is formerly working for Cooper Tire, Bridgestone Ameri- improved tire performance by using a improved by decreasing the measured tangent delta at 60°C. cas and Hailide America. solution-polymerized SBR (SSBR) with To maintain wear resistance, silica should be dispersed to a similar She joined Smithers in 2016 26 percent styrene and 60 percent vinyl degree as carbon black, but in addition needs to efficiently react with and is general manager of the content. The silica was prepared accord- the bifunctional organosilane coupling agent. Because European chemical and physical laborato- ing to a patented process2 that is current- regulations already in effect mandate the labeling of all tires for ries in Akron and the Smithers ly referred to as a highly dispersible silica rolling resistance, wet traction and noise levels, silica use in tire Tire Analysis Report. She has a (HDS), and combined in a process using treads is expected to increase even further. bachelor’s degree in chemical en- two thermomechanical mixing steps that We have studied a model PCR tire tread formulation by changing gineering from the University of achieved temperatures >145°C and <165°C. four independent variables: (1) SSBR and adding all of the TDAE Akron. She holds four patents This produced a 170/75 R13 tire with process oil independently in the first pass mixing step, versus using related to tire compounding and increased traction and lower rolling re- an oil-extended SSBR (OE-SSBR); (2) silicas having similar CTAB reinforcements and has present- sistance values. A 75/25 blend of the surface areas, but different physical forms; (3) mixing on a 1.5 liter ed papers for the Industrial Soci- Domer Banbury-brand mixer with 2-wing tangential rotors, and a new 1 liter ety of Fabric Manufacturers, ACS TECHNICAL NOTEBOOK mixer having intermeshing rotors; and (4) using 3-pass and 4-pass Recycle Committee, ACS Rubber Division and the Edited by John Dick mix sequences with the intermeshing rotors, but with an additional International Tire Exhibition & Conference. Domer step to give 4-pass and 5-pass mix sequences using the Banbury. recently held a series of webinars in rubber com- SSBR/high cis-BR and a bifunctional or- Compound cure and cured physical and dynamic properties are pounding through Smithers. ganosilane coupling agent were used to measured to evaluate compound performance. Optical photographs at She is a member of ACS Rubber Division, ASTM D11 maintain the tire wear life, compared to 100 times and scanning electron micrographs at 1,000 times magnifi- Committee on Rubber, the Association of Rubber Prod- a N234 carbon black-filled, emulsion-SBR cation are used to quantify silica dispersion, particularly agglomerates ucts Manufacturers and the Center for Tire Research. control. > ~1 micron as they potentially reduce tread wear. She was past president of the International Society of The Common Position No. 18/2009 Statistical analysis shows SSBR type as the most significant vari- Industrial Fabric Manufacturers, and has been an ac- adopted by the European Parliament able. Using OE-SSBR generally gives higher mean values, including tive board member and mentor for the Women in Engi- and the Counsel for the European Union for the M300/M100 ratio (reinforcement index), E’ at -30°C (cornering neering Program at the University of Akron for more mandated the labeling of all tires with coefficient predictor), and tangent delta at 0°C (wet traction predictor). than a dozen years. respect to fuel efficiency and other es- In addition, OE-SSBR use gives compounds that drop from the first Walter Waddell retired from ExxonMobil Chemical sential parameters beginning on Nov. 1, pass mix as primarily massed. after previously working at Carnegie-Mellon Universi- 2012.3 As a result, the use of precipitated Silica physical form was not significant for the M300/M100 ratio or ty, Goodyear and PPG Industries. He has a doctorate silica in tire treads is expected to in- dispersion properties, but it was observed that first pass drop tem- in chemistry from the University crease even further. peratures averaged 9.3°C lower for the spray-dried microgranular of Houston, 37 patents, 155 publi- Thus, the recent focus is using silica highly dispersible silica, which shows that optimum mixing chamber cations, and has given 173 presen- in tire applications extending beyond volume can differ for different physical forms of silica. Thus, it is im- tations. use in passenger car tire treads,4-6 such portant to optimize the mixer fill factor to increase dispersion and His major honors include the as in truck/bus tire treads6-8 and in re- maximize throughput. The M300/M100 ratio has a quantitative cor- Sparks-Thomas Award and the treads.8 Highly dispersible silicas,9-11 relation coefficient (R2 = 0.965) when using the mixer with inter- Melvin Mooney Distinguished higher surface area silicas,4-8, 11 sili- meshing rotors, but only a qualitative correlation (R2 = 0.853) when Technology Award from the ACS ca-rubber masterbatches,12-15 different mixing with tangential rotors. Rubber Division, the Internation- silane coupling agents,16-19 and addi- No statistically significant correlations were obtained for silica dis- al Rubber Conference Medal, and tives20 are new materials that are re- persion properties and the four independent variables. SEM analysis at the Joe Hightower Award and the ported to enhance the performance of 100X, 500X and 1,000X magnifications should provide a more detailed Southwest Regional Award from Waddell the silica-filled tire tread. picture of the silica agglomerate/aggregate populations, and hence the the American Chemical Society. The present study of a model passen- effectiveness of the silica-organosilane and polymer coupling reactions. Waddell is a member of the Rubber Division, ASTM ger car radial tire tread is based on the D11 Committee on Rubber and the ASTM F09 Tire patented formulation,1 changing four Committee. independent variables in order to evalu- Table 1: Model passenger car radial tire tread formulations. He currently is an independent consultant support- ate their effect on optimizing tread coming Smithers Rapra and a co-chair of ITEC. pound performance. The results of these As the supervisor at Smithers Rapra’s Analytical two material and two mixing changes Chemistry laboratory in Akron, Dustin Jenkins is will be discussed. responsible for the development and validation of new test methodologies and enhancing Smithers’ material Experimental benchmarking and characterization capabilities, SSBR type is the first independent serving rubber and polymer product manufacturers. variable. Two were selected to have simi- With nearly 15 years of experience, his technical lar microstructures, namely %-bound background includes organic and inorganic chemistry styrene and total %-vinyl in the elasto- with expertise in chromatography, spectroscopy, micros- mer. SSBR is denoted as N (no oil) where copy, and synthetic chemistry. Before joining Smithers, all of the TDAE process oil is incorporat- Jenkins was an assistant professor of organic chemistry ed independently into the batch during at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. He holds the first pass mixing step. a bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry with mathe- This SSBR polymer contains 25 per- matics from Western Kentucky University, as well as a cent styrene, 60 percent vinyl (45 per- master’s and doctorate from Princeton University. cent of the total microstructure) and has Nicholas Kasmar joined the chemistry team at Smith- a Mooney viscosity of 60. It is being ers as an intern before being promoted to a full-time compared to an oil-extended SSBR de- chemist role in the chemical testing laboratory. He has a noted as O, which contains 25 percent bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of styrene, 50 percent vinyl and has a Akron and is working toward a master’s in chemistry. See Tread, page 14 Keegan Moss joined the chemistry team at Smith- ers as an intern before being promoted to a full-time Fig. 1: Example of the different physical forms of precipitated silica: (A, left) powder, (B, center) milled granu- chemist role in the chemical testing laboratory. Prior lated, and (C, right) microgranular. to his time at Smithers, Moss worked at Novis Works and Northeast Ohio Medical University. He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biochemistry from Thiel College. Scott Sarah is a lab technician and compounder in the physical testing laboratory at Smithers. He has more than 10 years of experience in rubber and polymer testing, blending and ASTM standards. He has two associate degrees from the University of Akron in polymer technology and computer information systems/networking. 14 Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 www.rubbernews.com Technical

Silica form is the second independent important environmental requirement These two silicas of differing physical variable. Two silicas having similar of the tire manufacturing plant. A pow- form were each studied in the model Tread CTAB surface areas21 were selected be- dered silica can be formed as substan- PCR tread formulation with both SSBR cause they also have very different phys- tially dust-free in a granulated form types (Table 1). Continued from page 13 ical forms. Use of a powdered silica (Fig. (Fig. 1B), for example by compacting the Rotor type is the third independent Mooney viscosity of 62, as it contains 1A) is unacceptable in a tire manufac- powder on a textured 2-roll mill. Alter- variable studied. A 1.5-liter Ban- 27.3 percent by weight of TDAE process turing plant because it must be delivered natively, silica can be directly spray- bury-brand mixer with 2-wing tangential oil (37.5 phr), indicating that the actual as a dust-free material but remain capa- dried into a dust-free particle called a rotors (denoted as T) and a 1.0-liter mixer molecular weight is significantly higher. ble of being air-conveyed, automatically microgranule (Fig. 1C). Here, the spray- with intermeshing rotors (denoted as I) The two tread formulations were ad- weighed and delivered into the internal dried microgranular silica (CTAB sur- were each used to prepare all four model justed to have the same total TDAE oil mixer chamber. face area = 165 m2/g) is denoted as P, tread formulations: two SSBR types with content with all other ingredients re- Silica manufacturers control its bulk and the milled granulated silica (CTAB two silica physical forms (Table 1). maining constant (Table 1). density in order to accommodate this surface area = 160 m2/g) is denoted as G. In order to achieve good silica dispersion, the other mixing variable studied is Table 2: 4-Pass mixing sequence. Table 3: Linear correlations from SAS JMP fit model of measurables the total number of mix passes (steps). with the four independent variables. Three-pass and 4-pass sequences are used when mixing with intermeshing rotors. A 4-Pass mix is shown in Table 2. The 3-pass mix simply eliminates the Stage 3 re-mill. When using the Banbury mixer with tangential rotors, a similar 4-pass mix sequence is used. However, an additional second re-mill step is incor- porated as Stage 2, giving two re-mill steps (Stage 2 and Stage 4) for the 5-pass mixing sequence. It has already been shown that when mixing a silica-filled PCR tread on a Banbury with 2-wing tangential rotors, a 3-pass sequence did not yield optimized results.9 A total of 18 compounds were mixed, eight using the Banbury with 2-wing tangential rotors (T) and 10 using the mixer with intermeshing rotors (I). The two extra compounds add all 75 phr silica at 30 seconds rather than splitting the addition into 50/25 phr fractions (Table 2). A N234 black control using 3-pass, 4-pass, and 5-pass mix sequences on a mixer with 2-wing tangential rotors was previously studied.9 Mooney viscosity, compound cure (ML, MH, ∆ Torque (MH - ML), TS2, and Tc90), and cured physical properties (Tensile Strength, 50 percent, 100 percent and 300 percent modulus, M300/M50 and 2 Fig. 2: ANOVA linear fit for 300 percent modulus: R = 0.906, prob > F <0.0001, with SSBR type, mixer type (rotor) and silica M300/M100 modulus ratios, elongation form being significant variables. at break, Shore A hardness, rebound, tear strength, Goodrich Blowout, and DIN abrasion) and dynamic properties (E’, E”, E*, D” and tangent delta values at -30C, 0C, 30C and 60C) were measured in order to examine the effects on PCR model tread performance of (1) SSBR type denoted N (SSBR with no oil) and O (oil-extended SSBR), (2) silica physical form G (milled and granulated) and P (spray dried powder-like), (3) rotor type T (tangential) and I (intermeshing), and (4) the total number of mix passes. Five optical photographs at 100X magnification and 12 scanning electron micrographs (SEM) at 1,000X magnification were obtained for each compound and an- alyzed using NIH ImageJ software22 in order to determine the average %-White Area. The number of undispersed silica agglomerates > ~1 micron and the ag- See Tread, page 16

Fig. 3: SAS JMP Oneway analysis for M300/M100 ratio and SSBR type. Fig. 4: SAS JMP Oneway analysis for tan delta at 0 C (wet traction predictor) and SSBR type. INTERNATIONAL event organized jointly with

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RubberNews.com/LatexEvent 16 Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 www.rubbernews.com Technical

were primarily used: (1) Fit Model to ex- important laboratory properties are: E’ quick incorporation of dust-free silica amine the effect of all four independent at -30 C, the cornering coefficient pre- pellets into the mixing chamber, me- Tread variables (ANOVA) on a dependent prop- dictor23: R2 = 0.738; tangent delta at 0 C, chanical breakdown into smaller parti- erty (measurable), comparing N/O, P/G, the wet traction predictor23-24, 26: R2 = cles, continued size reduction into ag- Continued from page 14 T/I, and number of mix passes, and (2) 0.878; E’ at 30 C, the handling predic- glomerates, and dispersion into the gregate structures < 1 micron were de- Fit X by Y Oneway Analysis of a depen- tor26: R = 0.693; tangent delta at 60 C, reinforcing aggregates, which cannot be termined from SEM analysis data. dent property by one individual variable. the rolling resistance predictor23-26: R = broken down further by mechanical Note that carbon black (5 phr) and zinc The Fit Model analysis of all 18 com- 0.878; and the M300/M100 ratio9, 27-35 or mixing. Homogeneous distribution into oxide (1 phr) particles could be present pounds gave quantitative (R2 > 0.95), ex- M300/M50 ratio9,35: R2=0.893. the polymer matrix also is accomplished but represent 7.4 percent of the total cellent (R2 > ~0.9), and qualitative (R2 > The M300/M100 ratio is known as the during dispersion. filler. The distribution of undispersed ~0.8) correlation coefficients, as well as reinforcing index, and is one measure of Physical forms of free-flowing dust- silica agglomerates > ~1 micron can be poor fits of the data. An example analysis the effectiveness of the silica-organosi- free pellets can include compacted graphed by transferring the ImageJ is shown for the 300 percent modulus lane hydrophobation reaction during (milled) granules (G) or microgranules software data into Excel to plot the par- (Fig. 2). The model is statistically signif- mixing and polymer coupling reaction obtained directly from a spray dryer (P) ticle size distribution, the number of icant because prob>F <0.0001. during curing needed for treadwear. (Fig. 1). However, for silica to be an ef- particles as a function of their micron Significant independent variables are fective filler in a tread compound, it size. Minitab and SAS JMP statistical SSBR type, mixer type (rotor), and silica SSBR type must also chemically react with the bi- software programs were used for data physical form. The total number of mix Oneway analysis shows that the SSBR functional organosilane during mixing analysis. passes is not significant because prob>F type statistically has the most signifi- (a reaction called hydrophobation) and >0.1. Table 3 is a summary of the linear cant impact of the four independent bond to the diene rubber during curing Results and discussion correlations of all measurables with the variables. OE-SSBR (O) gives a distinct- (called polymer coupling). Statistical analysis four independent variables. ly higher mean than does SSBR (N) for The M300/M100 ratio9, 27-35 is known as Two SAS JMP statistical subprograms For a tire tread compound, some of the ML(1+4), ML, MH, ∆Torque, Tc90, ten- the reinforcing index and is one indicator sile strength, M300/M100 ratio (Fig. 3), of the effectiveness of the hydrophobation Fig. 5: SAS JMP Oneway analysis for the reinforcement index M300/M100 and sil- E’ at -30 C (cornering coefficient predic- and polymer coupling reactions. The ica physical form. tor23), and tangent delta at 0 C (wet M300/M50 ratio also is used.9, 35 traction predictor23-24, 26). An excellent correlation coefficient This 16 percent increase in the mean (R2=0.893) is obtained for the M300/ value of predicted wet traction is with- M100 ratio with SSBR type and total out regard to the other three indepen- number of mix passes being statistically dent variables, but does give rise to the significant variables. Silica physical form observed variation in the measured re- is not a significant variable (Fig. 5). sults (Fig. 4). OE-SSBR use provides Silica physical form is significant for statistically lower results for the re- TS2, Shore A Hardness, tear strength, bound and Goodrich Blowout values. and the 50 percent and 100 percent Finally, the SSBR (N) compounds modulus values. drop from the first pass mix as dry and crumbly clumps, which take several Rotor type and mix passes revolutions of working on a 2-roll mill When the statistical analysis is per- before the compound bands and can be formed as a function of rotor type, a sheeted out. Alternatively, using OE-SS- quantitative correlation of R2 = 0.965 is BR (O) gives compounds that drop from obtained for the 10 compounds mixed the first pass mix primarily massed. with intermeshing rotors (I), and a qualitative correlation of R2 = 0.853 is Silica physical form obtained for the eight compounds mixed Dispersion in rubber requires the with tangential rotors (T). SSBR type and the number of mix 2 Fig. 6: ANOVA linear fit for the M300/M100 ratio using the mixer with intermeshing rotors: R = 0.965, Prob > F <0.0001, with passes are statistically significant pri- SSBR type and number of mix passes being significant variables. mary variables. Use of the higher Mooney viscosity OE-SSBR polymer and the higher number of total passes in the final mix sequence (Table 2) gave increased M300/M100 ratios (Fig. 6). As shown in Fig. 5, silica physical form was not statistically significant for the M300/M100 ratio. It was observed that the measured first pass drop temperatures were notably different for the two silica forms (Fig. 7), which is a statistically significant result (Fig. 8). Mixes with the granulated silica (G) achieved the desired final mixing/hold- ing temperature, but the spray-dried microgranular silica (P) averaged 9.3 C lower, a result which would be expected to adversely affect the silica-organosilane hydrophobation reaction. Determining the fill factor (%-volume) of the mixing chamber as a function of the silica’s physical form is also an important variable that would need to be Fig. 7: Drop temperatures of first pass mixes for all 10 compounds mixed with Fig. 8: SAS JMP Oneway analysis for first pass drop temperature and silica physical form. intermeshing rotors. www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 17 Technical optimized, especially for factory through- sults are all consistent with the spray- = 0.853) when mixing with tangential 12. M.W. Smale and Z.R. Chen (by Bridgestone), put maximization. dried microgranular silica being a highly rotors. U.S. application 2013/0172446 A1 (7/4/2013). 26 9-10 13. M.J. Wang and J. Wang (EVE Rubber), to Inter- E’ at 30 C (handling predictor ) is dispersible silica, while the milled There were no statistically significant national Tire Exhibition & Conference, September beneficially higher, but tangent delta at granulated silica is easily dispersible. correlations for any silica dispersion 2016. 60 C (rolling resistance predictor23-26) is Obtaining SEM micrographs at vari- property and the four independent vari- 14. J. Kounavis (Grupo Dynasol), to International adversely higher for tread compounds ous magnifications, for example at 100X, ables. Obtaining SEM micrographs at Tire Exhibition & Conference, September 2016. 15. S. Hersanto, W. Kaewsakul, W.K. Dierkes, A. mixed with intermeshing rotors. 500X, and 1,000X, could provide a more various magnifications, for example at Blume (U. Twente), and J. Bertrand, Rubber World, detailed picture of the silica agglomer- 100X, 500X, and 1,000X, could provide a November 2018, p. 20-24. Silica dispersion ate/aggregate populations, thus facili- more detailed picture of the silica ag- 16. H.D. Luginsland, J. Frohlich, and A. Wehmeier There were no quantitative, excellent, tating the potential optimization of fac- glomerate/aggregate populations. (Degussa), Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 75, 563-579 (2002). or qualitative correlations obtained for tory mixing to balance silica dispersion Notable for tread performance are the 17. K. Matsuzawa, C. Roeben, O. Klockmann, and any silica dispersion property and the and the silica-organosilane hydrophoba- excellent correlation coefficients ob- A. Wehmeier (Evonik), to International Rubber four independent variables studied. For tion reaction for increased tread perfor- tained for the reinforcement index Conference, October 2016. %-White areas from optical photographs mance versus cost considerations of M300/M100 ratio (R2~0.89), an indicator 18. C. Roeben, A. Wehmeier, and L. Gatti (Evon- 2 ik), to International Tire Exhibition & Conference, at 100X (Fig. 9), R = 0.233, and for SEM chamber volume (fill factor), the total of effectiveness of the silica-organosi- September 2017. micrographs at 1,000X magnification, number of mixing steps, and the total lane hydrophobation and polymer cou- 19. A. Ryba (Momentive), to International Tire Ex- R2 equals 0.694 (Fig. 10), which shows a energy input. pling reactions, and the tangent delta at hibition & Conference, September 2017. ~2 micron silica agglomerate. A large 0 C and at 60 C (R2~0.88), which are 20. L.E. Brace (by Goodyear), U.S. application 2018/0163029 A1 (6/14/2018). undispersed silica particle can easily be Summary used respectively as the laboratory pre- 21. ASTM D6845-12, Standard Test Method for Sil- observed (Fig. 11). SSBR type is statistically the most dictors of wet traction and rolling resis- ica, Precipitated, Hydrated—CTAB (Cetyltrimeth- SEM analysis showed no statistically significant of the four independent vari- tance. ylammonium Bromide) Surface Area. significant correlations for other disper- ables, with OE-SSBR (O) giving dis- 22. https://rsb.info.nih.gov/nih-image/about.html 2 23. S. Futamura and M.L. Englehardt (Firestone), sion properties: R = 0.319 for the aver- tinctly higher means compared to SSBR References European Rubber Journal 146, 40 (1986). 2 1. R. Rauline (to Michelin), U.S. 5,227,425 age particle size, and R = 0.262 for the for most properties including the M300/ 24. S. Futamura (Bridgestone/Firestone), Tire Sci- (7/13/1993). 9, 27-35 ence & Technology, 18, 2 (1990). %-Particles < 1 micron, the relative pop- M100 ratio (reinforcement index ), 2. Y. Chevallier and J.C. Morawski (to Rhone Pou- 25. S. Futamura (Bridgestone/Firestone), Rubber ulation of the reinforcing silica aggre- E’ at -30 C (cornering coefficient predic- lenc), European Patent 0157703 (3/29/1985). Chemistry and Technology 64, 57-64 (1991). 23 3. Official Journal of the European Union, C 298 E, gate structures. tor ), and tangent delta at 0 C (Wet 26. L. Gatti (Dunlop) to International Tire Exhibi- 23-24, 26 Vol. 52, Dec. 8, 2009. There are several directional indica- traction predictor ). In addition, tion & Conference, September 1996. 4. P. Cochet (Solvay), to International Tire Exhibi- tors. Average particle size is slightly using OE-SSBR gives compounds that tion & Conference, September 2008. 27. Y. Chevallier and M. Rabeyrin (to Rhone-Pou- smaller using SSBR (N): 2.76 vs 3.24 drop from the first pass mix as primari- 5. L. Guy, A. Monton, P. Jost, S. Goyard, and S. De lenc), U.S. 5,403,570 (4/4/1995). Cayeau (Solvay), to Rubber Division, ACS, October 28. W.C. Fultz and L.R. Evans (J.M. Huber), Rub- microns), indicating that it is more diffi- ly massed. ber World, April 1998, p. 39-43. cult to disperse silica in an oil-extended Silica physical form was not signifi- 2013. 6. L. Guy and T. Chaussee (Solvay), Rubber World, 29. S.D. Patkar, J.E. Bice, and T.A. Okel (PPG), SSBR, most likely because the shear cant for the M300/M100 ratio or disper- February 2018, p. 35-40. Rubber World, June 1998, p. 21-28. needed to mechanically break down sili- sion properties, but it was observed that 7. L. Guy, T. Chaussee, A. Papon, C. Fayolle, P. Sot- 30. A. Hasse, O. Klockmann, A. Wehmeier, and ca is not as easily achieved with the oil first pass drop temperatures for the ta, M. Huang, and J.L. Loubet (Solvay), to Interna- H.D. Luginsland (Degussa), Tire Technology Inter- tional Rubber Conference, October 2016. national 2000, p. 52-59. present before silica addition. However, spray-dried microgranular highly dis- 8. T. Chaussee and L. Guy (Solvay), Rubber World, 31. H.D. Luginsland and A. Hesse (Degussa), to using the mixer with intermeshing ro- persible silica (P) was > 9 C lower, thus February 2019, p. 41-48. Rubber Division, ACS, April 2000. tors (I) does show an improvement: 2.89 showing that optimal chamber fill factor 9. L.R. Evans, S. Lee, W.H. Waddell, and C. Wu 32. H.D. Luginsland, J. Frohlich, and A. Wehmeier vs 3.19 microns. differs for various physical forms of sili- (Oriental Silicas), Rubber & Plastics News, Sept. 4, (Degussa), Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 75, 2017, p 25-28. 563 (2002). Using the spray-dried microgranular ca. It is important to optimize this vari- 10. W.H. Waddell, L.R. Evans, S. Lee, T. Lin, and 33. J. Vander Kooi (Struktol), Rubber World, April silica form (P) gives a smaller average able for the factory. C.S. Wu (Oriental Silicas), Rubber & Plastics News, 2005, p. 21-23 and 33. particle size: 2.68 vs 3.37 microns, and For the M300/M100r, statistical anal- Sept. 3, 2018, p. 16-21. 34. C. Hartshorn (Momentive), Tire Technology In- higher populations of reinforcing silica ysis gives a quantitative correlation (R2 11. J. Kiesewetter and A. Wehmeier (Evonik), to ternational 2007, p. 74-77. Tire Technology International, February 2018; 35. A. Hasse, O. Klockmann, A. Wehmeier, and aggregates as %-Particles < 1 micron: = 0.965) when using intermeshing rotors Tire Technology International, March 2018, p. H.D. Luginsland (Degussa), to Rubber Division, 40.8 vs. 32.2 percent (Fig. 12). These re- (I), but only a qualitative correlation (R2 94-95. ACS, Meeting, October 2001.

Fig. 9: Optical photograph at 100X magnification of a silica-filled tread. Fig. 11: Scanning electron micrograph at 1,000X magnification of a silica-filled tread showing a ~80 micron particle.

Fig. 10: Scanning electron micrograph at 1,000X magnification of a silica-filled Fig. 12: SAS JMP Oneway analysis for the % particles < 1 micron and silica physical form. tread showing a ~2 micron agglomerate. EDITORIAL-DRIVEN LIVE-STREAMS

Thursday, August 15 - 2 PM EDT

SILICONE MARKET UPDATE

FEATURING Veteran RPN journalists Bruce Meyer and Kyle Brown will cover silicone availability, price volatility and regulatory issues for this ever-growing industry segment.

Bruce Meyer Kyle Brown Editor Reporter

REGISTER TODAY! www.rubbernews.com/live/silicone www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 19 Medalist The Roderic Quirk File Education: Bachelor’s degree in Continued from page 1 chemistry from the Rensselaer tives, according to Sergio Galvan, re- Polytechnic Institute. Master’s and search and development advanced tech- doctorate degrees from the Univer- nology manager for Grupo Dynasol. sity of Illinois. Galvan was a student of Quirk’s and nominated him for the Charles Goodyear Academic positions: Medal. • University of Arkansas, 1969-78. “These polymers are of the most use- • University of Akron, beginning ful ever produced, and are used in in 1983. Still a professor emeritus many applications, including adhesives, at the school and is involved in some engineering plastics impact modification, research projects there. ABS and HIPS production, tires and oil viscosity index improvement,” Galvan Industry experience: Senior said in his nomination letter. research scientist at Midland Mac- He added that Quirk’s “fundamental romolecular Institute, 1978-83. work has been widely recognized by the rubber industry, as demonstrated by Visiting professorships: the fact he has consulted and lectured • Tokyo Institute of Technology, for most of the major synthetic rubber 1990. companies, who have also supported his • Institute Charles Sadron in research.” France, 1991. RPN photos by Bruce Meyer • Universite Bordeaux in France, Roderic Quirk had a large contingent of family on hand when he received the ACS 1998. Early years Rubber Division’s Charles Goodyear Medal at the group’s spring meeting. Born in Detroit, Quirk attended a brand • Universidad Pais Basque in new high school in the Detroit suburbs started. The college primarily was an happy there, having to be in competition Spain, 2005. that was college-prep oriented. There were engineering school, and his first semes- with another post-doctoral student who young teachers there that he said were ter he had to take engineering drawing. he said wasn’t a good experimentalist Notable awards: aggressive and always encouraging stu- He wasn’t very good at it, receiving the but could generate all kinds of numbers, • Fellow of the Japan Society for dents to do their best. only “C” of his college career. something that impressed the adviser. Promotion of Science, 1990. “It provided an outstanding background But the freshman chemistry program Arnett, though, did give him a chance to • University of Akron Alumni As- for me to go to college,” Quirk said. was interesting. It combined attending write up their research and present at sociation, Outstanding Researcher It also is where he met his wife, Donna, lectures, with sessions several times a an international conference. Award, 1995. when he was 15 and she was 14. They dat- week with a professor in smaller groups Quirk tried to leave after a year but • ACS Division of Polymeric Ma- ed during high school, went their separate working on problems. there were no jobs open, so he waited terials, Science and Engineering, ways to college, but then started dating “I loved chemistry, I loved the lab and another year. Cooperative Research Award, 2000. again and were married before Quirk it just kind of fell into place,” he said. At that point he took a post as a facul- • ACS Rubber Division, George graduated from college. While he was just a “plain chemistry ty member at the University of Arkan- Stafford Whitby Award, 2004. His grandmother always encouraged major” in undergraduate school, he took sas, where he stayed from 1969-78. him in education. “She had a rock solid organic chemistry, one of the courses Quirk said it was a doctorate-granting hundreds of patents on the subject. approach to life that was very influen- used to weed out pre-med students. institution with about 100 graduate Quirk’s actual work in the lab focused tial for me,” Quirk said. “She would While most didn’t like it, Quirk did. students. Many fellow faculty members on hydrogenation, but he had access to wake up every day and tell me, ‘The “Then I took a course in mechanism received support for their research from everything that Hsieh and his research- world was full of such wonderful things. and structure: physical organic chemis- the National Science Foundation and ers did on anionic polymerization. We should all be as happy as kings.’ I try,” he said. “It just opened up the world the National Institutes of Health. He “I was like a sponge,” Quirk said. “I follow that everyday.” to me. If you understood 10 basic reac- said the school drew high-quality, re- wanted to learn everything I could. I asked His undergraduate studies were at tion mechanisms, all of this other stuff gional students who had no desire to go questions. Henry Hsieh would get reports the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in fell into place.” to the East Coast or West Coast. for me. There was nothing held back.” Troy, N.Y. One of his friend’s fathers was “The first couple students I had were The next thing Quirk decided he involved in the alumni association, and Moving forward among the best students I ever had,” wanted to learn was experimental an- he told Quirk about a fellowship. Quirk decided he wanted to be an or- Quirk said. “They were bright and excel- ionic polymerization. He had a sabbati- But even with the tuition scholarship, ganic chemist, and applied to a lot of lent experimentalists.” cal coming up in 1976-77, so he contacted the school wasn’t sure Quirk’s family different schools. He chose the Universi- He and his students started doing re- Professor Maurice Morton—the 1985 could afford the rest of the financial ob- ty of Illinois, where he studied under search on high dilution solution calorim- Charles Goodyear Medalist—at the ligation. “My mother and my grand- Professor David Curtin. He earned both etry on organometallic compounds, University of Akron’s Institute of Poly- mother wrote back and said, ‘Don’t wor- his master’s and doctorate in organic something that hadn’t been done. Quirk mer Science. ry. One way or another, we’ll make it.’ ” chemistry there. knew that one thing required in aca- He told Morton he wanted to come for Rensselaer was a small college envi- He said he learned to do high-quality demic research is to raise money. As he the year and learn about anionic polym- ronment, with only about 4,000 students. research under Curtin, and had to give started reading about organolithium erization. Quirk, who grew up very active in seminars on fundamental subjects. “I compounds, he found they were used as “I tell my students I never took a sports, also thought he may have a chose one of the hardest things I had ever initiators in polymerization. course in polymer chemistry, but I sat in chance to play sports at the college. He chosen: acidity functions,” Quirk said. “I had never seen an equation on po- on every class that was offered that did end up playing football as a fullback That was followed by two years of lymerization,” he said. “I thought this year,” Quirk said. and linebacker, though the team never postdoctoral research with Professor may be a way to justify the kind of re- While there, he worked with Professor won a game in any of his three seasons. E.M. Arnett at the University of Pitts- search I was dong at this point.” Lewis Fetters, the experimentalist in He hadn’t decided on a major when he burgh’s Mellon Institute. Quirk wasn’t So Quirk told the department chair he the group. “He was a gem,” Quirk said. wanted to offer a course in polymer “I was able to start three of four differ- chemistry. The chair said the school ent projects, on monomers from renew- would offer it, and if the students signed able resources, block polymers and some up, he could teach the course. About 20- stereo chemistry work. In other words, I 25 students, both graduate and under- started my anionic career there.” graduate, signed up. When he returned to the University of Now mind you Quirk really didn’t Arkansas, he had one student who know anything about polymer chemistry worked on high dilution solution calo- at this point. rimetry, what he said was the school’s “I was one lecture ahead of them,” he first entry into a subject of interest to said. “I was learning it. I learned about polymer chemists. structure property relationships. About He did get an NSF grant for some stereo chemistry, and polymerization equipment, but realized he was spoiled mechanisms. by the elaborate setup at the University “And it just fascinated me. And you of Akron. know what? I never looked back. Teaching That led to him taking a job as a se- that course turned my whole life around.” nior research scientist at the Midland Macromolecular Institute in Midland, Finding his niche Mich., a group set up by the Dow Family Quirk also knew nothing about the Foundations to do basic research. At the laboratory aspects of polymer chemistry. time, Quirk said the facility wasn’t more To rectify that, in the summer of 1974 he than 10 years old and had some out- took a summer job with Phillips Petro- standing scientists there. He had a cou- leum Co., which was about a couple hours ple master’s students from Central away from his campus in Fayetteville. He Michigan and some post-doctoral re- About 20 of Roderic Quirk’s former students came to see him receive the Charles worked in the anionic polymerization lab searchers working with him. Goodyear Medal, traveling from as far as South Korea, South Africa and Spain. with Henry Hsieh, who Quirk said had See Medalist, page 21 20 Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 www.rubbernews.com

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Mold Mart MAXIMIZES your exposure with print ads and online posting on RubberNews.com Visit us at: Call or email for introductory special rates: rubbernews.com 33 0 - 8 6 5 - 6117 [email protected] www.rubbernews.com Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 21 ers used the chemistry to make functional SBRs, receiving patents on that. Medalist And his work over a number of years with the FMC unit of Lithium Corp. on Division honorees Continued from page 19 functionalized initiators for anionic po- “And all I had to do was research and lymerization in hydrocarbon solutions teach a couple of classes. It was amaz- led to 22 patents for the team. ing,” Quirk said. “I was able to interact Quirk also took advantage of sabbati- with Dow. I consulted with some very cal opportunities to travel around the famous people who did anionic polymer- world, taking visiting professor positions ization. Their chemistry was the basis over the years in Japan, France and for Dexco, a joint venture between Dow Spain. That taught him about the bond and Exxon, to make block copolymers.” between scientists globally. “I found in polymer chemistry you’re Return to Akron accepted for your science. They don’t After five years at Midland Macromo- care about anything else,” he said. “And lecular, Quirk realized he wanted to re- it’s very forgiving and very inclusive, turn to academia. It was 1983 and Fet- which is not true of other areas of sci- ters was leaving for a position at a new ence, at least in my experience.” Exxon research facility in New Jersey. Publishing is also something that has Quirk applied for Fetters’ old position at been a given throughout his career. He the University of Akron. is author of more than 350 professional “I didn’t have a whole lot of polymer publications, including four books and experience, but I had done just enough, about 35 patents. In 1996, he and Hsieh and I had been there,” he said. “I knew co-authored the book “Anionic Polymer- all the faculty. I was hired in as a full ization: Principles and Practical Appli- professor.” cations,” a book Galvan said in his nom- He was so excited by the opportunity, inating letter is the reference guide for that he commuted back and forth be- scientists in the rubber industry and tween Akron and Michigan for a year as has been used by graduate courses in his son finished high school. In Akron, polymer programs all over the world. the top tire manufacturers all were do- During his academic career, he over- ing work on anionic polymerization. saw the work of 50 doctoral students and When he attended seminars locally, sci- about 20 master’s students, along with entists from the tire firms were all 29 post-doctoral researchers and 11 vis- there. iting scientists in his lab. The vast ma- “I had died and went to heaven to go jority of his students have gone onto there,” Quirk said. “To be honest, I work in industry, rather than academia. flourished in that environment. I was “I tell students only a few companies able to attract good students.” in the country do anionic polymeriza- Being an entirely graduate level pro- tion,” Quirk said. “However, you’re a gram, courses typically were given in trained polymer chemist and you know the late afternoon or early evening. “You as much organic chemistry as a chemis- worked all day and did what you had to try major, whereas organic chemists do,” he said. “There was research sup- don’t know any polymer chemistry. port. Companies came to me and it was “My students can take any job in because I was at Akron. There’s no polymer chemistry, and I encourage question in my mind.” them to. They’re well-trained research More than 20 companies supported scientists, and they’ve learned to learn his research over the years, he said, ac- on their own. And that’s the key.” counting for roughly half of the funding Quirk in 1996 was appointed the he raised, with government funding Kumho Professor of Polymer Science helping as well. and also a Distinguished Professor of Being in close proximity to so many Polymer Science at the University of rubber industry players also led to con- Akron. He did a stint as chair in the sulting work, mainly focused on func- Department of Polymer Science and also RPN photos by Bruce Meyer tional polymers, Quirk said. served as interim director of the school’s Besides the Charles Goodyear Medal, the ACS Rubber Division also gave out “Industry has always been interested Institute of Polymer Science and Poly- its other five major awards during its Spring Technical Meeting in Indepen- in what we’ve been doing because we do mer Engineering. dence, Ohio. From clockwise at top: Manfred Klueppel of the German Institute things they can utilize,” he said. “I also He hasn’t taught since about 2005, of Rubber Technology receives the Melvin Mooney Distinguished Technology feel it made me a better teacher. I taught but still collaborates with Professor Award from Larry Harris (center) of Lion Elastomers and Leonard Thomas of a special topics class almost every year Mark Foster at UA on some research. the Rubber Division. Pamela Martin of the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre on anionic polymerization, and I could Quirk has received many honors and took home the Sparks-Thomas Award for young scientists. Ulrich Giese, also tell people what was actually being done awards in his career, but he said none from the German Institute of Rubber Technology, received the George Staf- in industry with the technology. ... compare with the Charles Goodyear ford Whitby Award for Distinguished Teaching and Research. Charles Herd They’re used to disperse silica and car- Medal. of Birla Carbon was honored with the Fernley H. Banbury Award. And Timo- bon black, and they modify surfaces and “It’s the most fantastic honor that I’ve thy Long from Virginia Tech University was the recipient of the Chemistry of improve adhesion. They’re just in gener- ever gotten in my life,” he said. “Just the Thermoplastic Elastomers Award. Each of the award winners also presented al very useful.” name connotes basic research, funda- a paper during the meeting. A couple of the major global tire mak- mentals and the birth of an industry.”

Charles2019—Roderic Quirk Goo2001—Yasuyukidyear TanakaM ed lits1986—Leonard Mullins 1971—Harold J. Osterhof 2018—Eric Baer 2000—Jack L. Koenig 1985—Maurice Morton 1970—Samuel D. Gehman 2017—Judit Puskas 1999—James E. Mark 1984—Herman E. Schroeder 1969—Robert M. Thomas 1956—Sidney M. Cadwell 2016—Georg Bohm 1998—Jean-Baptiste Donnet 1983—J. Reid Shelton 1968—Paul J. Flory 1955—Ray P. Dinsmore 2015—Sudhin Datta 1997—Adel F. Halasa 1982—Adolf Schallamach 1967—Normand Bekkedahl 1954—George S. Whitby 2014—Alan Roberts 1996—Siegfried Wolff 1981—John D. Ferry 1966—E. A. Murphy 1953—John T. Blake 2013—Russell Livigni 1995—Aubert Y. Coran 1980—Samuel E. Horne, Jr. 1965—Benjamin S. Garvey 1952—Howard E. Simmons 2012—C. Michael Roland 1994—Alan G. Thomas 1979—Francis P. Baldwin 1964—Arthur E. Juve 1951—William C. Geer 2011—Joseph Kuczkowski 1993—Leo Mandelkern 1978—Frank Herzegh 1963—William J. Sparks 1950—Carroll C. Davis 2010—Ed Kresge 1992—Ronald S. Rivlin 1977—James D. D'Ianni 1962—Melvin Mooney 1949—Harry L. Fisher 2009—James L. White 1991—Edwin J. Vandenberg 1976—Earl Warrick 1961—Herbert A. Winklemann 1948—George Oenslager 2008—Joseph P. Kennedy 1990—Alan N. Gent 1975—Otto Bayer 1960—William B. Wiegand 1946—Ira Williams 2007—Karl Grosch 1989—Jean-Marie Massoubre 1974—Joe C. Krejci 1959—Fernley H. Banbury 1944—Waldo L. Semon 2006—Robert F. Landel 1988—Herman F. Mark 1973—Arnold M. Collins 1958—Joseph C. Patrick 1942—Lorin B. Sebrell 2003—Graham J. Lake 1987—Norman R. Legge 1972—Frederick W. Stavely 1957—Arthur W. Carpenter 1941—David Spence 22 Rubber & Plastics News • July 15, 2019 www.rubbernews.com Foster to build U.S. medical manufacturing plant By Frank Esposito we haven’t been able to compete in the past, including larger Plastics News volume medical applications.” PUTNAM, Conn.—Materials supplier Foster Corp. is The new facility will house both compounding manufac- building a new manufacturing plant next to its headquar- turing assets and hold inventory for Foster’s growing distri- ters in Putnam. bution business, according to Acquarulo. In a news release, officials cited strong growth in the medi- “Our plan is to invest heavily to expand our capabilities, and cal and pharmaceutical markets as a reason for building the our market footprint, in the next five to six years,” he said. new plant, which will cover almost 56,000 square feet. Officials said the expansion also will bring new jobs to They added that the new expansion comes only a few the area, as Foster plans to continue on its growth path into years after Foster opened a new pharmaceutical building in the future. Putnam for its Delivery Science business. “We are happy with what we have been able to accomplish “Foster’s recent growth has necessitated the new building with cooperation between the area leaders and Foster,” Ac- as both our compounding and distribution businesses have quarulo said. “We’ll continue to work with area leaders to grown to the point that space would become a limiting factor add jobs as we grow. It’s been a good partnership.” for Foster if we didn’t make this move,” CEO and owner Foster makes compounds based on a wide range of engi- Larry Acquarulo said in the release. neering resins and elastomers, primarily for the medical Foster Corp. cites growth in medical and phar- “The new building will not only allow our growth to con- market. In addition to Putnam, the firm operates a produc- maceuticals as the reason for expansion plans. tinue, but it will also allow us to grow in new markets where tion plant in Las Vegas.

and enhance product innovation in ways that will benefit customers and employ- Synergies ees,” Omnova CEO Anne Noonan said. The sale is not contingent on obtain- Continued from page 1 ing financing and is expected to close in specialties, including specialty chemical late 2019 or early 2020, she said. additives and non-aqueous-based chem- Omnova’s second-quarter 2019 net istry, according to a Synthomer slide sales totaled $205.7 million, compared presentation on the acquisition. with $206.3 million for the first three These specialties make Omnova a months of 2018, the company said. strong strategic fit with Synthomer, the Noonan said Omnova had its 10th U.K.-based company said. consecutive quarter of year-over-year For example, Omnova has major capa- volume growth in its Specialty Solutions bilities in performance additives and the segment, driven by specialty coatings, paper and carpet industries, which adhesives and sealants, and oil and gas. makes it an excellent source for additives Net sales in Specialty Solutions were for Synthomer’s nitrile gloves, coatings $142.3 million, up 10.5 percent from the for specialty paper and packaging, and $128.8 million posted in the third quar- carpet compounds, Synthomer said. ter of 2018. Other advantages the Omnova acqui- Sales in Performance Materials fell to Preferred Compounding acquired its operation in Whitewater, Wis., when it bought sition brings Synthomer, it said, are: $63.4 million from $77.5 million during Trostel Ltd. in 2016. Now Hexpol will operate the facility as it reached a deal to • Expansion and diversification of its the quarter, according to Omnova. acquire Preferred in a merger of the two biggest custom mixers in North America. product portfolio; “Paper and carpet were the key drivers • Enhanced focus on specialty prod- of the decline, reflecting the company’s There also is overlap in geography ucts, supported by strong research and strategic initiative to reduce dependence and technology, but the acquisition can development; on commodity business in structural de- Hexpol be seen as a merger of ideas to lead to • Global geographic coverage with in- cline,” it said. new innovation in the market, said creased customer proximity and access Omnova is the third acquisition Syntho- Continued from page 1 Randy Niedermier, Preferred vice presi- to attractive international markets; and mer has announced in the past three years. secure global capacity and competence dent of technical. “Our core values have • The ability to leverage manufactur- In March 2016, Synthomer purchased in advanced polymer compounds. not changed, rather our capability has ing excellence to drive productivity and Hexion Inc.’s adhesives and coatings busi- “This acquisition will strengthen our now vastly expanded,” he said. cost improvements. ness for $226 million. In September 2017, global positions in advanced polymer Integration activities will start immedi- Omnova announced the acquisition in the it acquired BASF’s styrene-butadiene compounds with improved supply chain, ately, and Hexpol said potential restruc- same release in which it stated its sales and rubber business in Pischelsdorf, Austria. cutting-edge expertise in polymer mate- turing and cost savings will be evaluated earnings for the second quarter of 2019. Omnova itself was recently in acquisi- rials and solid knowledge of applica- and communicated at a later time. In the release, Omnova said the tion mode. In September 2018, it pur- tions,” Mikael Fryklund, Hexpol Group Picard said the primary goal of the in- $10.15-per-share offer was 52 percent chased Portuguese resins and binders CEO and president, said in a statement. tegration process is “to assure no disrup- above its three-month weighted share manufacturer Resiquimica S.A. Hexpol said Preferred has an EBITDA tion in supply and deliver the same out- price average of $6.67. Omnova’s stock price soared upon news margin below the Hexpol Group, but it is standing quality and service throughout “This transaction presents increased of the acquisition by Synthomer. The price expected to make a positive impact on the integration phase and beyond.” opportunities for the business and its rose 55.4 percent to $9.98 on July 3, just earnings per share. Fryklund indicated that Preferred employees to leverage the combined after the announcement, and closed at Don Picard, vice president of sales Compounding CEO Ken Bloom will not scale, grow more quickly and profitably, $10.01 at close of business July 10. and marketing for Hexpol, said one be staying with the operation. In a state- thing that led to the deal was Hexpol’s ment, he congratulated Bloom on his commitment to “help our customers development of a well-run organization truly win in their respective industries and wished him well “as he continues to by providing them with the broadest ar- pursue other professional interests.” ray of recipes, polymers and mixing Pignataro said issues regarding manu- Company Name Web address/Email Phone# Page technologies in the industry.” facturing sites and management will be AirBoss Rubber www.airbossofamerica.com 800-294-5723 5 Andrew Chan, Preferred Compound- addressed as part of the integration pro- ing’s vice president of manufacturing, cess. “We are excited about integrating Compounding [email protected] said his company teaming up with the the leadership team,” he said. “Preferred DeWAL Industries www.DeWAL.com 800-366-8356 12 larger Hexpol will help Preferred devel- brings quite a lot of experienced people.” [email protected] op its team. “We are passionate about Audax and some members of Pre- developing our associates,” he said. ferred’s management team purchased Ergon, Inc. www.ergonnsa.com 601-933-3148 24 Chan added that both firms maintain a the custom mixer in early 2016. Since [email protected] focus on customers and share many core that time Preferred also was a player in values. “This includes a continuous quali- mergers and acquisitions in the rubber Finite Fiber www.finitefiber.com 330-773-6654 11 ty performance commitment supported by compounding area, buying Trostel Ltd. [email protected] all our associates,” he said. “Now we have in 2016 and the assets of Valley Rubber Harwick Standard www.harwick.com 330-798-9300 9 the market’s broadest and most extensive Mixing in January. Preferred also added Distribution Corporation [email protected] capability and service proposition.” a facility adjacent to its mixing plant in 800-899-4412 The two organizations also are strong San Luis Potosi, Mexico; boosted capaci- Soltex, Inc. www.soltexinc.com 800-275-8580 10 in IP, processing technology and techni- ty at its factory in Huntington, Tenn.; [email protected] cal service, according to Marc Pignata- and leased a new headquarters in Cop- ro, Preferred’s vice president of sales ley, freeing up space at its Barberton, Struktol Company of www.struktol.com 330-928-5188 7 and business development. “Preferred Ohio, compounding plant. America [email protected] Compounding brings decades of rubber, Hexpol’s two latest acquisitions were Wacker Chemical Co. www.wacker.com 517-264-8230 2 FKM and silicone compounding experi- last fall, when it bought Kirkhill Rubber ence with its associates and brings of Long Beach, Calif., for $49 million, [email protected] broad regional and additional technical and then 80 percent of Italy’s Mesgo A reader service from to Rubber Industry Advertisers coverage,” he said. Group for $193 million. GREEN TIRE September 25-26, 2019 Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA RubberNews.com/InFocus ITEC IN FOCUS SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED Topics include bio materials as alternatives to rubber, sustainability, recycling, silica treads, and more. The agenda includes several Plenary speakers in addition to other experts.

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Katrina Cornish, Ph.D., FNAI, FAAAS Jesse Klinkhamer Endowed Chair and Ohio Research CEO Scholar, Bioemergent Materials Klean Industries Inc. The Ohio State University How to Bring Transparency to Alternative and Sustainable Natural Tyre Manufacturing & Recycling Rubbers and Additives

STUDENT AND GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE In anticipation of the strong interest for this topic, and a desire to provide information on sustainability in the tire industry, the conference organizers are providing two new opportunities for attendees. 1. ITEC In Focus: Green Tire is pleased to invite students from college or graduate degree programs to register for free until Wed., Sept, 18. After that, students must pay $25 to attend. Students will be required to provide a valid student ID at registration. 2. Companies wishing to send three or more attendees can get a special group discount. For more information about either of these special registration opportunities, contact Sarah Arnold, Events Manager at [email protected].

Registration includes access to all sessions and exhibitors, networking opportunities during refreshment breaks, lunch and the opening night reception, all of which are included in the cost of registration. Following the conference, attendees will have access to all available presentations.

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EXHIBIT SELECTION OPEN! CONTACT Reserve your exhibit space today! Brent Weaver, sales manager 330-865-6119 or [email protected] SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE RubberNews.com/InFocus Unique sponsorship opportunities are waiting - Showcase Pete McNeil, sales representative your brand and create awareness and visibility through targeted 330-865-6109 or [email protected] marketing options. Quality Drives Us Ergon’s HyPrene Process Oils deliver reliable results to some of the most recognizable tire and rubber compounding brands throughout the world. HyPrene’s superior quality is evidenced through clean solvency, viscosity and consistency.

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