2012.04.28

The eight major factors affecting the price fluctuations of natural rubber.

Currently, the main factors affecting the price fluctuations of natural rubber can be summarized into the following eight key factors: 1. Supply and demand situation in the international natural rubber market and the export conditions of major rubber-producing countries. The supply of natural rubber in the international market is completely controlled by a few countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Major consuming countries like the United States and Japan do not produce natural rubber and rely entirely on imports, which clearly supports the price of natural rubber. China is also the second-largest importer of natural rubber in the world, directly influencing international rubber prices. 2. International market trading conditions. Natural rubber has become a typical tropical commodity futures variety in the international market, holding a certain share in futures trading in the Far East and Southeast Asia. Currently, the main exchanges engaged in natural rubber futures trading include the Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM), the Kobe Rubber Exchange in Japan, the Singapore RAS Commodity Exchange, and the Kuala Lumpur Commodity Exchange (KLCE). Among these, Tokyo and Singapore have the most significant influence due to their large market shares, which can reflect the basic dynamics of the global rubber market. 3. The international natural rubber agreement signed by member countries of the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) also has an important impact on the price trends in the rubber market. 4. The production and consumption situation of natural rubber in China. The quantity and cost of natural rubber production in China are directly related to domestic rubber market prices. At the same time, changes in domestic natural rubber usage and the acceptance capacity of processing enterprises for natural rubber prices also affect the natural rubber market.

2012.04.27

The application of the vulcanizing agent DTDM in the inner and outer rubber compound formulations of bias tires.

The vulcanizing agent DTDM belongs to the sulfur donor category and can adjust the network structure of vulcanized rubber. It has good heat resistance, fatigue resistance, reduction resistance, non-spraying frost, and good scorch safety, making it an ideal vulcanizing agent for heat-resistant rubber products and dynamic products. Currently, the prevalent high-speed and overloaded operating conditions of vehicles impose higher requirements on the intrinsic quality of bias tires, especially to avoid shoulder voids caused by heat generated from fatigue deformation during prolonged driving. The fixed elongation stress of various components of the bias tires produced by our factory increases from the inner layer to the crown (in a "stair-step" manner). However, due to the relatively low fixed elongation stress of the original inner and outer layer rubber (4-5 MPa for the inner layer and around 6 MPa for the outer layer) compared to the buffer layer rubber's fixed elongation stress (around 10 MPa), the tires are prone to excessive deformation due to insufficient rigidity during operation. Therefore, it is necessary to redesign the formulations of the inner and outer layer rubber to appropriately increase the fixed elongation stress of the rubber. The crosslinking structure of DTDM during vulcanization mainly consists of polysulfide bonds, which have low bond energy, are unstable, and prone to change, resulting in poor heat aging performance. This can lead to the phenomenon of reversion during the tire's usage, thereby affecting the actual service life of the tire. To address this, we have decided to adopt a semi-effective vulcanization system in the formulations of the inner and outer layer rubber, where the crosslinking bonds are primarily monosulfide and disulfide bonds. This approach reduces the heat generation of the rubber, improves the thermal stability and resistance to reversion of the rubber, and simultaneously increases the fixed elongation stress of the rubber.

2012.04.27

A survey of the U.S. rubber industry shows a strengthening economy and optimism.

The American Rubber Products Manufacturers Association (ARPM) recently conducted a survey of managers in the rubber products manufacturing industry, indicating a strengthening economic trend in the U.S. rubber industry in 2012, with a noticeable atmosphere of optimism. The economic indicators from the survey (including sales trends and general profitability) show that the industry's sales in the fourth quarter of 2011 increased compared to the third quarter and continued to strengthen. The data from the report indicates the development trend entering 2012, with 43% of respondents reporting an increase in sales in the fourth quarter, while 26% stated that sales remained unchanged. In 2012, the optimistic sentiment in the market is evident, with 72% of respondents expecting an upward trend in annual sales, while only 3% anticipate a decrease. Encouragingly, over 36% of respondents indicated that their profits rose in the fourth quarter of last year, while the remaining 46% reported stable profits. These indicators from the survey show that the economic situation in the rubber products industry is developing positively. Another positive trend observed in this survey is that ARPM's customers are not as actively seeking overseas supply sources as before, nor are they looking for new domestic alternatives. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the number of rubber products manufacturers losing business from foreign suppliers was zero, while the number of manufacturers gaining business from overseas was nearly 20%. Over 40% of managers in the U.S. rubber products industry responded electronically to 3,131 economic indicator questions, covering their performance in the fourth quarter of 2011.

2012.04.27

Characteristics of Competitive Rubber Chemical Enterprises

With the significant increase in global rubber production, the competition among rubber chemical companies is no longer just about the sources and costs of raw materials. Now, the competition among rubber chemical companies has shifted to the competition of rubber chemical technologies. Here are the characteristics of competitive rubber chemical companies: Firstly, companies with technological substitution capabilities possess their own core technologies and patents, allowing them to establish relatively high technological barriers. For example, in the export tire industry, zinc oxide is commonly used, and some companies are producing nano zinc oxide, which reduces costs and addresses some environmental issues, presenting a promising market with significant development opportunities. Secondly, companies with product substitution capabilities. In the entire rubber industry, especially in our country, natural rubber consumption accounts for more than one-third of the global total, but there is a strong reliance on imports, reaching up to 80%. In the field of synthetic rubber, especially rubber that is very similar to natural rubber, there were no production capabilities a few years ago, but now some companies have begun commercial production, which also offers considerable development space. For instance, Qingdao's Ecos, along with other varieties that are strongly supported by national policies, are now being produced by companies. Additionally, some specialty rubbers have relatively high added value. Thirdly, companies that possess strong green products or green processes, with robust environmental protection capabilities. For example, in the domestic additive industry, some products have quality and performance that are not significantly different from those abroad. However, their processes are relatively outdated, leading to serious environmental issues.

2012.04.26

Design of Vulcanization Systems and Application of Vulcanization Accelerators

The vulcanization system of rubber includes vulcanizing agents, accelerators, and activators. Generally speaking, the crosslink density of rubber is mainly related to the amount of vulcanizing agent used. Of course, increasing the amount of accelerators containing promoting groups can also enhance the crosslink density in the form of monosulfide or disulfide bonds. In general, the amount of accelerators in sulfur vulcanization systems is relatively small, so the size of the crosslink density is mainly determined by the amount of sulfur used. The role of the accelerator is to lower the crosslinking temperature of sulfur and speed up the vulcanization rate of sulfur, effectively acting as a catalyst. Different types of accelerators have different activation energies, so the types of vulcanized rubber also vary. For example, EPDM and IIR have fewer unsaturated double bonds, resulting in slower vulcanization rates, and generally use highly active dithiocarbamate accelerators or thiuram types as the main accelerators. In contrast, NR, IR, BR, SBR, and NBR, which have more unsaturated double bonds, have faster vulcanization rates and typically use thiazole or sulfenamide accelerators as the main accelerators. The choice of main accelerators usually involves some acidic accelerators containing vulcanization groups, which can participate in the vulcanization reaction and help reduce the amount of non-vulcanized material in the vulcanized rubber, thereby minimizing blooming phenomena. Main accelerators can be used alone or in combinations of two or more. Generally, the stronger the activity of the accelerator, the higher the activation energy and the stronger the acidity. When using two or more main accelerators, it is essential to pay attention to their synchronized activation. The amount of the more active main accelerator should be less, while the amount of the slightly less active main accelerator should be more, in order to achieve acid balance and synchronized activation effects. In high unsaturation rubber, the main vulcanization accelerator is...

2012.04.26

The Indian Rubber Association has launched a project aimed at improving rubber quality.

According to reports from Indian media on April 12, the Indian Rubber Association is currently collaborating with the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA), the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), and the Indian Rubber Dealers Federation (IRDF) to conduct training programs for small and medium-sized natural rubber growers to improve the quality of rubber sheets. The project initiated by the Indian Rubber Association will take place from May 8, 2012, to July 8, 2012, in traditional rubber-growing regions in India, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The project will be officially launched at a meeting on April 18, 2012, at 10 AM in the Mammen Mappilai Hall in Kottayam. The domestic tire industry in India has a significant reliance on natural rubber, and it is currently transitioning to radial tires. Rubber sheets graded RSS4 and above are primarily used in the production of radial tires. Radial tires are generally of higher quality compared to cross-ply tires and have a longer lifespan. The large-scale project initiated by the Indian Rubber Association aims to prepare local natural rubber growers to enhance the quality of their natural rubber cultivation, thereby stimulating market demand. Additionally, the project will also discuss topics such as soil moisture conservation during natural rubber cultivation, low-frequency harvesting methods, and root planting techniques.

2012.04.26

Global rubber demand continues to decline.

As the economic outlook in Europe becomes increasingly uncertain and China's economic growth slows down, global rubber demand continues to decline. China is the world's largest rubber consumer, and as its GDP has dropped from 11% last year to 8%, it has severely impacted the rubber industry. Rubber is primarily used in tire manufacturing, and in the past three months leading up to March 31, car sales in China fell by 1.3%, further increasing pressure on the industry. However, India's rising rubber demand may offset some of the industry's pressures. The supply-demand gap for natural rubber in India has expanded to 1 million tons. At the National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE) in India, rubber for delivery in May was traded at 18,969 rupees per kilogram on Tuesday. On April 24 at the Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM), the commodity was traded at 293.4 yen per kilogram. Globally, rubber demand is continuously declining.

2012.04.26

The 3rd China International Rubber Tire and Auto Parts Exhibition will be held in Guangrao.

On the morning of April 25, a press conference was held in Guangrao County, Shandong, China, announcing that the 3rd China International Rubber Tire and Auto Parts Exhibition will take place from May 15 to 17. The theme of this year's exhibition is "Gathering Quality Products, Enhancing Levels, Strengthening Cooperation, and Promoting Development." Major activities will include product displays, cooperation negotiations, project signing, and the release of exhibition results. The main exhibits will include four categories: rubber tires, rubber machinery and equipment, tire raw and auxiliary materials, and auto parts. There will be 4 exhibition halls and a total of 5 exhibition areas, covering an exhibition area of 30,000 square meters, with over 450 companies registered to exhibit, featuring many well-known enterprises and a high level of exhibitors. Currently, the exhibition's recruitment work is progressing smoothly, with 2,571 companies and 7,221 people registered to attend, including 2,078 domestic companies with 6,235 people and 493 foreign companies with 986 people. It is expected that 35,000 professional visitors will attend. During the exhibition, a series of activities will also be held, including the China-Europe Rubber Tire Forum, the Tire-Wheel Industry Dealers Conference, the 2012 National Tire-Cartoon Design Competition, and the project signing ceremony and exhibition results release.

2012.04.26

The Four Major Benefits of Using Rubber Accelerators

In the production process of rubber products, whether it is to extend the service life of rubber products, reduce production costs, or improve production efficiency, it is essential to use rubber accelerators reasonably. The benefits of using rubber accelerators include: 1. Shortened vulcanization time, reduced vulcanization temperature, which can increase production efficiency and lower costs. 2. Due to the reduced amount of sulfur, lower vulcanization temperature, and some accelerators having antioxidant functions, the service life of rubber products can be extended. 3. Improved physical and mechanical properties of products, especially thick products, with a good leveling effect during the production of thick products, ensuring proper vulcanization inside the product without compromising the physical and mechanical properties of the product's surface. 4. Improved appearance quality of products, as the reduced amount of sulfur prevents blooming. In the process of making rubber products, using rubber accelerators can bring many benefits, but it is important to choose and use rubber accelerators wisely.

2012.04.26

The rubber production capacity and output in Xishuangbanna are jointly increasing.

After the smooth transition of the large contracts in the natural rubber futures market, the market's volatility has gradually converged, and natural rubber has not entered a trend-driven large-scale market. With the seasonal tapping period approaching, the supply of natural rubber is gradually becoming abundant. Will the market usher in a promising large-scale market? According to preliminary statistics, there are a total of 95 rubber processing enterprises in Xishuangbanna, mainly including Jingyang, Haijiao, and Sinochem. After the reform of agricultural reclamation, Yunnan Agricultural Reclamation Group established Jingyang Rubber Company in Xishuangbanna, with a rubber output of 58,000 tons last year, and it is expected to reach 100,000 tons this year. Haijiao has six agricultural reclamation rubber factories, with a rubber output of about 30,000 tons last year. This year, some old factories are expanding their production capacity; for example, the Shanghai Phoenix processing plant is expected to complete its new capacity by June, increasing its capacity to about 15,000 tons. Sinochem has six agricultural reclamation rubber factories, with a rubber output of about 60,000 tons last year, and it is expected to exceed 70,000 tons this year. There are 57 private rubber factories, among which Tianzheng, Manlie, Davi, and Yinghua are larger, while other small factories have an annual rubber output of about 2,000 to 3,000 tons. Currently, in the Xishuangbanna region, large enterprises such as group companies and traders are continuously deepening their integration into the rubber source, consolidating market resources, continuously updating equipment technology, and expanding production capacity. This has greatly standardized the market and provided further development space for rubber production. Based on calculations including freight costs, the overall liquidity of natural rubber is relatively poor, and the market's gross profit is thin, making it difficult to form a significant trading volume. Currently, processing plants in a favorable position, especially large groups like Sinochem and Haijiao, are fully utilizing their direct sales platforms.