Cord impregnation innovation reinforces extrusions.

An innovative process for reinforcing rubber extrusions is said to improve their performance and will help the never-ending quest to drive down costs in the automotive industry, according to the company.

Certain molded rubber goods are said to benefit from the inclusion of reinforcement in the form of individual fibers or textiles. In the case of rubber seals for doors and windows, this reinforcement restricts stretching during processing and installation. This ensures that any joints will be stable without a tendency to open up and cause leakage, yet leaving other beneficial properties such as flexibility unaffected, according to the company.

In order to achieve reasonable adhesion between the rubber and the cord during manufacture, the reinforcement is treated with a suitable material that will bond it strongly to the rubber. It is in this area that the company is said to have made the significant breakthrough described here.

By replacing the current RFL (resorcinol-formalde hyde-latex) technology with reactive impregnation, far greater levels of adhesion are said to be achieved. This brings about a number of benefits for manufacturers, including extended product life and better resistance to heat, chemicals and oil, according to the company.

Another major advantage is said to be that a higher proportion of filler can be added to the rubber formulation, reducing costs with no loss of performance. This is said to be of particular interest in the automotive industry, where controlling costs and improving profitability are said to be all-consuming issues.

This company is said to be the global leader in reinforcing cord technology. With a specialty in glass cord, the research and development teams are said to work closely with the world's leading rubber companies to invent new products and improve existing ones, according to the company.

NGF Canada

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