Literature.

BOOKS

Riding on Air -- A History of Air Suspension. By Jack Gieck. 26 pages. Price, $39. SAE International, Warrendale, PA (2000).

This book covers the history of air suspension, from the earliest patents in the mid-19th century to present developments. It traces the ingenious developments that were dictated by both technical considerations and marketing objectives. The book also details the physics of air suspension and the thermodynamic theory required to design a pneumatic spring to achieve a given ride objective.

REPORTS/STUDIES

Automotive exterior panels. The study, "Automotive Exterior Panels -- 2000," explores the latest trends in the development and modification of plastics for exterior panels. A promising trend is said to have been the development of thermoplastic olefin-based nanocomposites. In olefins, nanocomposites can reduce weight while improving stiffness, as well as improving thermal expansion, which has been a problem for plastic body panels, according to the study. Major new applications for plastics in automotive will be examined. (Townsend-Tarnell)

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BROCHURES

Thermoplastic polyester elastomer. A four-page brochure details the short-term properties of Riteflex thermoplastic polyester elastomer, which is said to combine excellent fatigue and chemical resistance with low-temperature impact strength, toughness and a wide thermal use range. The brochure, which encompasses six Riteflex TPE grades, includes tables for molding conditions and for physical, mechanical and thermal properties. Riteflex TPE resins are used in automotive, mechanical and electrical/electronic applications, including hoses, seals, belts, fasteners, polymer modification, etc. (Ticona)

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High performance fluoroelastomer. Technical information on Dai-E1 high performance fluoroelastomers is presented in a 24-page brochure. Information is presented on the fluid resistance of Dai-E1 to such fluids as oils and fuels, as well as formulations, curing conditions and physical properties. (Daikin America)

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Highly dispersible silica. Ultrasil 7000 GR, said to be the first globally produced, highly dispersible precipitated silica, is featured in an eight-page, fold-out pamphlet. Ultrasil 7000 GR is a granulate that is said to disperse better than standard silica powder, resulting in 20% higher abrasion resistance. (Degussa-Huls)

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Engineered TPEs. An eight-page, four-color brochure highlights this producer of engineered thermoplastic elastomers. Global rubber replacement is illustrated with the company's products, including Santoprene, Geolast, Trefsin, Dytron LX, Vyram and VistaFlex thermoplastic rubbers. (Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P.)

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Recycled rubber. The company's rubber recycling division is featured in this 24-page, four-color brochure. Rubber powder and crumb, reclaimed rubber and compounds for the rubber industry are featured. These recycled production materials are marketed under the tradename Ecorr. (Vredestein Rubber Resources)

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Specialty chemicals. This producer of specialty chemicals offers an updated product catalog that provides an expanded resource for the company's monomers, oligomers, photoinitiators, metallic coagents and other specialty chemicals for paint and coatings, inks, adhesives, rubber and numerous other specialty applications. The literature also features the company's recently introduced M-Cure line of acrylated resins for epoxy/amine systems. The product catalog is said to enable chemists to easily cross-reference the company's line of specialty chemicals by product code or name, chemical and physical properties, features and/ or applications. (Sartomer)

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Reactive silicones. "Reactive silicones - forging new polymer links" is the title of a 56-page brochure describing reactive silicones that can be formulated into rubbers, thermosets and thermoplastics for mechanical, process, electronic and mold-making applications. They are base components and modifiers for LIM (liquid injection molding) systems. Silicones are high performance components for composites and interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). Information on reactions and cures of silicones, as well as physical properties, is said to shorten product development time for formulation chemists and engineers. The detailed text provides starting-point formulations, references and application information. Vinyl, hydride, silanol and alkoxy functional silicones are provided by the company for conventional heat cure and RTV silicone systems. Amine, epoxy, methacrylate, hydroxy and mercapto silicones are provided for hybrid organic-silicone cure systems such as silicone-urethanes. (Gelest)

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High performance additives. This producer of chlorinated paraffins, polymer additives, liquid and solid antioxidants (such as organophosphites), flame retardants, and additives for water-based or oil-based metalworking fluids offers a 16-page, four-color brochure describing its products, including applications and typical properties. (Dover Chemical)

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Thermoplastic polyesters, nylons. General information on applications and properties of Arnite thermoplastic polyesters are presented in a brochure. The company's history and expertise in the supply and support of polyesters, including its experience, know-how and technical service, are demonstrated in the Arnite thermoplastic polyester product brochure. Characteristics and properties of Arnite are examined in detail. The automotive and electrical/electronic industries are said to benefit from Arnite's outstanding mechanical strength, superb surface appearance, heat resistance and optimum weathering and UV resistance, according to the literature. Design information for Arnite thermoplastic polyesters, including surface appearance, wall thickness and ribbing is provided in the brochure, as well as processing considerations. The company's Akulon nylon brochure details a wide range of nylon compounds based on polyamide types 6, 6/6 and others. These nylons are said to play an integral role in allowing manufacturers a cost-effective way to extend the performance window of nylon in the most demanding environments. Characteristics of these nylons are discussed in depth, along with their fit in several major industry segments, including automotive, electrical, electronics and extrusion. Information is provided on effective design and processing guidelines for nylons and comparisons are made between nylon types and other engineering plastics. (DSM Engineering Plastics)

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Natural rubber. A four-page, four-color brochure describes this international dealer and supplier of natural rubber from all the major producing areas of the world, specializing in the regions of Southeast Asia and West Africa. The firm purchases and takes title to the natural rubber, arranges transportation, and provides repackaging and distribution services around the world. The dedicated staffs at the company's locations in Akron, OH, Singapore and Austria have many years of experience in all facets of trading, shipping and warehousing natural rubber, according to the literature. (Centrotrade Rubber USA)

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Twin screw compounder. The PolyLab system and Rheomex twin screw compounder are featured in a six-page, fold-out brochure. The continuous compounding of polymers while mixing in various additives at specific points along the extruder barrel is an established technique used in the production process, according to the literature. The company manufactures laboratory-scale compounders with conical and parallel screw designs which are able to simulate this process. Used in combination with the PolyLab system, rheological and substance-specific characteristics can be examined and new formulations can be proofed and tested. (Haake)

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TPE alloy compounds. The company's four-page, four-color brochure details the properties, applications and benefits of Versaflex TPE alloy compounds for a variety of industries and markets. With a wide variety of grades available in the Versaflex product line, the company is said to offer solutions to many different material needs across a spectrum of markets. The literature describes Versaflex grades which offer clarity, high heat resistance, overmolding capabilities, a silky feel, wet grip or lightweight grip. Various overmolding grades of the Versaflex TPE alloys are available for different substrates, including nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS, PC/ABS blends and propionate. The brochure features descriptions and overviews of the many grades, and offers the key advantages of each, as well as a sampling of applications and markets for which each product in the line is suited. (GLS)

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Tire press. An eight-page, four-color brochure outlines the Cure-Rite line of tire curing presses. Product lines are fully explained and are accompanied by technical specification charts for most size models. Key information concerning the company's rebuilding services and spare parts program is also included. The Cure-Rite product line includes slide-back, tilt-back, hydraulic and single cavity models. Cure-Rite systems can be customized. (NFM/Welding Engineers)

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Urethane casting line. This manufacturer of materials for noise control, vibration isolation and shock cushioning has published an eight-page booklet featuring the company's multi-million dollar urethane casting line. Containing numerous full-color photographs, the booklet profiles the line's patented mixing, casting and curing equipment, and gives examples of the multi-function, multi-layer materials the line is capable of producing. (E-A-R Specialty Composites)

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Impact testing system. The Dynatup mini-tower instrumented impact testing system is featured in a two-page bulletin. The Dynatup system is a compact, table top system designed for low energy impact simulation testing. Designed with a small footprint, the mini-tower performs impact simulation, penetration and rebound testing. (Instron)

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