Perception of a material beyond technical data sheets - Enjoy reading Roberto Mariotti’s (Francesco Franceschetti Elastomeri) article about the five senses of thermoplastic elastomers.

In this issue we report on Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam study on consumer preference for mattresses with CertiPUR-US-certified foam. Renuva Mattress Recycling Project by Dow First long wind turbine blades that are made entirely of PU (Covestro) Processing additives for polyurethane applications (Repi)

Have a look at a testing solution that allows the study of crack growth in elastomer compounds (Metravib), and a study to identify a safe replacement for bis-DMTD as a curing agent (MLPC). Read how mold design and injection concept for LSR injection molding can be optimized by modern simulation techniques (Sigma Engineering), and learn more about a novel process to 3D print latex rubber, developed by researchers at Virginia Tech.

Read in our June issue what thermoplastic elastomers can do to improve people’s everyday life in these difficult times.  We dedicate a ten-page special to TPEs supporting the fight against COVID-19.

In this issue we present technical articles on methylal blowing agents by Sendijarevic et al. (Troy Polymers, Inc, Lambiotte, Holland Applied Technologies), development and optimization of rigid foams by Obi et al. (PolyFoam Consulting, Huntsman Corporation), and silicone surfactants by Nadal and Lopez (Concentrol).

In this issue, we will look at the development of the automotive industry and electromobility with the Center of Automotive Management (CAM), including an update on the effects of the Corona pandemic on the automotive markets. The German rubber industry association Wirtschaftsverband der deutschen Kautschukindustrie (wdk) provides an insight into the current situation of the rubber industry and the impact of the current Corona crisis. Nova institute shares an insight in the global bio-based polymer market 2019, and we have a glimpse at the Natural Rubber Trends and Statistics for April 2020 provided by the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC).

Read about Project Stop, An initiative of the chemical industry to free the seas of plastic waste, and our interview with Craig Halgreen, Director of Sustainability and Public Affairs (Borealis).

“Better life with Plastics!“ This the key message of our cover page advertiser Wanhua. So true! Plastics help us in these difficult times in many areas from medical devices, breathing masks to protection equipment and clean single-use food packaging, ...Read what thermoplastic elastomers can do in TPE Magazine. Issue 01/2020 is out now!

Read about the North American PU market evaluated by industry experts such as Grace Showalter and Jaime Garza (BASF), Alan Robinson and Prameela Susarla (Dow Chemical Company), Christine Bryant and Richard Skorpenske (Covestro), Matt Aldag and Thomas Rosen (Evonik), Jan Buberl and Pavneet Mumick (Huntsman Polyurethane).

We will take a look at the global automotive markets in 2020 with Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, Director at CAR – Center Automotive Research, at the Italian market for plastics and rubber machinery with Amaplast, and at the 30th International Colloquium Plastics Technology which is going to take place in Aachen, Germany on 11 and 12 March 2020, organized by IKV that is celebrating its 70th anniversary.