Rubber

Epoxidized natural rubber–alumina nanoparticle composites were prepared by melt compounding with an internal mixer for a constant filler loading of 10 phr. Mixer parameters such as the mixing temperature, mixing time, and rotor speed were screened and optimized with response surface methodology to maximize the impact strength. The parameters were selected as three independent variables and the impact strength (J/m) was selected as the response in a screening factor study. The mixing temperature and its interaction terms were identified as insignificant factors with a P value greater than 0.0500. The optimum calculated values of the tested variables (rotor speed and mixing time) for the maximum impact strength were found to be a rotor speed of 60 rpm and a mixing time of 6 min with a predicted impact strength of 208.88 J/m. These predicted optimum parameters were tested in real experiments. The final impact strength was found to be close to the predicted value of 215.84 J/m, with only a 3.33% deviation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010

The optical properties of four currently ysed and two recently introduced maxillofacial prosthetic materials were evaluated after the materials were subjected to the following seven environmental variables: natural weathering; normal aging; two types of adhesives; two types of cleaning agents; and cosmetics. Optical density and color changes were evaluated. The currently used silicones Silastic 4-4210 and Silastic 4-4515, Medical Adhesive type A material, and polyurethane all showed more changes in color and optical density than the newly introduced silicone A-102 material. (J PROSTHET DENT 1992;68:820-3.)

A procedure to increase the adhesion of block styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) rubber consisting of the reactive grafting with maleic anhydride (MA) in the presence of an organic peroxide radical initiator is proposed. The in uence of the reactive grafting on the surface properties of SBS has been studied with special emphasis on the improvement of the adhesion to polyurethane adhesive. The grafting of MA onto SBS was carried out in the presence of different concentrations of 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tertbutyl peroxy) hexane (DBPH) as initiator to generate oxygen radicals by thermal decomposition, which induce the grafting reaction. The modi cation process was performed in the molten state using a Brabender mixer to premix the reactants and a hot press to initiate the functionalizing reaction. ATR-IR and XPS spectroscopies were employed to verify the grafting of MA on SBS. The changes in wettability on the modi ed SBS rubber were determined by contact angle measurements. Adhesion properties were evaluated from T-peel tests of SBS rubber/ polyurethane adhesive joints. Reasonable extents of MA grafting on SBS were obtained (evidenced by the presence of a weak carbonyl vibration at 1700 cm ¡1 in the ATR-IR spectra and by the carbon-oxygen band at a binding energy of 287.0 eV in the XPS spectra). The higher the DBPH amount, the higher the MA amount grafted onto the SBS surface. The maximum grafting level was obtained using 2 wt% MA. Grafted species seemed to be mainly concentrated on the surface of the SBS-molded sheets. The wettability of the modi ed rubber increased with respect to the original polymer, new carbon-oxygen moieties were created and the C/ O ratio increased. A noticeable enhancement in peel strength values was observed, which was ascribed to the creation of interfacial interactions between the polyurethane and the SBS rubber surfaces.

A series of dynamic snap-back tests were carried out on a residence building in southern Italy at Rapolla (Potenza-Basilicata). The aim of the research was to investigate the seismic behaviour of low-rise base isolated structures mounted on rubber bearings only, or with a hybrid isolation system (sliding bearings for isolation and steel rubber bearings to have a re-centring force).

The electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness and return loss of short carbon fiber filled polychloroprene rubber composites of varying sample thickness and fiber aspect ratio were studied in the frequency range of 8 to 12 GHz (X-band). It was observed that composites prepared by "cement mixed" method having high fiber aspect ratio (L I D = 100) show higher shielding effectiveness and lower return loss than the composites prepared by "mill mixed" method with low fiber aspect ratio (L I D = 25). This indicates that loss due to absorption increases with increasing fiber aspect ratio. Similar effect has also been observed with increasing sample thickness.

In the present paper, it is attempted to empirically verify the impact of economic liberalization on the R&D behaviour of Indian pharmaceutical firms controlling for the effects of several firm specific characteristics including firm size. The results from the Tobit analysis for a sample of firms over the period 1989-90 to 2000-01 indicate that competitive pressure generated by liberalization has worked effectively in pushing Indian pharmaceutical firms into R&D activity. A host of firm characteristics like firm age, size, profitability, intangible assets, export orientation and outward foreign direct investment are also found to be important determinants of innovative activity in the industry. The study suggests several policy measures to further indigenous technological efforts of pharmaceutical firms, which include, removing obstacles that inhibit outward orientation of firms, providing special scheme for small size firms in the overall technology policy for the industry, intensi...

The occurrence of nonarticulated laticifers has been recorded in the literature for Apocynaceae, but little information is available on their structure and the chemical compounds in their latex. The objective of this study was to describe, anatomically and histochemically, the laticifers and latex found in the roots, stems, and leaves of Mandevilla atroviolacea (Stadelm) Woodson, a genus in the Apocynaceae. Laticifer anatomy was examined by light microscopy, and the chemical nature of the exuded latex was studied using cytochemistry. Articulated laticifers were present in M. atroviolacea. The lactiferous system in stems and leaves originated from both procambium and ground meristem, and it was determined to be functional, as indicated by changes in the cytoplasm immediately subsequent to its formation. However, in tuberous roots, laticifers originated from the vascular cambium, phellogen, and parenchymatous cortical cells. The primary wall of laticifers consists of pectins and cellulose and is thicker than that of adjacent cells. The laticifer secretion contained an emulsion of lipophilic substances rich in neutral lipids, resin oils, and possibly rubber. The presence of articulated laticifers is reported for the first time for Apocynoideae, contributing to the knowledge and understanding of these structures in the family Apocynaceae.

The split Hopkinson bar is a reliable experimental technique for measuring high strain rate properties of highstrength materials. Attempts to apply the split Hopkinson bar in measurement on more compliant materials, such as plastics, rubbers and foams, suffer from limitations on the maximum achievable strain and from high noise-to-signal ratios. The present work introduces an all-polymeric split Hopkinson bar (APSHB) experiment, which overcomes these limitations. The proposed method uses polymeric pressure bars to achieve a closer impedance match between the pressure bars and the specimen materials, thus providing both a low noiseto-signal ratio data and a longer input pulse for higher maximum strain. The APSHB requires very careful data reduction procedures because of the viscoelastic behavior of the incident and transmitter pressure bars. High-quality stress-strain data for a variety of compliant materials, such as polycarbonate, polyurethane foam and styrofoam, are presented.

Slightly crosslinked butyl rubber, (PhMe2CO)2 and maleic
anhydride were added as compatibilizer to the recycled
polyethylene–ground tire rubber blends. Recycled postprodn.
and postconsumer (shredded bottle caps) polyethylene
wastes were used. The thermoplastic compns. were
studied for statistic and dynamic mech. properties and
morphol. The addn. of butyl rubber resulted in a decrease
of the tensile strength and hardness of the blends and an
increase in compatibility of the blend components. Use of
(PhMe2CO)2 and maleic anhydride resulted in an improvement
of mech. strength of the blends.

Prior to experimental periodontal regenerative procedures in animals, the process of destruction due to periodontitis is often simulated by placing ligatures around the necks of teeth. 2 models, one using cotton floss ligatures and the other elastic rubber ligatures, have been widely used. The aim of this study was to compare these 2 methods using clinical and histometric criteria. Premolars on both sides of the mandibular jaw were used in 2 beagle dogs. Periodontal tissue breakdown was induced during a 48-day period using cotton floss ligatures on one side of the mandible and contra-laterally by elastic rubber ligatures. At weekly intervals, the ligatures were changed and pocket depth and loss of probing attachment were recorded. All the ligatures were removed after 7 weeks. The animals were fed a soft, plaque-promoting diet during the experimental period. 20 days after ligature removal, the teeth were hemisected and the 2 roots extracted. From each tooth, 1 root was prepared for scanning electron microscopy and one for light microscopy. At the time of extraction, no differences regarding pocket depth or probing attachment level were found between the 2 groups. Root resorption was observed in all elastic ligature teeth, whereas only minor alterations at the root surface were observed on cotton ligature teeth. This finding may be of particular interest to investigators designing studies evaluating the healing sequalae of regenerative surgery in animals. As was observed in this study, root resorption can already be present in the pre-experimental phase of periodontal tissue breakdown, particularly if elastic hgatures are used.

In Ecuador's Yasuní rainforests and the lived history of the Waorani that live there, the commodification of first rubber and then oil shaped territorialization into particularly violent form. The formative role of rubber production in the 19th century involved local despots' imposition of a regime of violence. Reacting to this violent capitalist system, individual Waorani forged new socio‐spatial territories through violence with rubber slavers and cooperation with the Taromenane, a people who continue to live in isolation. Today, an oil complex exerts control to bring the end of Yasuní's commodity frontier, even while the Waorani Nation and Taromenane hold legal rights to parts of the forests. In this article, I analyse how rubber and oil exploitation has unfolded as capitalist territorial violence, spurring Waorani and Taromenane social expressions and political mobilizations that are at times violent, but primarily not.

This article analyses the reorientation of Hanseatic merchants' involvement in world trade during the second half of the nineteenth and first decades of the twentieth centuries. This shift was influenced by the independence of former British and Iberian colonies in the Americas, which caused the implosion of colonial trade monopolies. The abolition of the TransAtlantic Slave Trade, and the Scramble for Africa also allowed German commerce to obtain more direct access to markets in and raw materials from tropical regions. An examination of the commodity chains of rubber and palm oil/kernels reveals the great influence of Hanseatic merchant families (e.g. O'Swald, Schramm or Woermann) on determining and shaping the terms by which African and South American regions became incorporated into the emerging world economy.

Background. Improvement of working conditions and anaesthesia with closed systems includes reduction of gas leaks during anaesthesia. One source of contamination is the permeation of gases through plastic materials. The volume of gas permeating through a polymer depends on its molecular structure, the solubility and the diffusion coefficient.Methods. We designed an experimental set-up to measure the permeation rates of nitrous oxide, enflurane and isoflurane through components of the anaesthetic ventilator made of silicone, latex, rubber and polyvinylchloride (PVC). Reservoir bags, ventilation tubes and endotracheal tubes were investigated.Results. The highest permeation rates of anaesthetic gases were observed with silicone materials. Permeation through silicone exceeded that of the least permeable material by more than 10.000 times. By summarizing the permeation rates of the single items, the use of silicone increases the anaesthetic system's leakage rate by 4 ml/min, which means an increase of 18% in a modern anaesthetic ventilator and of 31% in a closed system.Conclusions. The highest permeation rates were found for nitrous oxide through silicone, although nitrous oxide has a known low solubility in plastic materials. The result demonstrates the dependency of the leakage rate on the diffusibility. The leakage of anaesthetic gases caused by silicone items does not alone lead to unacceptable pollution of operating theatres. To minimize the total leakage rates of minimal-flow-systems, however, plastic materials with low solubility and low diffusion coefficients have to be used.

In this research the variation of mechanical and rheological properties of the composite as a function of different processing parameters and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber content was studied. The optimum amount of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) to achieve the highest percentage of grafting of maleic anhydride to EPDM was obtained by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In general, immiscibility between nylon 66 and EPDM, and their high interfacial tension makes their blending difficult. Maleic anhydride was grafted to EPDM to reduce interfacial tension between two phases. Also the blends were prepared at highest possible speed of mixing (screw speed in extrusion) and lowest temperature to reach a well mixed sample which can be seen in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and impact strength results. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) tests were conducted to evaluate the miscibility of the components and to measure the glass transition temperature of...

The force required for the initial transfer as a static friction. The objective of this research is to calculate the magnitude of the coefficient of static friction of the various types of rice which is the object of measurement, by measuring the static friction. The measurement results are the static frictional forces between red rice and wood for 6.281 N/cm 2 and 5.963 N/cm 2 for rubber. Measurement of static friction ordinary rice with wood 5.744 N/cm 2 and with a rubber 5.670 N/cm 2 . Measurement of static friction for white glutinous rice with the wood of 6.158 N/cm 2 and rubber at 6.037 N/cm 2 . Measurement of static friction for black glutinous rice with the wood amounted to 4.841 N/cm 2 and the rubber of 5.549 N/cm 2 .

Data on the indicators of environmental impact of tire debris, originated from the tire abrasion on roads, are extremely scarce, while it is well known that tires may produce deleterious effects. Tire debris contains significant quantities of zinc (Zn) which may be released by tire rubber. We have used tire particles (TD) produced in laboratory from new rubber. Two sets of experiments were set up to obtain eluates. One set used 50 and 100 g/L TD to produce eluates at pH 3-7. The Zn quantity was measured with a Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry. The eluates at 1%,10%,50%,100% concentrations in culture media were tested on Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna and Xenopus laevis embryos (FETAX test). The other set of experiments was performed putting 250 mg/L TD in a column with glass beads to control particle dispersion during the elution process. We demonstrate that factors such as pH, size and particles aggregation deeply influence the elution process, that the amount of Zn leached from particles is related to their aggregation rather than their quantity. These results, even though do not reflect the real environmental toxicity of the leachates, can be successfully used for comparative purposes allowing an initial assessment of the potential effect of tire derived particles. D

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was used to investigate the velocity and temperature distributions in an empty natural rubber smoking-room. The experimental data were used to validate the CFD model including temperatures and velocities at various positions. It was found that the results from the CFD simulation and experiments are in good agreement. Temperature difference in the room between simulation and experiment was typically in the range of 0.12-4.46°C, and differences of average velocity at the inlet and at the outlet of the smoking-room between simulation and experiment were about 0.22 and 0.02 m/s, respectively. Furthermore, the CFD technique was employed to investigate the temperature and velocity distributions in an existing rubber smoking-room filled with rubber sheets. It was found that the temperature difference can be as high as 15°C and that velocity distributions within the smokingroom are non-uniform. It can be concluded that the size and positions of the gas supply ducts and the ventilating lids are not optimal and that they significantly affect the circulation of hot gas in the room.

To determine the contribution of the loss of tactile sensitivity, glove flexibility, glove thickness, and changes in finger geometry to force decrement and increased effort during gloved power grip. Background: Gloved work has been shown to increase the effort required to perform manual tasks. Method: A battery of maximal and submaximal gripping tasks was performed while grip force and surface electromyography of seven forearm muscles were recorded. Participants performed power grips while wearing three different thicknesses of rubber gloves (differing only in thickness; maximum 3.1 mm), wearing interdigital spacers between the fingers (matched to the glove thicknesses), and with a bare hand. Results: Decreases in maximum grip force compared with the bare hand were observed for the thickest glove (-31.0 ± 6.8%, p < .05) and for the thickest interdigital spacers (-9.7 ± 5.9 %, p < .05). Participants increased their grip force with increasing glove thickness for a submaximal object-lifting task (p < .01). To maintain an unloaded grip posture and to create a fixed submaximal force, participants increased muscle activation (p < .05) for all muscles with increasing glove thickness. Conclusion: Decreases in maximal grip force and increased effort in submaximal tasks could be attributed to a combination of reduced tactile sensitivity, the effort to bend the gloves, and interdigital separation. Application: Although the values obtained are specific to the rubber gloves tested, the results give insights into factors important in the design and selection of gloves.

Background: With regard to implant-supported prostheses, to date no technique has been proven to guarantee a completely passive fit of prosthetic frameworks. Several clinical variables may affect the precision of impressions, particularly in the presence of implants.

We present a simple theoretical and experimental model to explain the flaking off of paints, from a pre-existing defect, due to the influence of internal stresses provoked by the variation of ambient temperature and a long or strong illumination. The experimental model is made of two superimposed rubber strips, one of them being submitted to an instantaneous elongation or to a constant speed of strain. The detachment of the other strip, that represents the peeling and the flaking off of the paint layer, is measured and analyzed using concepts of the fracture mechanics, such as the strain energy release rate, in order to determine the conditions of stability and propagation of a crack at the interface, and to draw a master curve representing the dissipation function as a function of the crack propagation speed. r

This paper examines the role of the Morton Thiokol engineers in the decisions surrounding the launch of the Challenger, particularly with reference to an analysis of this event by Edward Tufte. The engineers at Morton Thiokol recommended against the launch of Challenger because the projected launch temperature between 26°F to 29°F was far outside their field database of successful launches. The engineers had asked for, but not received, data necessary to determine the cause of massive blow-by on the launch the previous January, and they had informed their managers and NASA that continuing flights could be catastrophic if the cause of the problems with the launches was not discovered. The authors conclude that the engineers thus did what they were ethically as well as professionally obligated to do.

major scientific progress in the application of biotechnology in agriculture, public attitudes towards biotechnology in general and genetically modified food (GM food) products in particular remain mixed in Africa. Examining responses on acceptance of GM food through a stakeholder survey in Ghana, it was established that half of the 100 people sample interviewed were not in favor of GM foods. To this group acceptance of GM foods would make farmers loose focus on the traditional ways of cultivation, putting the whole nation at the mercy of profit driven foreign companies who produce GM foods. In order to have clear and unbiased attitudes towards agricultural biotechnology in Africa, there is the need to substitute dominant ideologies in the way biotechnology research and dissemination are conducted in developed countries with tailor-made methodologies in developing countries. This paper emphasizes the social dynamic force of food focusing on the need for social shaping of biotechnolo...

Background Choice of follow-up time for an occupational cohort can influence risk estimates. We examined the effects of follow-up time on relative risk estimates for leukemia and multiple myeloma in a cohort of 1,845 rubber hydrochloride workers. Materials and Methods We generated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for yearly follow-ups, beginning each study in 1940 and increasing study end dates from 1950 through 1996. We used Cox proportional hazards modeling to explore the effects of followup time on the exposure-response relationship. Results The SMR for leukemia rose to 13.55 in 1961 and fell nearly monotonically to 2.47 by 1996. Cox modeling suggested interaction between cumulative exposure and time since exposure. A longer time to peak risk was seen for multiple myeloma. Conclusions Because summary risk estimates change with follow-up time, exposure limits set using these estimates may not adequately protect workers. Consideration of appropriate follow-up time and use of more complex temporal models are critical to the risk assessment process.

A 56-YEAR-OLD WOMAN presented with a 5-year history of a relapsing dermatitis confined to the ankles. Physical examination showed a bilateral, sharply demarcated eruption with erythema, edema, vesicles, and bullae limited to the area covered by her socks . The biopsy results were consistent with spongiotic dermatitis. Immunofluorescence study results were negative. Patch test studies included the standard, corticosteroid, and rubber additive trays. Patch tests were applied to the back using IQ chambers. Only the nickel sulfate patch test elicited a positive result that had a past relevance. Results of patch tests to 2 samples of the patient's socks were + + + positive .

Objectives: The purpose of this study was (1) to analyze the influence of polishing time and press-on force on the surface gloss and roughness of dental materials by using a three-component rubber-based polishing system and to compare the results with those obtained in conjunction with an optimal polishing procedure and application of the specimens to a metal matrix, (2) to estimate the correlation between surface gloss and surface roughness. Methods: Eight flat specimens were made of each dental material (Tetric Ceram [TC], Tetric EvoCeram [TE], Heliomolar [HM], Compoglass [CO] and Amalcap [AM])

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Several proteins have been identified and implicated in natural rubber biosynthesis, one of which, the small rubber particle protein (SRPP), was originally identified in Hevea brasiliensis as an abundant protein associated with cytosolic vesicles known as rubber particles. While previous in vitro studies suggest that SRPP plays a role in rubber biosynthesis, in vivo evidence is lacking to support this hypothesis. To address this issue, a transgene approach was taken in Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Russian dandelion or Tk) to determine if altered SRPP levels would influence rubber biosynthesis. Three dandelion SRPPs were found to be highly abundant on dandelion rubber particles. The most abundant particle associated SRPP, TkSRPP3, showed temporal and spatial patterns of expression consistent with patterns of natural rubber accumulation in dandelion. To confirm its role in rubber biosynthesis, TkSRPP3 expression was altered in Russian dandelion using over-expression and RNAi methods. While TkSRPP3 over-expressing lines had slightly higher levels of rubber in their roots, relative to the control, TkSRPP3 RNAi lines showed significant decreases in root rubber content and produced dramatically lower molecular weight rubber than the control line. Not only do results here provide in vivo evidence of TkSRPP proteins affecting the amount of rubber in dandelion root, but they also suggest a function in regulating the molecular weight of the cis-1, 4-polyisoprene polymer.

The international environmental movement has not left the latex/rubber industry untouched and disposal considerations are becoming more scrutinized. Most of these products are disposed of through incineration and landfill disposal. For products disposed of in landfills, the persistence of these products is a point of concern and a means to induce biodegradation of these materials in anaerobic conditions is necessary. Discussed are recent advancements in technology that promote biodegradation to assimilate these products back into the natural cycle and compare these products to the biodegradation of natural rubber. The environmental impact of biodegrading these materials (landfill gas and residual chemicals) is reviewed as well as the impact of using these novel materials on a products shelf stability, strength and physical properties.

This paper deals with the simulation of material texture by means of electro-tactile stimuli, which directly derive from real material properties. The research presents a novel tactile display by its hardware and software system architecture and the elaboration procedure to generate the stimulating signals, and validates the adopted simulation strategy by experimental testing. The tactile system elaborates data from scans of real material samples and generates electrical stimuli to reproduce roughness and texture coarseness sensations. It also adds a coherent sound feedback to improve the realism of the simulation. The research defines also an experimental protocol based on the theory of Psychophysics to carry out system calibration and tests with users. The scope is to validate the proposed tactile system as a new tool for material simulation, which can be adopted for material virtual prototyping in several fields (product design, textile and clothing, gaming and entertainment, virtual museum, rehabilitation, etc.). Experimentations have been carried out to measure the users' response to our different material classes (wood, paper, rubber and textile fabric). Experimental results concern how good the adopted simulation approach is and the analysis of the human tactile perception simulated by the system. Main findings relate to the system performance and the users' response in terms of signal recognition and material class discrimination.

The international environmental movement has not left the latex/rubber industry untouched and disposal considerations are becoming more scrutinized. Most of these products are disposed of through incineration and landfill disposal. For products disposed of in landfills, the persistence of these products is a point of concern and a means to induce biodegradation of these materials in anaerobic conditions is necessary. Discussed are recent advancements in technology that promote biodegradation to assimilate these products back into the natural cycle and compare these products to the biodegradation of natural rubber. The environmental impact of biodegrading these materials (landfill gas and residual chemicals) is reviewed as well as the impact of using these novel materials on a products shelf stability, strength and physical properties.

a b s t r a c t Some physical and mechanical properties of oriented strandboards (OSBs) containing waste tire rubber at various addition levels based on the oven-dry strand weight, using the same method as that used in the manufacture of OSB. Two resin types, phenol-formaldehyde (PF) and polyisocyanate, were used in the experiments. The manufacturing parameters were: a specific gravity of 0.65 and waste tire rubber content (10/90, 20/80 and 30/70 by wt.% of waste tire rubber/wood strand). Average internal bond values of PF-bonded OSB panels with rubber chips were between 17.6% and 48.5% lower than the average of the control samples while polyisocyanate bonded OSBs were 16.5-50.6%. However, water resistance and mechanical properties of OSBs made using polyisocyanate resin were found to comply with general-purpose OSB minimum property requirements of EN 300 Type 1 (1997) values for use in dry conditions at the lowest tire rubber loading level (10%) based on the oven-dry panel weight. The tire rubber improved water resistance of the OSB panel due to its almost hydrophobic property. Based on the findings obtained from this study, we concluded that waste tire rubber could be used for general-purpose OSB manufacturing up to 10% ratio based on the oven-dry panel weight.

A flexible and sensitive textile-based pressure sensor is developed using highly conductive fibers coated with dielectric rubber materials. The pressure sensor exhibits superior sensitivity, very fast response time, and high stability compared with previous textile-based pressure sensors. By using a weaving method, the pressure sensor can be applied to make smart gloves and clothes which can control machines wirelessly as human-machine interfaces.

A one-year survey was conducted in the greater region of Crete (located at the lower region of the Aegean Sea) for the purpose of identifying waste composition (including chemical and physical characterization), as well as any seasonal variation.

Lee Kong Chian was one of the most important Chinese entrepreneurs in the Asian diasporic landscape from the 1920s to 1960s. Born in late Qing China, he migrated to colonial British Singapore as a young boy in 1903, but went back for part of his education from 1908 to 1912. Empowered by a bilingual competency, he began his working career in an assortment of jobs and eventually ended up working for the leading Chinese businessman and community leader Tan Kah Kee and later marrying his daughter. He surged into the public limelight as a force in his own right from the late 1920s and steadily built up a formidable business empire, due in part to his entrepreneurial flair in taking advantage of the Great Depression and the Korean War. He soon acquired the reputation of being the ‘Rubber King’ and ‘Pineapple King’ of Southeast Asia and left profound imprints in the realms of business, education, and philanthropy, the last in particular having reverberations to the present day through the uninterrupted dispensation of his largesse by the Lee Foundation he set up in 1952.

As a public figure who had lived through the tumultuous decades of high nationalism in China, Second World War, British decolonization, nation building and the Cold War, different images of Lee Kong Chian have invariably been produced and projected at different points in time and space. This paper begins with a critical review of the substantive pool of Chinese-language writings on him and then examines closely three major ways in which he has been portrayed amidst the changing circuits of power and shifting identity formation.

The thermal lag associated with the temperature ramping experiment in a dynamic mechanical analysis is demonstrated on carbon black filled vulcanised rubber samples by using a DMTA MkIII from Rheometric Scientific. The importance of achieving thermal equilibrium on the sample before starting the measurement is emphasised. By running a combination of isothermal and ramping steps, the impact of thermal lag

Solid waste management is one of the major environmental concerns in the United States. Over 5 billion tons of non-hazardous solid waste materials are generated in USA each year. Of these, more than 270 million scrap-tires (approximately 3.6 million tons) are generated each year. In addition to this, about 300 million scrap-tires have been stockpiled. Several studies have been carried out to reuse scrap-tires in a variety of rubber and plastic products, incineration for production of electricity, or as fuel for cement kilns, as well as in asphalt concrete.