The chemical industry continues to strive for greener innovation, and liquid polybutadiene technology can provide innovative solutions for today’s challenges.

Automakers are investing heavily in electric vehicle (EV) technology and are setting long-term goals for phasing out internal combustion engines. This strategic shift is driven by government policy, long-term competitiveness, and innovations in lithium-ion technology and production that have extended the EV driving range and reduced battery pack costs.

Adhesives and sealants are part of our daily lives, although they are often invisible. They ensure that our food is packaged and promoted safely, that our houses are wind- and waterproof, and that our communication and mobility needs are served in safe and efficient ways. Thousands of everyday items, such as mobile phones, washing machines, personal hygiene products, shoes, clothing, building products, batteries, automobiles, rail cars, ships, and even airplanes, are nowadays only possible thanks to high-performance adhesives and sealants.

Careful consideration must be taken with pump selection when handling the transfer of glues. Depending on the type, these adhesives can be highly viscous and often harden and solidify when exposed to air. Glues are typically either water or solvent based; in this instance, the former is relevant.

The transformation of the world’s vehicles from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to electric vehicles (EVs) relies in large part on what holds the vehicles together—namely, adhesives.

Not surprisingly, the global economic recovery is continuing more quickly in regions where COVID-19 is under control and vaccinations have been widely rolled out. After an estimated contraction of 3.3% in 2020, the global economy is projected to grow at 6% in 2021, moderating to 4.4% in 2022, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Called thermoset polyesters, these materials are glass fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyesters. They are also often referred to as “sheet molding compounds” (SMCs), “fiber-reinforced plastics” (FRPs), or simply “fiberglass.”

In the growing market for consumer electronics, manufacturers are looking for new aesthetic and functional solutions. It’s no longer just about trendy shapes and bright colors: consumers have discovered a preference for velvety-soft products with luxurious matte surfaces.