Rubber compounding is both an art and a science—an intricate balancing act of ingredients, processing methods, and performance goals. A basic rubber compound is more than just raw polymer; it is a complex mixture of ingredients that dictate the final product’s cost, processability, and ultimate performance properties. Whether you’re new to rubber technology or... Read more »
The U.S. chemical industry sits at the intersection of several powerful — and sometimes opposing — forces. After several years of volatility driven by global demand swings, energy-price volatility, trade-policy shifts and reshoring incentives, the sector in 2025 looks steadier than in 2023 but still faces headwinds that keep manufacturers cautious about investment and... Read more »
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to revise and roll back several provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), sparking widespread debate among industry groups, policymakers, and environmental advocates. What’s Changing? The proposed changes focus on three key areas: Definition of Scientific Evidence – The EPA intends to alter the... Read more »
When goods disappear in transit, the damage reaches far beyond the shipper. Carriers, insurers, retailers, and consumers all feel the impact. Once a fringe concern, cargo theft has become a systemic crisis, with incidents and losses climbing year after year. The numbers are stark. In 2024, the U.S. and Canada logged more than 3,600... Read more »
ChemCeed, a leading provider of chemical raw materials, is pleased to announce that Grace Lafaive and Wyatt Olson will be representing the company at the 2025 Global Polymer Summit, taking place September 8–11, 2025, in Cleveland, OH. ChemCeed will be exhibiting at Booth #648, where attendees can learn more about the company’s extensive product... Read more »
Formulation 101: Plastisol Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastisols are liquid dispersions of fine PVC resin particles in a liquid plasticizer. When heated, the mixture undergoes gelation and fusion, resulting in a flexible, durable solid film or molded product. Due to their versatility, PVC plastisols are widely used in coatings, flooring, automotive parts, toys, textiles, adhesives,... Read more »
As much as we might wish otherwise, the 2025 hurricane season has arrived—and experts are forecasting one of the most active in recent years. According to Colorado State University’s latest projections, both the Atlantic and Pacific basins face an “above normal” season. And it’s not just coastal areas that should be on alert. Past... Read more »
Process oils are refined from crude petroleum through a series of steps that remove impurities and isolate desired hydrocarbon structures. The refining method determines the oil’s composition (aromatic, naphthenic, or paraffinic), and directly impacts its performance in rubber, plastic, and other formulations. Process oils are used in a variety of industrial applications primarily as processing... Read more »
A head-spinning sequence of trade announcements this past week has left manufacturers and chemical suppliers scrambling to keep up. The U.S. has struck sweeping new trade agreements with the European Union, Indonesia, South Korea and Japan—while simultaneously announcing a 25 % tariff on Indian imports. The flurry of moves in just two weeks has redefined market... Read more »
President Donald Trump made headlines on July 12, 2025, by announcing sweeping 30% tariffs on imports from the European Union and Mexico, set to take effect on August 1. Positioned as a measure to protect national security and rebalance trade relationships, the announcement has already sparked diplomatic backlash and market volatility. The tariffs cover a... Read more »
