Rubber Thread by Dry Rubber Extrusion

Manufacturer: I know that the rubber thread used in textiles and garments is manufactured by extrusion process (i.e. by Latex extrusion).

I want to know whether it is possible to extrude thread by using rubber sheet. That is by using hot feed Extruder. Any advantage of using extruder process compared to latex extrusion? (Is it possible to add more filler in rubber thread extrusion process in case of dry extrusion and also the usage of carbon black and silica as reinforcement agents?)

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): Wherever possible, using latex would give the best physical properties compared to "dry-rubber" process. This is because in the latter, rubber must first be masticated whereby the rubber molecules are broken down to soften the rubber in order to facilitate the subsequent mixing of compounding ingredients.

As a result of mastication the rubber has been "weakened" unless and until a reinforcing filler such as carbon black and silica is added.



Yes, you can make rubber thread by "dry-rubber" extrusion process followed by cutting.

Semperit to Acquire Malaysian Latexx Partners

Semperit AG Holding entered into agreements to acquire a significant stake in Malaysian Latexx Partners Berhad. In addition, Semperit announces a voluntary conditional cash offer for all outstanding shares and warrants of Latexx Partners.

Assuming a 100% takeover of Latexx Partners, the maximum transaction volume will amount to approximately MYR 603 million (EUR 152 million). The offer is being made via Semperit Investments Asia Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Semperit. Latexx Partners generated revenue of MYR 441 million (EUR 104 million) and an EBIT of MYR 66 million (EUR 16 million). The company owns six manufacturing plants.

The planned acquisition represents a significant step for Semperit to achieve its strategic objective of reaching an annual sales volume of 23 billion gloves by 2015. Latexx Partners has an annual capacity of 9 billion gloves, thereof 6 billion with latest technology. Semperit expects to increase its annual glove production capacity from the current level of 12 billion gloves by approximately 70% to about 20 billion.