US specialty chemicals producer Cabot (Boston, Massachusetts; www.cabot-corp.com) says its new range of high performance elastomer composites is designed to provide increased durability in wear resistance and vibration isolation applications. The “Transfinity” products are made from elastomer latex and reinforcing particles, such as carbon black, and through the addition of curing agents can be moulded or extruded and vulcanised to create shaped elastic parts.

The elastomers are suitable for applications in the mining, defence, automotive and aerospace industries. In automotive applications, their use can allow the design of smaller suspension components, reducing vehicle weight and improving fuel economy, Cabot says.

The elastomers can also be used to extend the range of rubber pads or tracks on military vehicles, allowing tanks to travel further without service, and to improve the service life of components in airplanes and helicopters. In mining operations, they can be used as protective liners for mineral processing equipment.

“The transformational performance of Transfinity products has been validated in tyre and defence applications, and we are on a path to commercialisation in those markets,” says Sameer Bharadwaj, general manager, Cabot Elastomer Composites.