Elastomer tackifiers are those that produce green tack in elastomers. The term “tack” refers to the ability of two uncured rubber materials to resist separation after bringing them into contact for a short time under relatively high pressure. Building tack of rubber components is an important pre-requisite to enable tyre building on the tyre building drum where different rubber layers are put together on the tyre building drum before they are cured. Another important property of tackifier is, it should retain its tack on storage. A good tackifier, therefore, should have the following properties :

• Very high initial and extreme long-term tackiness
• No adverse effect on the rubber compound cure on scorch
• No interference on (a) rubber to metal bonding (b) rubber to fabric bonding
• Physical properties of the cured rubber remain unchanged
• No effect on the performance of aged rubber compound properties
• Improves rubber compound process reliability
• Show extreme good performance in silica / s-SBR based rubber compound.

In general, NR has enough tack because of the presence of a very high quantity of low molecular weight fraction, having its wide molecular weight distribution. Its low molecular weight fraction also generates during its break down in machines. On the contrary, synthetic rubber lack in tack property because of the absence of enough low molecular weight fraction in them, having narrow molecular weight distribute on (Fig.1). Synthetic rubber also resists in the molecular break down upon mastication and therefore, cannot produce low molecular weight fraction. Resins are typically produced with molecular weights (Mw) between 1,000 and 2,000 with maximum Mw around 3000. The molecular weight is important since tackifying resins work at the surface of the rubber compound and must be able to migrate to the surface to be effective. If the molecular weight is too low, the resin will remain soluble in the elastomer and not migrate its way to the surface. If the molecular weight is too high, the elastomer will be insoluble in the elastomer. Rubber industries use both synthetic and natural resins for tack. Following three types are in major use in the industry :

1. Aromatic Resins (Phenolic, Cumaron Indane)
2. Petroleum based resins
3. Plant Resins ( wood rosin resins,Terpene resins)

Only plant resin is a source of natural resins. However, due to product consistency and different compatibility factors, synthetic resins are in major use. Besides tyre and other rubber applications, the major end-uses for resins are in pressure-sensitive adhesives, hot-melt adhesives, road markings, paints, caulks, and sealants. Manufacturers use hydrocarbon resins to produce hot melt adhesives (for infant and feminine) and packaging applications in addition to glue sticks, tapes, labels and other adhesive applications. All resins are sticky and because of their low molecular weight they migrate (diffuse) easily on the rubber product surface and behaves sticky and that causes tack. Tack property is apparently due to two major reasons :

• Spontaneous diffusion of molecules between two uncured rubber layers.
• Strong molecular forces resulting high degree of crystallinity

Highest level of tack in NR could be due to both the reasons, which means, NR has a high degree of crystallinity (stress induced crystallization) and it has also broad (wider) molecular weight distribution (Fig.1), so that, having plenty of lower molecular fraction can diffuse faster between two layers in contact each other. NR is reported to improve upon its tack on mastication because it generates a higher number of lower molecular weight fraction chains upon breaking down on shearing forces in machines. CR (Neoprene Rubber) shows exceptional adhesive property because it shows the highest degree of crystallinity, even much greater than NR, due to its strong intermolecular attractive force.

Honestly, NR may not require any tackifier because it has enough low molecular weight fraction of chain molecules, due to its wider molecular weight distribution (Fig.1), to be migrated on the rubber component surface and can produce enough tack. It loses its tack mostly because it might have been processed at a higher temperature and is already in the premature vulcanization stage. It can also happen due to the fact that although calendaring or extrusions were done at the right temperature stock was made before adequate cooling and thereby allowed scorching in windup liners. It also loses its tack at cold ambient temperature, in the rainy season and also if the filler level is too high or if the viscosity of the stock is substantially higher than required. However, all synthetic rubber or when synthetic rubber (SBR,BR) is blended with NR, may require to add adequate resins for compound processing.

Except C4,C5 petroleum-based resins, all other types of resins are compatible with NR and is added 1-2 phr. Comparatively C9 petroleum-based resin is better in NR.  Plant-based resins are found to work better in 100% NR. When NR is compounded with synthetic rubber, the tackifier is a must and the dose could be as high as 2-4 phr depending on the content of synthetic rubber, oil and filler in the compound matrix.  All synthetic rubber lag in rubber tack because, in general, synthetic rubber has :

• Narrow molecular weight distribution
• It resisting break down of molecular chains under mechanical shear
• Synthetic rubber is in very pure form

Aromatic Resins (Phenolic, Cumaron Indane) work better in SBR and BR than plant based resins. For hydrocarbon type of elastomers like butyl , halobutyl , EPM and EPDM , petroleum base resin (C4,C5) work better and usually added with 1-2 phr in the formulation, However, with a higher dose of filler, 2-4 phr tackifier could also be added.

Tackifier resins are added to base polymers/elastomers not only  to improve tack (ability to stick) but it also helps in better wetting with filler. Increase in tensile strength by adding resins has been witnessed in different types of elastomers, aromatic resins have been witnessed to increase tensile strength of SBR and its blend.

Effect of Environment on Rubber Tack

The tack of a rubber article is greatly affected by environmental conditions such

as temperature, ozone level and humidity. Environment can not influence tack, however,  if processed rubber compound is used with in 24 hrs. High temperature and humidity conditions have a detrimental effect on the initial tack and tack retention of an elastomer. Phenolic tackifying resins can help improve tack under these conditions, but they have their limits under extreme conditions. Superior tack retention under the influence of high humidity can be often be achieved with epoxy resin modified alkylphenol-formaldehyde polymers.

Hydrocarbon based tackifying resins are sometimes used as a low-cost alternative to phenolic tackifying resins. However, hydrocarbon resins are not as effective at maintaining tack under adverse environmental conditions, like elevated temperature and high humidity, nor do they have the same tack retention. Hydrocarbon resins however, preferred in butyl and EPDM rubber compound due to their compatibility.

Hydrocarbon resins are not as efficient as phenolic tackifying resins, and higher levels are often required to achieve the same tack. High tackifier resin levels can cause a loss in tensile strength, tear strength and, most importantly, hysteresis. In applications where these properties, especially hysteresis, are important, phenolic tackifying resins are excellent choices and should be used.

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Zeon Corporation broke ground on a multi-product research and prototyping complex at the Kawasaki Innovation Frontier Port in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on 16 October with a ceremony held beforehand to seek safety during construction. The company expects the complex to shorten the path from laboratory work to mass production for established and emerging businesses alike, making it central to its long-term growth strategy.

Set inside an existing building within the port's Research & Development Center area, the complex is slated to begin operating in January 2028. Its design aims to move products past the laboratory stage and into medium-scale sample output more quickly, clearing a bottleneck on the route to full-scale manufacturing.

Zeon's core production methods – polymerisation, hydrogenation, coagulation and drying – will be built into the complex, which is engineered to handle diverse manufacturing conditions and operating approaches. Beyond serving established and new businesses, the polymer design company envisions the site as a centre for technology development and a platform for rolling out new processes and operational, analytical, and measurement technologies within and beyond the company. It will eventually host development and prototyping work across a wide range of technologies, including contract prototypes commissioned by outside parties.

The Kawasaki Innovation Frontier Port is the umbrella name for the site combining the neighbouring Kawasaki Plant and Research & Development Center. The label underscores the location's role in breaking new ground by merging innovation, research and development and production and casts the Kawasaki waterfront as a port that propels innovation. Once a co-creative innovation facility begins operating in December 2026, the two sites will function as one continuous operation, turning out ever more sophisticated products and production methods and reinforcing their standing as a launchpad for technology.

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Vipal Rubber has launched the VT290, a tread designed for truck drive axles used on motorways and paved roads, targeting regional and long-distance transport operations in Europe.

The product is available in widths of 240mm, 250mm, 260mm, 270mm and 280mm. It is designed to provide traction and stability on dry and wet roads, as well as in demanding conditions involving snow.

Frederico Schmidt, General Manager of Vipal EMEA, said, “The launch of the VT290 reinforces Vipal’s ongoing commitment to offering technologically advanced solutions suited to the specific characteristics of European roads and climate.” “We want to further consolidate our presence in the region, delivering a high value-added product that combines innovation, operational efficiency and safety,” he added.

The VT290 carries the M+S marking and 3PMSF certification. Its design includes side sipes and grooves intended to help remove snow and mud from the tread, improving grip on slippery surfaces.

The tread pattern is also designed to distribute engine torque more evenly, helping to reduce uneven wear. Tie bars between the tread blocks add structural stability, supporting vehicle control during driving.

Fabrício Nedeff, Commercial Manager of Vipal EMEA, said, “With the VT290, weare responding directly to the real needs of fleet operators and truck drivers, combining performance, adherence and efficiency in different driving conditions. [RS2.1]In addition to expanding options for our customers, the product strengthens business opportunities for our partners in the region,”

Vipal said the launch would expand its offering for retreaders, distributors and fleet operators in the European market.

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) published its Monthly Natural Rubber Statistical Report for August 2026, noting firmer prices in several markets. Supply constraints, stable downstream demand and persistent geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty shaped the month. Renewed conflict and disruptions to major shipping routes added further pressure.

Physical prices for major grades moved in different directions. SMR-20 in Kuala Lumpur averaged USD 2.31 per kg, up 4.25 percent from July, while STR-20 in Bangkok rose 1.40 percent to USD 2.39 per kg. RSS-3 dropped 4.18 percent to USD 2.80 per kg, but RSS-4 in Kottayam gained 0.57 percent to USD 2.92 per kg. Latex-in-bulk fell 4.73 percent to USD 1.73 per kg. Brent crude averaged USD 91.08 per barrel, driven by concerns over possible restrictions on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and wider Middle East instability, which raised energy supply risks and strengthened the oil market risk premium.

On trade, China's imports climbed 3.39 percent month-on-month, while India fell 10.18 percent and Malaysia dropped 8.24 percent; Viet Nam rose 5.08 percent. Exports advanced 5.63 percent in Viet Nam but declined in Thailand (-5.24 percent), Indonesia (-5.36 percent), Malaysia (-1.48 percent) and Cambodia (-1.88 percent).

Global production is projected to rise 0.6 percent to 15.039 million tons in 2026 from 14.952 million tonnes in 2025, after revisions to Thailand's 2025 output and updated 2026 estimates for Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Weather, including erratic rainfall and drier Southeast Asian conditions, affected output. August 2026 production was estimated at 1.396 million tonnes, down 4.51 percent from 1.462 million tonnes a year earlier. Demand is forecast to grow 0.4 percent to 15.356 million tonnes in 2026 from 15.301 million tonnes, with the largest consumption gains expected in China, Malaysia and Cambodia. Prospects depend on vehicle sales, tyre production, shipping conditions and weather-related supply disruptions, while steady EV-linked demand supported modest growth led by China and India. The ringgit traded between RM4.02 per USD and RM4.09 per USD, and the baht between 32.68 and 33.34. The SHFE January 2027 contract averaged 18,109 CNY per tonne, up 7.78 percent month-on-month, while the SGX November 2026 contract averaged USD 2.24 per kg, up 4.32 percent.

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Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd., a global speciality carbon and carbon black manufacturer, has broadened its emissions accounting to include value chain impacts beyond its direct operations. The move advances measurement and management of Scope 3 emissions across its supply and distribution network, according to the company.

The initiative spans Epsilon Carbon’s integrated carbon complex in Vijayanagar, Karnataka. That site has a production capacity of 500,000 tonnes per annum of speciality carbon and 215,000 TPA of carbon black. It combines carbon manufacturing with energy circularity efforts in one integrated ecosystem. The company assessed material Scope 3 categories under GHG Protocol guidelines.

Scope 3 emissions are indirect and arise from purchased goods and services, transportation, business activities and downstream product use where relevant. The assessment gives Epsilon Carbon clearer visibility into emissions outside its direct control and a foundation for spotting reduction opportunities. It builds on existing operational emissions and energy efficiency work.

The company previously reported a 98 percent Scope 2 reduction against its baseline year. A 17 MW captive power plant uses waste heat from carbon black operations, energy consumption intensity fell 6 percent from baseline, and 77 percent of energy needs came from waste heat recovery, avoiding over 89,000 tonnes of CO₂. Epsilon Carbon now emphasises supplier engagement, data transparency and circularity, aligning disclosures with global sustainability frameworks to track value chain emissions consistently and develop measurable reduction initiatives.

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Meaningful climate action requires us to look beyond the boundaries of our operations and understand the impact of the entire value chain. Scope 3 measurement gives us greater visibility into the emissions and enables deeper engagement with our partners and suppliers. Building this visibility will help us make more informed decisions as we scale our operations and advance our decarbonization plans.”

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