Nick White

Two local children have won this year's yellow welly treasure hunt held by the RNLI at Penarth.

It’s right in the name

Gen Alpha isn't Gen Z 2.0. Attest's new research reveals what brands must know to connect with this next generation as they turn 16 in 2026.

The rubber industry uses phthalates as plasticizers in technical rubber goods due to their excellent compatibility, low volatility and cost-effectiveness. Growing concerns over their environmental and health impact have driven the search for sustainable alternatives. Bio-based plasticizers offer a promising solution due to their renewable nature, non-toxicity and biodegradability. This study explores the feasibility of replacing a conventional petroleum-based Di-Iso-Nonyl Phthalate (DINP) with a bio-based phthalate-free plasticizer, Aurora PHFree, in Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) compounds filled with semi-reinforcing carbon black N660. Aurora PHFree achieves similar processing behavior, cure characteristics, and mechanical properties as well as aging performance by using only half of the amount by weight of DINP. This efficiency is attributed to the improved plasticizing effects, which enable polymer chain mobility, without altering the overall crosslink density, as well as the enhanced dispersion of the carbon black (CB) fillers of the rubber compounds. This research supports the development of more sustainable rubber materials and contributes to reducing the dependence on fossil-based materials while maintaining high-quality standards.

There's a clear need for flexible, scalable, lower-cost credit pathways that meet high standards of academic quality while also meeting learners where they are.