John Dick

There are presently over 10 different standard RPA ASTM test methods that are used to measure rubber processability. To improve these three methods further, an ASTM sub committee is working on adding a new Part D to ASTM D6204 to improve statistical test sensitivity to differences in the quality of mixed stocks and raw polymers.

This paper gives a broad overview in the wide variety of uses for the Rubber Process Analyzer.

Zinc oxide is used as the main activator along with stearic acid in the vast majority of rubber formulations today. However, some have considered zinc oxide as just another industrial chemical. This paper compares different grades of zinc oxide in critical rubber compounds.

John Dick had just started his career when Rubber & Plastics News made its debut. The industry and the publication, he said, have changed for the better.