Technical & Laboratory Facilities
Clwyd Compounders Ltd… was founded by John Haywood (PhD, Materials Technology) and Sarah Haywood (MSc, Analytical Chemistry) in 1979, and based in Wrexham, North Wales – an area with a long tradition of manufacturing, situated centrally for easy access to UK markets. As technologists, they appreciated the potential for continuous development of rubber compounds, both to meet existing needs with more cost-effective materials, and to expand the range of conditions in which rubber compounds could be used.
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Our well equipped laboratory can carry out specification testing to a range of standards, including:
| Hardness | ISO 48:2010, ASTM D2240, ASTM D1415 |
| Density | BS ISO 2781:2008, A1:2010, ASTM D297 |
| Tensile | ISO 37:2011, ASTM D412 |
| Tear Strength | BS ISO 34-1:2010, ASTM D624 |
| Compression Set | BS ISO 815-1:2008, ASTM D395 |
| Heat Resistance | BS ISO 188:2007, ASTM D573 |
| Effect of Liquids | BS ISO 1817:2011, ASTM D471 |
| Ozone Resistance | BS ISO 1431-1:2012, ASTM D1149 |
| Low Temperature | BS903-A13:1990, ISO 1432:1998, ASTM D2137 |
| Corrosion Resistance | BSO ISO 6505:2005 |
We also provide compound analysis/identification using:
TGA (Thermogravimetric analysis)
FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
Other equipment includes a spectrophotometer for colour matching and a dispergrader for carrying out dispersion checks.
Compound Identification
Customers frequently need a compound which will match that in a sample provided, and Clwyd Compounders have made a substantial investment in analytical equipment which meets this need.
Compound Identification can be provided either as part of a quote for a new compound, or a full report can be prepared for consideration as a stand-alone service.
Compound Development
Whether you require a “tweak” to an existing compound, or are starting a new project from scratch, Clwyd Compounders can provide the service you require.
All development starts with an assessment of your processes, your product and the environment in which it will be required to perform. This will be carried out by a member of our technical team with relevant specialist experience, who will take responsibility for your project.
We will propose a costed scheme of work and time scale; for complex developments, this may be multi-stage, with samples and reports submitted for specialist external testing/evaluation during the process. We are experienced in the use of DoE (design of experiment) software which enables us to minimise the number of samples we need to produce to obtain the required results.
We undertake to keep you fully informed throughout the project and we are not afraid to give bad news; it is in the nature of development work that problems will arise from time to time; in our experience, provided these are addressed as soon as they become apparent, a solution can usually be found.
Technical Papers
We have the following 6 technical papers for you to download:
New-generation curative – taking an ETU replacement accelerator from concept to marketplace
2014 – Rubbercon, Manchester
Clwyd Compounders is part of a European consortium that has developed a novel acceleratoras a potential alternative to ethyl thiourea (ETU), a material which has been identified as toxic to reproduction and a possible carcinogen. This paper follows on from the SafeRubberproject and aims to explore the potential of the accelerator SRM102 in compounding bothgeneral-purpose and high-performance elastomers.
The compounders’ approach to developing compounds for components to meet major specifications for the oil and gas industries
2010 – HPE for Oil & Gas Conference, Aberdeen
This paper aims to show through selected case studies how holistic analysis of processing and service requirements, coupled with innovative compounding, can produce compounds suitable for the most demanding applications.
REACH for the downstream user – a summary
2011 – Manchester Polymer Group Seminar
This presentation summarises the main points of the legislation as it affects downstreams users, and explains how a focus on the elimination Substances of Very High Concern from the supply chain can benefit users. A case study describes the successful replacement of phthalate plasticers by citrates.
Achieving the right balance between Specification and Processabilty for Selected High Performance Elastomers
2012 – DKT conference, Nuremberg
This paper aims to show through selected case studies how holistic analysis of processing and service requirements, coupled with innovative compounding, can produce compounds suitable for the most demanding applications.
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The challenges of replacing existing
compounding ingredients because
of legislation
2006 – Rubberchem conference, Nuremburg
This paper explains the effect of industry specific legislation EEC legislation on WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electrical equipment) and GADSL (Global Automotive Declarable Substances List) on the selection of compounding ingredients, and give examples of how declarable or proscribed substances may be eliminated.
REACH for the downstream user
2010 – Rubberchem conference, Vienna
This paper takes a more detailed look at the requirements of REACH and the associated CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) legislation, as they will affect downstream users until full implementation is required in 2015. It highlights actions which will be required, and includes a case study.
Case Studies
We have the following case study for you to download:
Updated Silicone Aerospace Specifications
Issues for Compounders and
Downstream Users
Presented at DKT 2018, this poster discuss’ the issues for compounders and downstream users, caused by specifications that do not take into account properties of new grades.
New High Temperature ACM Grade Pushes the Boundaries in Turbo Hose Applications
Clwyd Compounders Ltd introduces an alternative to ethylene acrylic elastomers (AEM) for use in a wide variety of potential applications, including valve covers, oil pan gaskets, seals, turbo hoses and air ducts. This high-temperature polyacrylate compound offers a good balance of long-term heat and compression set performance with good low temperature properties and improved processing characteristics.
Combining Compound Optimization and Mix Cycle Evaluation to Suit Production Techniques and End Product Preformance
Presented at DKT 2015, this poster details the importance of ingredient selection and further processing considerations to achieve consistent high quality rubber compounds tailored to the manufacturer’s processes.
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Development of a range of fibre reinforced compounds with improved processing for anti-extrusion applications
By gaining a thorough understanding of the internal mechanics of a fibre reinforced compound Clwyd Compounders has been able to produce a range of compounds, focusing on maintaining good processability, with greatly increased low extension modulus values. With knowledge of the technology we can offer bespoke development of tailor made compounds for use in various applications.