Rubber Sector Research Articles

Pengaruh Nilai Tukar, Inflasi, Produk Domestik Bruto terhadap Ekspor Karet Indonesia Periode 2015 sampai dengan 2022

This study aims to analyze the influence of exchange rate, inflation rate, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth on Indonesian rubber exports during the period of 2015-2022. The objective of this research is to understand the dynamics of economic factors affecting Indonesian rubber exports and their potential contribution to the national economy. A quantitative research method was employed, utilizing regression analysis to test hypotheses regarding the relationship between the aforementioned variables. Data were obtained from official sources such as Bank Indonesia and the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS), encompassing exchange rates, inflation rates, GDP, and rubber export data. The analysis indicates that the exchange rate does not significantly influence Indonesian rubber exports. However, the inflation rate exhibits a significant positive impact on rubber export volume, while GDP growth shows a positive but insignificant influence. Simultaneously, exchange rates, inflation rates, and GDP collectively demonstrate a significant impact on rubber exports. This study underscores the importance of considering the economic factors examined in designing policies and strategies to enhance rubber exports in Indonesia. With a deeper understanding of these factors, it is hoped that better guidance can be provided for economic development in the rubber sector and, consequently, for the national economy.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of PAHs Generated from Rubber Pyrolysis

The rapid expansion of the automotive industry has posed challenges for the waster tire rubber sector. Pyrolysis, as a prominent method for waster rubber treatment, inevitably produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which serve as precursors to dioxins and exhibit high toxicity. This study utilizes molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the thermal decomposition of rubber macromolecules and the subsequent formation of PAHs. Initially, an overall simulation of the pyrolysis process is conducted to analyze the evolution of pyrolysis products. The pyrolysis of rubber involves sequential decomposition and polymerization, with the evolutionary analysis of the decomposition products with various numbers of carbon atoms used to validate this process. Subsequently, the factors influencing PAH formation are examined and assessed. Temperature elevation enhances rubber pyrolysis, while the maturity of PAH molecules is linked to oxygen levels. The introduction of hydrogen or hydroxyl groups can partially impede PAH generation. This investigation elucidates the mechanisms governing PAH generation during rubber pyrolysis, with the goal of aiding in the effective regulation of PAHs in waster rubber pyrolysis.

Commodities of Conflict: Rubber between the Blockades, 1914-1945

The British blockade of 1914 cut Germany off from its global value chains. While German planners had to develop new concepts to replace various imported goods, the embargo revealed the dependence of modern economic production on some strategic commodities. In particular, the supply of rubber, a vital raw material for many military and civilian products, posed serious problems for planners. However, conflicts over dependence on strategic commodities did not end with the lifting of the blockade. Instead, they dominated the interwar period on a global scale. This article will examine these interwar conflicts of commodities in the case of rubber. It will therefore examine the immediate response of German officials and businessmen to the blockade in the rubber sector. The second part focuses on the long-term consequences of the blockade from a global perspective. In addition to Germany, the United States experienced similar problems of dependence in the rubber market. From the perspective of global value chains, the article shows the enormous impact of the blockade on states and business and their efforts to control global markets. While substitutes such as synthetic rubber played an important role, international cooperation was another factor in securing the global supply of goods.

A Review on the Status of Rubber Plantations in Cambodia

The rubber tree (natural rubber) is a tropical crop around the world. In Cambodia, rubber is one of the most popular agro-industrial crops introduced since the 1910s. This study review article aims to demonstrate the methods for planting and harvesting techniques in rubber plantations. Cultivation is the most important factor in the rubber sector, and planting is done during June and July. Moreover, selecting varieties of clonal rubber is the best way to improve high production, high initial vigor, tolerance to climate change, pests, wind damage, and diseases, and to be a good secondary characteristic. In addition, harvesting techniques are vital elements in the status of rubber plantations. So, improving the methods of cultivation and the techniques of harvesting is very important in order to get a high amount of rubber production.

Introducing Gliricidia sepium as a Fuel Wood in Rubber Smallholdings of Sri Lanka: A Case Study in Kalutara District


 A pilot project has been initiated to introduce Gliricidia sepium with Hevea brasiliensis under three different spatial arrangements ((i.)8'×27', (ii.)8'×40, and (iii.)88'×60’) as a fuel wood to improve the income status of rubber smallholders in Kalutara District by Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka in 2018. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey and field observations. The financial analysis was done for one hectare of smallholding. Certain assumptions were made in the financial feasibility analysis as financial analysis was done for 30 years giving consideration to the 30 year life span of rubber. Costs and benefits were discounted at 10% discount rate as practiced by the Department of National Planning to obtain 2019 market prices. The farm gate prices of 1kg of rubber and Gliricidia were considered as LKR 280.00 and LKR 4.00. The cost for hired labour was considered LKR 1,500.00 per day. Period of intercropping of Gliricida under rubber in the 88'×40' and 88'×60' models was considered as 30 years and in the 88'×27' model, it was considered as eight years. Financial feasibility of models was tested using the indices of Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR). A qualitative SWOT was conducted to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats relevant to introduction of Gliricidia as an intercrop in rubber plantations based on a thorough documentation review and on the opinions of Rubber Extension Officers. From the three models introduced, the highest fuel wood value can be obtained by intercropping Gliricidia with rubber under the spacing of 88'×60'. NPV for growing gliricidia with rubber under three different spatial arrangements, (i.)88'×27', (ii.)88'×40' and (iii.)88'×60' would be LKR 0.74 million, LKR 5.47 million and LKR 5.89 million respectively. The values obtain for BCR for growing gliricidia with rubber under three different spatial arrangements, (i.)88'×27', (ii.)88'×40' and (iii.)88'×60' would be 1.37, 2.26 and 2.27, respectively. All fuel wood growing models indicated positive NPV and BC Ratios were greater than one, suggesting that these introduced models are economically viable. Although there are no established market channels available for fuel wood especially in the smallholder rubber sector of Sri Lanka, there is a demand for Gliricidia which is fulfilled through adhoc markets. Also, development of sustainable supply chains through setting up of Pilot Biomass Energy Terminals with the objective of collection and distribution of fuel wood under the Project of Promoting Sustainable Biomass Energy Production and Modern Bio-Energy Technologies has widened the opportunity of using Gliricidia as a promising fuel wood species Gliricidia with rubber has the potential to improve income generation of rubber smallholders substantially especially during the immature stage of rubber and provide a solution to overcome uncertainty in rubber prices and low productivity of rubber lands.
 
 Keywords: Fuel wood growing models, Rubber farming

The Economic Analysis of the Agricultural Industries: The Case of Indonesia

Background: Food is an essential thing in human activities. Therefore, it is said that agricultural sectors have a crucial role in human life. The purpose of this study is to analyze the role of the agricultural sector in the national economy of Indonesia. Method: The data used in this study are Indonesian input-output (IO) tables in 1990, 1995, and 2005. The analytical instrument of this research is IO analysis. This study uses more specific parts of the IO analysis such as simple household income multiplication, simple output multiplication, sensitivity distribution index, and power distribution index as analysis tools. The analysis of this research has a period of 1990-2005. In this study, the analyzed sectors are (1) paddy, (2) maize, (3) cassava, (4) other rootlcrops, including sweet potatoes, (5) groundnut, (6) soybeans, (7) other beans, (8) vegetables, (9) fruits, (10) cereals and other food crops, (11) rubber, (12) sugarcane, (13) coconut, (14) oil palm, (15) fibrelcrops, (16) tobacco, (17) coffee, (18) tea, (19) clove, (20) otherlestatelcrops, and (21) otherlagriculture. The first step of the methodology of this study is to describe the data, while the final step is to explain the study's conclusions and suggested further research. Results: The results show that, by using a simple output multiplier, the analyzed sectors did not include the top five Indonesian industries from 1990 through 2005. Conversely, one of the analyzed sectors, rubber, was admitted in the top five Indonesian industries in the period of the analysis from the point of view of another multiplier. Using both indices, almost all analyzed industries were consistent in the quadrant from 1990 through 2005. Conclusion: Indonesian government shall prioritize the rubber sector for the next economic development plans.

Making concessions pay? Historical vs. potential tax revenues from Laos’s rubber sector

Under-taxation has been a prominent feature of the global land rush, figuring centrally in early concerns that transnational land deals constitute a new round of land grabbing rather than a source of productive investment. In the years since, however, under-taxation has been widely ignored in subsequent literature on state land concessions in the agri-plantation sector across the global South. To address this gap, this paper draws on ongoing research in Laos, where improved concession inventory efforts have helped stimulate a wide-ranging debate (both in and out of government) about the country’s still-opaque processes of concession taxation. We use the rubber sector to examine a pair of concession-taxation strategies that have been pursued to varying degrees both in Laos and more broadly: taxing land from the time it is alienated to a concessionaire (a land fee model), and taxing the resource itself – in this case rubber plantations – from the time they become productive (a royalty model). Using a quantitative-geographic approach enabled by Laos’s recently updated land concession inventory, we estimate potential tax revenues from rubber plantations under four taxation regimes that were deployed in various parts of the country over the last decade and a half: two of each type, with each type including higher and lower per-unit variants. Our analysis of the space of potential taxation implies significant opportunity costs inherent in the status-quo approach to taxation, which we discuss via the example of unaddressed need for concession-related compensation. Especially at the higher-end range, where taxation potentials total in the tens of millions of dollars per year, we find that Laos’s rubber-concession landscape has significant potential to help address this issue. To the degree that under-taxation is addressed in the future, however, new concession-tax revenues will increasingly be subject to spending demands from outside the rubber sector.

개질된 Nanographene Oxide기반의 실리콘 고무 복합체의 기계적 물성 및 Swelling 거동 연구

Nanocomposites were created by using nanographene oxide (GO) as a reinforcing filler into silicone rubber and evaluating the materials’ mechanical and abrasion resistance properties. GO was treated with 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), then mixed with phenyl silicone rubber (PSR) at different concentrations (2-10 phr) and vulcanised. It was investigated the impact of MDI modified GO concentration on the morphology of PSR nanocomposites. The swelling properties of silicone rubber/MDI modified GO nanocomposites were also investigated in relation to penetrants (aromatic, aliphatic, and chlorinated solvents) and nanofiller concentrations (0-10 phr). Due to greater dispersion and reinforcing impact, mechanical parameters (tensile strength and modulus), and swelling resistance of silicone nanocomposites improve with MDI-GO concentration. The rate of rise is constant up to a concentration of 6 phr MDI-GO, after which it drops, confirming the formation of agglomeration. The MDI modification of GO improves the dispersion of MDI-GO in silicone rubber considerably, according to FESEM analysis. Because of its strong contact with the polymer matrix, GO serves as reinforcement. This research expands the range of applications for GO in the silicone rubber sector.

Dampak Sosial Ekonomi Pabrik Karet PT Karya Sejati bagi Masyarakat Murung Keramat

The existence of a factory in an area has an impact, including PT. Karya Sejati, which operates in the rubber sector, has had an impact on the people of the Murung Keramat Village. The purpose of this study was to determine the positive socio-economic impact of the PT. True Work. The method used in this research uses descriptive qualitative. Data obtained through observation, interviews, and various literature. Data analysis refers to Miles and Huberman s technical data analysis. The results of his research show that the rubber factory PT. Karya Sejati has a positive socio-economic impact on society. These impacts includeabsorption of labor thereby reducing the number of unemployed and improving the economy of the surrounding community.

Preparation of Polymer-Based Nano-Assembled Particles with Fe3O4 in the Core.

Organic-inorganic nanocomposite particles, possessing defined morphologies, represent the next frontier in advanced materials due to their superior collective performance. In this pursuit of efficient preparation of composite nanoparticles, a series of diblock polymers polystyrene-block-poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PS-b-PtBA) were initially synthesized using the Living Anionic Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (LAP PISA) technique. Subsequently, the tert-butyl group on the tert-butyl acrylate (tBA) monomer unit in the diblock copolymer, yielded from the LAP PISA process, was subjected to hydrolysis using trifluoroacetic acid (CF3COOH), transforming it into carboxyl groups. This resulted in the formation of polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) nano-self-assembled particles of various morphologies. The pre-hydrolysis diblock copolymer PS-b-PtBA produced nano-self-assembled particles of irregular shapes, whereas post-hydrolysis regular spherical and worm-like nano-self-assembled particles were generated. Utilizing PS-b-PAA nano-self-assembled particles that containing carboxyl groups as polymer templates, Fe3O4 was integrated into the core region of the nano-self-assembled particles. This was achieved based on the complexation between the carboxyl groups on the PAA segments and the metal precursors, facilitating the successful synthesis of organic-inorganic composite nanoparticles with Fe3O4 as the core and PS as the shell. These magnetic nanoparticles hold potential applications as functional fillers in the plastic and rubber sectors.

The Impact of HRM Practices on the Employee Retention in the Jordanian Plastic and Rubber Sector

The Impact of HRM Practices on the Employee Retention in the Jordanian Plastic and Rubber Sector

Cure kinetics and mechanical properties of carbonized chicken feather reinforced styrene butadiene rubber composites

AbstractPolymers are part and parcel of our life and society due to the immense applications resulting from their unique properties. High performing products based on bio feed stocks have gained special attention compared to non‐renewable resources. In the present research work, carbon black (CCF) prepared from waste chicken feathers has been used as reinforcement in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). Cure kinetics of SBR‐CCF composites and their mechanical properties have been evaluated with respect to loading of filler and concentration of dicumyl peroxide crosslinking agent. The cure reaction of all compounds obeys first order kinetics and the rate constants increase with filler loading as well as temperature. A decrease in energy of activation of cure has been noted with increase of loading of CCF filler, which assists for an increase in the rate of production of articles using the filled SBR compounds. The improvement in tensile properties with CCF has been supported by the fractography of the composites and by the crosslink density values obtained using equilibrium swelling method. The performance of the developed composites points to their applications in the area of car‐tire industry, tread rubber sector and structural applications such as drive and shaft couplings.

Determinants of FELDA Settlers’ Wellbeing and Sustainability: The mediating role of corporate responsibility

Over the past years, indefinite harvests in the palm oil and rubber sectors have amplified the pressure on FELDA settlers, especially those living in rural areas. Fortunately, with the government support of financial aid amounting to RM6.23bil, FELDA is expected to expedite a new business model in salvaging the settlers and ensuring their sustainability. The concerns on the palm oil industry and FELDA settlers' wellbeing have inspired researchers to investigate the issues and challenges, and the findings postulate that immediate resolution is vital to ameliorate settlers' wellbeing and for them to sustain and uphold the palm oil and rubber business.

Energy Efficiency of the Vulcanization Process of a Bicycle Tyre

The production of tyres is one of the most energy consuming manufacturing activities in the rubber sector. In the production cycle of a tyre, the curing operation has the maximum energy loss. This is mostly due to the extensive use of steam as a source of heat and pressure in the vulcanization process. To the author’s knowledge, no scientific work is available in the literature where the energy efficiency of a tyre vulcanization press is estimated by means of a comprehensive model of all main components, including the moulds, the press with its heated plates, the bladder and, of course, the tyre. The present work aims at filling this gap. First, the press used for developing the model is described, along with its components and its typical product, a bicycle tyre. The instruments used for measuring flow rates, temperatures and pressures are also listed. Then, a numerical model is presented, that predicts the energy transfers occurring in the vulcanization press during a full process cycle. The numerical model, developed with the software Simcenter Amesim 2021.1, has been validated by means of measurements taken at the press. The results indicate that the amount of energy which is actually consumed by the tyre for its reticulation process amounts to less than 1% of the total energy expenditure. The paper demonstrates that the tyre industry is in urgent need of an electrification conversion of the traditional steam-based processes.

Susceptibility of rubber genotypes [Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae)] to Corynespora Leaf Fall disease in graft wood gardens in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire

Objective: This work to determine the susceptibility of 20 rubber genotypes to leaf fall disease caused by Corynespora cassiicola (CLF) was conducted in the San Pedro Rubber Sector in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire. Methods and Results: These rubber genotypes were selected in large-scale clone fields and tested for susceptibility to CLF disease under natural infection in the transplant garden. In a clonal plot, the rubber plants were planted in line, with a spacing of 1 m x 1 m between the lines. Overall, the results showed that the susceptibility of rubber genotypes fluctuated over the past five years. In addition, some rubber genotypes such as IRCA 430, IRCA 101, IRCA 733, IRCA 321, IRCA 523, IRCA 41, IRCA 230, IRCA 323 and IRCA 229, once resistant or tolerant, showed over time a susceptibility to CLF disease. On the other hand, three genotypes: PB 217, IRCA 101 and IRCA 538 expressed a good level of resistance to C. cassiicola, unlike the sensitive control IRCA 18 which showed a high susceptibility throughout the 5 years of observation. Conclusion and Recommendation: Of the 20 rubber genotypes tested, only three (PB 217, IRCA 101 and IRCA 538) are good candidates for large-scale rubber crop referrals to minimize the impact of CLF disease in the South-West Côte d’Ivoire rubber orchard. Keywords: susceptibility, Corynespora cassiicola, Hevea brasiliensis, graft wood garden, CLF disease, Côte d’Ivoire 18998

The EU Bioeconomy Footprint: Using life cycle assessment to monitor environmental impacts of the EU Bioeconomy

From an environmental perspective, the transition from a fossil to a bio-based economy may underpin some trade-offs associated to the environmental impacts of bio-based supply chains and, there is thus a need to have an effective monitoring system. The goal of this paper is to develop a Life Cycle Assessment-based Bioeconomy Footprint to assess and monitor along time the environmental impacts of the EU bioeconomy. The composition of the Bioeconomy Footprint was defined in two steps: (a) defining the sectors to be included, and (b) selecting the representative products per sector; resulting in the inclusion of 76 representative final products covering eight bio-economy sectors. The overall impact is quantified based on the consumption intensity and the environmental impacts of the life cycle of each representative product. The EU Bioeconomy Footprint has increased by +23 % between 2010 and 2020, which can only partly be explained by the increase of population (+1–2 %). Food consumption has the highest share of the total impacts, 83–85 % across the years, followed by bioenergy (9–10 % of total impacts), while other sectors show a limited contribution to the overall impacts. However, further developments are needed to improve the current coverage of some sectors, e.g. non-food agriculture, and bio-based chemicals, pharmaceutical, plastic and rubber sector. Potential monitoring indicators based on the Bioeconomy Footprint are proposed as basis for the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System, including approaches from time trends to an absolute assessment against the planetary boundaries.

Impact of Global Trade Dynamics on the United States Rubber Industry

This study looks at how global trade dynamics affect the rubber business in the United States, emphasizing how supply chain adaptation, trade regulations, and market trends affect industry competitiveness and prospects in the future. The study's primary goals are to evaluate supply chain adaptation techniques, examine potential future growth opportunities for the industry, and explore how trade policies affect market competitiveness. To acquire information about international trade trends and their consequences for the rubber business in the United States, a thorough examination of secondary data sources, such as government publications, industry reports, and scholarly journals, was conducted. The impact of globalization on trade patterns, the necessity of supply chain resilience through technology adoption and strategic partnerships, and the role of innovation and sustainability in boosting industry competitiveness are among the key conclusions. The policy implications underscore the necessity of equitable trade rules that foster transparency, minimize trade obstacles, and allocate resources toward technology and sustainable practices to bolster sector resilience. The research highlights the significance of cooperative endeavors between industry participants and policymakers in cultivating a favorable trade atmosphere for the sustainable economic growth of the rubber sector in the United States.

Innovative Additives for Rubber: Improving Performance and Reducing Carbon Footprint

This study investigates how to improve performance and lessen environmental effects by integrating novel compounds into rubber. The principal aims of this study are to evaluate the potential of bio-based additives, sophisticated nanomaterials, and intelligent features to enhance rubber's mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties while reducing carbon emissions. The research assesses recent developments and potential future directions through an extensive secondary data analysis. Important discoveries show that carbon nanotubes and graphene considerably improve durability and tensile strength, while bio-based additives lessen reliance on fossil fuels. The automotive sector benefits significantly from these additives' lightweight and increased energy efficiency. The report also emphasizes the necessity of sustainable end-of-life management and enhanced recyclability. The analysis highlights the significance of policy interventions despite the high costs and scaling issues associated with these materials. To encourage the use of sustainable additives, governments must fund R&D, set precise guidelines, and promote recycling. The rubber sector may make great strides and contribute to industrial performance and environmental sustainability by addressing these constraints through supporting legislation. This study highlights how cutting-edge additives can revolutionize rubber technology in the future.

Review on National Competitive Advantage for Marketing Potentials for Off-The Road (OTR) Tyre Industry in Sri Lanka

Among countless number of products manufactured around the world certain countries have developed highly competitive positions in the global market for certain products. This case study looks into the national competitive advantage of nations through the Porters diamond model and investigates how countries could develop leading position in a product facing the fierce global competition. Sri Lanka being the world’s largest solid tyre manufacturer, the country has great potential to develop in the much larger off the road tyre segment. A country being situated in a region where an industry cluster is strong has proven to give the country higher potential success in the particular industry. Further Asia’s newly industrialized countries starting from similar positions to Sri Lanka held competitive positions in the apparel industry. However, the economic development shifted their national competitive advantage to other more industrialized sectors including the tyre industry. Sri Lanka as a country featured with national advantages in rubber sector should look into shifting our national competitive advantage to other industries where tyre industry is a highly potential candidate. The review on the said content has been presented in this paper followed by a literature-based discussion as the main research instrument. Paper discusses the main concepts and related justifications on national competitive advantages by referring to accepted models and empirical review. It has concluded the main points whilst encouraging future research works to examine the ways and means to expand the marketing potential of Sri Lankan rubber industry.

Understanding the role of ZnO as activator in SBR vulcanizates: Performance evaluation with active, nano, and functionalized ZnO

AbstractThis study investigates (ZnO)s with different surface features as vulcanization activators in unfilled SBR vulcanizates. ZnO is termed the best activator due to its fast reaction kinetics. A high release of ZnO into the environment harms marine ecosystems, and most ZnO production goes to the rubber sector; therefore, reducing ZnO amount is essential. Active, nano and functionalized ZnO compared to conventional ZnO in SBR matrix; concentration optimized based on curing, mechanical, physical, and dispersion analyses. The Arrhenius equation approximated the cure curve's kinetic constant and activation energy. Crosslink density measured by swelling experiment and solvent freezing point depression. Nano ZnO was used from 0.5 to 2phr, active ZnO from 1 to 4phr, and functionalized ZnO from 1 to 3phr compared to 5phr of conventional ZnO. The tensile strength of N1.5, F1.5, and A2 SBR increased by 5%, 26%, and 18% compared to C5SBR, whose elongation at break improved by 30%, 7%, and 23%. The data were analyzed using tukey HSD post hoc test. Regarding mechanical properties and curing characteristics, 2phr active, functionalized, and 1.5phr nano ZnO is analogous to 5phr conventional ZnO in an unfilled SBR matrix. The quantity of ZnO in rubber vulcanizates decreased successively by 60%, 60%, and 70%.