Rubber toughening and damage competition theory. In material selection it is important to look at the interaction between the matrix and the secondary phase. For example, crosslinking within the rubber phase will promote high strength fibril formation that will toughen the rubber, preventing particle fracture. Carboxyl-terminated butadiene-acrylotnitrile (CTBN) is often used to toughen epoxies, but using CTBN alone increases the toughness at the cost of stiffness and heat resistance. Amine-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile (ATBN) is also used. Using ultra-fine full-vulcanized powdered rubber (UFPR) researchers have been able to improve all three, toughness, stiffness, and heat resistance simultaneously, resetting the stage for rubber toughening
The Sulphur Institute Symposium. The symposia are attended by producers, consumers, and traders in sulfur, as well as industry service providers, and feature speakers discussing a range of topics relating to sulfur. The 2010 Sulphur World Symposium was held in Doha, Qatar, from April 12 through April 15, 2010. The 2010 symposium featured a tour of the Ras Laffan Industrial City, which is not normally available to the public. Publications by The Sulphur Institute include market studies, industrial publications, general brochures about sulfur, and brochures on the agricultural uses of sulfur. Symposium proceedings are also available. Most publications are available in English, with