RUBBER INDUSTRY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EIGHTIES.

Research and development work on rubbers has, in the last four years, concentrated mainly on consolidating that which had so far been achieved. Because of the oil and energy crisis there has been a marked change. The changes which have taken place, i. e. the trend towards smaller cars, increasing fuel prices, reduction of rolling resistance, cannot fail to have an effect. 1,2-polybutadienes, which were not, originally, developed in order to save energy, appear to meet present-day demands in an ideal way. Energy saving is also a necessity in rubber processing. It is unlikely that the development of powdered rubbers will mark the end of the road. There is certain to be also liquid rubber and cast tires. The author briefly explains why the path ahead is difficult and, above all, far distant. For figures see German text.