Coreform has received an exploratory grant from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to use innovative tyre tread computer simulation processes, which accelerates the use of simulation in the tyre industry.

The DOE will apply Coreform’s isogeometric analysis (IGA) technology, which replaces difficult and time-consuming portions of computer simulation work while providing greater design clarity and detail – to simulate the advanced tyre tread patterns required by emerging vehicles. 

To fully implement the grant’s scope, Endurica has been selected as a technology partner to provide critical tyre industry endurance evaluations, including rolling resistance, heat build-up and wear behaviour. 

“Coreform’s technology promises to revolutionize simulations involving complex geometry, and tyre tread patterns are an extremely important example of complex geometry. We are honoured to be included in this important research for both the DOE and the tyre industry,” explains William V Mars, PhD, P.E., founder and President of Endurica. 

Traditional finite element analysis (FEA) first requires geometry to be defeatured and meshed, which can be both time-consuming and relationally inaccurate. IGA was introduced in 2005 to run simulations directly on the design model, leveraging the power of splines. Thousands of scientific papers have been written on this approach, and Coreform’s novel “Flex IGA” technology unlocks these benefits in a commercial setting. 

Coreform IGA provides a full spectrum of input options and flexible modelling, allowing engineers to minimize manual effort for a desired solution-solve time. 

“Greater use of predictive simulation analysis for advanced tyre tread designs will reduce the cost of product development and accelerate the adoption of both electric and self-driving cars,” explains Coreform Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Sederberg.

“We anticipate this project will help the tyre industry develop innovative tread patterns to reduce noise and improve energy efficiency.” Greg Vernon, Director of Engineering at Coreform, adds that Coreform’s approach will use isogeometric analysis to allow tyre manufacturers to test new designs much more quickly. “Down the road, that will mean fewer particulate emissions, longer life, and better energy efficiency for all of us.”

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Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of speciality polymers and high-value bio-based chemicals derived from pine wood pulping co-products, a global price increase for all polymer products with effect from 1 April 2026. The price hike will range from USD 440 per MT to USD 700 per MT, or as individual contract terms permit, with the exact price change varying according to the polymer type and production location.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

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German specialty chemicals company LANXESS has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of functional additives for the manufacture of tyres and speciality rubbers. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by 15 to 50 percent.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing geopolitical conflict, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

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Orion S.A., a global speciality chemicals company, has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of speciality carbon black. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by up to 25 percent.

In a strategic move to address persistent market volatility, the company is also implementing a variable surcharge on top of the base price increase. The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

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German chemical group WACKER has announced a price hike across its global polymers portfolio, responding directly to significant upheavals in international commodity markets triggered by the recent military conflict in the Middle East. This geopolitical instability has created pronounced distortions throughout the supply chain, leading to a sharp escalation in the costs of essential inputs. The company is experiencing substantially higher prices for crude oil and natural gas as well as for various other raw materials and logistics services.

To address this challenging economic landscape and offset the considerable burden of increased raw material and transportation expenses, the chemical group is implementing price adjustments effective 1 April 2026. The updated pricing will apply to several key product categories, specifically including polymer dispersions, a variety of resins and dispersible polymer powders. This strategic move is essential for the company to maintain operational stability and continue delivering its products reliably amidst the volatile market conditions.

The final scale of these price increases is not a fixed, across-the-board figure but will be determined by specific variables. It will largely depend on the original source of the product, with goods manufactured at the company’s European and Asian production sites being most affected. Furthermore, the terms outlined in existing customer contracts will also play a crucial role in defining the exact extent of the adjustment, ensuring a tailored approach to the implementation of this necessary price correction.

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