This section provides an overview for elastomers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 44 elastomer manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked elastomer companies as of November, 2024: 1.GAF Materials Corp., 2.Elastomer Solutions GmbH, 3.AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc..
Table of Contents
An elastomer is a generic term for a polymer compound with elasticity. There are two types of elastomer: thermoplastic elastomer and thermoset elastomer.
Thermoplastic elastomer is fluid when heated and can be easily processed by injection molding machines. They are used in a wide range of fields, including stationery, sanitary products, and automotive parts.
Thermosetting elastomer does not deform significantly when heated, so they are utilized in situations where heat resistance is required. Typical examples are packing and sealing materials.
Thermoplastic elastomers are fluid when heated and can be easily processed and molded. Injection molding machines for plastics can be used to produce parts in a variety of shapes. Specifically, they are utilized for ducts, hoses, grips, etc.
Thermosetting elastomers do not become plastic when heated, so they can be used where heat resistance is required. Specifically, they are used in packing, gaskets, oil seals, etc.
Elastomers are a generic term for an elastic polymer, a combination of the words "elastic" and "polymer." Elastomers are classified into thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), which soften upon heating, and thermosetting elastomers (TSE), which harden upon heating.
TPEs consist of a soft segment and a hard segment. The former plays the role of elasticity, while the latter plays the role of cross-linking. When energy is applied to the molecule by heating, the cross-linked part becomes less active and the entire molecule becomes fluid, etc. Types of TPEs include olefin (alkene), urethane, ester, styrene, and amide. Each has a different molecular structure and synthesis method.
TSEs include silicone rubber, fluoro rubber, and urethane rubber. These are the polymers referred to as rubbers. TSEs have superior properties to TPEs in terms of heat resistance and chemical resistance but are inferior to TPEs in terms of ease of processing.
Dielectric elastomers are one of the elastomers that have been attracting attention recently. Dielectric elastomers are elastomers that produce a large strain of over several hundred percent when an electric field is applied. In other words, this device is expected to be utilized as a function of an actuator that converts electrical energy into kinetic energy according to Maxwell's Law.
Acrylic or silicone-based materials are used for dielectric elastomers. The reason for this is that the material must have a high dielectric constant and be soft enough not to rupture under strain stress. Dielectric elastomers can be viewed as capacitor devices made of a high dielectric constant polymer material sandwiched between two electrodes. This feature is being considered for applications in the medical field, such as artificial muscles, as well as for use in various robots as highly efficient actuators.
Research and development of magnetic elastomers with viscoelasticity as another new device is also active. The new device, which combines the viscoelasticity of elastomers with the functionality of a magnetic material, can be realized by blending neodymium or iron powder with a polymer material. These devices have excellent vibration resistance and are expected to be used in mechanical actuators and seat-seat sensors for automobiles.
In addition, based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, research, and development of devices that convert kinetic energy such as vibration into electrical energy is also underway, including the dielectric elastomers mentioned above. These devices are attracting attention as part of environmental conservation efforts, as exemplified by the SDGs, and are being considered for applications in the near future, such as power generation by attaching elastomers to the soles of athletic shoes and clothing to provide power for sensor communications.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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GAF, established in 1921 as Ruberoid Co. in Parsipanny, New Jersey, is a manufacturer of building materials. The company’s extensive product portfolio encompasses roofing and waterproofing products, including various roof shingles catering to residential and commercial roofing needs. Supported by 35 manufacturing operations across 27 locations in the United States, the company provides services that extend support to residential contractors, commercial contractors, and design professionals with diverse resources and tools. The company also provides training through training centers and other education resources.
3M Company was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. 3M provides diversified technology services globally. 3M operates through four segments: Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, Health Care, and Consumer. The Safety and Industrial segment offerings include industrial abrasives, masking, and natural and color-coated mineral granules for shingles. The Transportation and Electronics segment offerings include ceramic solutions, light management films, and electronics assembly solutions. The Healthcare segment offerings include wound care, dentistry and orthodontia solutions, and filtration and purification systems. The Consumer segment offerings include consumer bandages, picture hanging, and stationery products.
AGC Chemical Americas, Inc., founded in the year, based in Pennsylvania, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of fluorochemical compounds and specialty materials. Their product portfolio includes fluoropolymer resins, enhanced materials, high-performance coating and agents, greenhouse films, and fluorinated solvents. The company is ISO-certified for fluoropolymer-based chemistry. The products are used in various industries which include aerospace, construction, electronics, transportation, energy and life sciences. The company also offers technical services which include analytical testing, thermal analysis, environmental studies, rheometry, and material identification.
Cincinnati Fan is an AMCA-certified manufacturer of industrial blowers and fans that was established in Mason, Ohio, USA, in 1956. The company’s product lineup includes axial as well as centrifugal fans and blowers for moving air or gas, and portable dust collectors for trapping airborne particles away from industrial processes. It also offers fume exhausters for siphoning vapors or fumes from industrial processes or environments. The company chiefly serves clients in North America’s aerospace, chemical, and metalworking industries.
CECO Environmental, founded in 1869, is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, USA, and is a manufacturer of environmental solutions and products. The company offers products, including air quality control and fluid handling solutions, catering to diverse industries. It offers services like installation, maintenance, technical training, and compliance consulting, emphasizing complete solutions for clients' environmental needs. It has received awards such as the 2019 Environmental Excellence Award and the 2021 Innovation in Sustainable Technologies Award. Its clientele spans sectors like petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, energy, and manufacturing.
Gelest Inc., founded in 1991, and headquartered in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, is a manufacturer, and supplier of high-growth materials and science-intensive applications. Their diverse product range includes silanes, used to modify surface properties; silicones; metal-organics for creating metal-containing compounds; and acrylates for acrylic polymer production. These chemicals are utilized in manufacturing adhesives, sealants, coatings, elastomers, lubricants, as well as surfactants, catalysts, pigments, and more. Gelest has established a Quality Management System that is certified according to the ISO 9001 standard, and Responsible Care 14001 Certification.
Zippertubing Co., is a manufacturer of protective coverings and solutions for cable management, was established in 1957 in the United States. The company offers a range of products and services, including heat-shrink tubing, EMI shielding, and jacketing materials. They serve multiple industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and military. From under the sea to outer space, they have prototyped, built, and shipped custom-engineered solutions for every type of industry and application. They specialize in creating custom products in-house from beginning to end.
Custom Fabricating & Supplies (CFS), established in 2001 in Wisconsin, USA, is a supplier and contract manufacturer of industrial masking products. The company's capabilities include precision die cutting, clean room manufacturing, custom moldings, dieless knife cutting, and converting services. They specialize in supplying a wide range of materials, including tapes and adhesives, foam and sponge products, plastics, rubber moldings, and other protection products. Their expertise lies in providing surface protection applications, utilizing pressure-sensitive adhesives for industries including aerospace, automotive, electronics, food, medical, oil, gas, and more. They have ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14644-1:2015 Class 7 Cleanroom certifications.
PSI Urethanes, Inc. was established in 1966 and is a manufacturer of custom-molded urethane products and sheet stock for die cutting, process automation, food processing, and metal forming. The products include multi-durometer urethanes and bespoke molds for the military, fluid cell remold, marine, automotive, and OEM industries, as well as polyurethane rollers, tubes, rods, shock absorbers, washers, and rings. The business is a member of the Association of Austin Regional Manufacturers member and has its headquarters in Austin, Texas.
Fischer-Brodbeck GmbH, also known as FIBRO, is a manufacturer of standard parts for the sheet metal and molding industry that was founded in Weinsberg, Germany, in 1958. It produces threads, electromechanical transporters, molds, and other products for the auto, electronic, and home appliances industries. The company operates globally, with branches in France, Poland, the USA, India, Singapore, Korea, and China, in compliance with DIN ISO 9001 and DIN EN ISO 14001 standards.
3D Systems is an American manufacturer specializing in 3D printing solutions founded in 1986 and headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The company's product inventory includes 3D printing systems with various customization options, printing materials such as metals, ceramics, and composites, and software for creating printing workflows or applications. They also offer niche services to customers in the healthcare industry, such as bioprinting, surgical planning, and anatomical modeling. 3D Systems facilities can also accommodate on-demand prototype manufacturing for customers in other client industries, which include the aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors.
RTP Company (RTPC) is an American private manufacturer of custom thermoplastic compounds that was established in Winona, Minnesota in 1982. The company produces various compounds for industrial applications, including conductive, anti-static, flame retardant, and high temperature resistant formulations. It also offers friction resistant and TPE compounds, as well as color solution compounds with metallic or glow-in-the-dark features. RTPC products are used in intensive industrial processes, such as structural reinforcement, chemical resistance treatment, and thermal stabilization. Its notable clients include Lockheed Martin, NASA, and Becton Dickinson.
Webtec Corporation, with origins going back to 1869, is a manufacturer headquartered in the United States, specializes in hydraulic measurement and control, systems, and digital solutions. The company is a global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. It continues to improve the way in safety, efficiency, and productivity. As the world’s foremost rail technology company, creating a more sustainable freight and passenger transportation network. It operates under two financial reporting segments: freight segment, which includes equipment, components, services and digital intelligence; and the transit segment, which includes equipment and aftermarket services.
ExxonMobil is a Texas-based multinational oil and gas corporation that operates as a producer, manufacturer, supplier and distributor across 200 countries and territories around the world. Formed in 1999 with the merger of companies Exxon and Mobil, the corporation's primary commodities include oil products such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, as well as chemicals like propylene, polyethylene, polypropylene. Other commodities include crude oil and natural gas extracted — as well as refined — via ExxonMobil's subsidiaries and partners like Exxon Neftegas, ExxonMobil Australia, and ExxonMobil Nigeria.
Americhem, Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of engineered compounds and masterbatches established in 1941 and based in Akron, Ohio, USA. The company offers engineered compounds such as styrenics, polyolefins, and thermoplastic elastomers. It also offers color masterbatches for adding custom color to synthetic fibers and plastics, and functional additives such as emulsifiers and acidity regulators. The company operates internationally, with manufacturing facilities in North America, Asia, and Europe. It mainly serves clients in the construction, automotive, and packaging industries.
Dow Inc. was originally incorporated in 1897 and is headquartered in Midland, Michigan. The company is a manufacturer and distributor of numerous advanced materials and chemicals used in packaging, infrastructure, and consumer industries by other companies around the world. The company’s product divisions include Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, and Performance Materials & Coatings. Packaging & Specialty Plastics include ethylene, rubbers, and wire and cable products. Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure include ethanol amines, adhesives, sealants, and other composites. Performance Materials and Coatings provides paints and industrial coatings for metal packing.
Brenntag North America, Inc., founded in 1874 with headquarters in the USA, is a subsidiary of Brenntag SE and is a distributor of chemicals and chemical products and a provider of related services to industry in the United States. The company's products include solvents, additives, catalysts, resins, dyes, and alcohols. Brenntag North America, Inc. offers services that include chemical blending solutions, chemical application development, and environmental solutions such as non-hazardous and hazardous waste disposal, transportation, and laboratory services.
Ensinger, founded in 1966 in Germany as solely a manufacturer of plastics for commercial customers, has grown to manufacture performance and engineering thermoplastics for numerous industries worldwide. The company's products include plastic compounds, extruded semi-finished products, injection-molded finished parts, as well as compressed and cast-formed parts. Ensinger serves the plant engineering, building construction, automotive, aerospace, medical, and food markets, among many other industries. The company has over 30 international production and sales locations, serving customers across the globe.
LG Chem has been a manufacturer and supplier of Chemicals since 1947 having its headquarters in South Korea. The company designs Petrochemical products such as Acrylate which is used in adhesives, and Polymer Catalysts which are used in making Synthetic Rubber. They also make Advanced Materials like Anode Binders which have applications in the manufacturing of batteries and other materials like LUCEL which is an engineering plastic based on POM used to make switches and gears. They also make Reagents for Allergy Tests, Allergens, and Systems to serve the Life Sciences industry.
Weir was established in 1871 as a manufacturer and supplier of mining solutions headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland. The company provides Processing equipment for Comminution, Classification, Pumping, and Slurry Transportation and Dewatering along with wear parts, and equipment attachments for similar purposes. There is Feeding, Crushing, and Screening equipment for the processes and wear parts for Face Shovels, Dozers, Motor graders, and more and these products are not just serving the mining industry but also the construction aggregates industry, Food Processing, Recycling, Chemical Processing, and Storage sectors.
Chimei Corporation is a Taiwanese manufacturer of electronics and chemical products, including LCD panels, optical films, and specialty chemicals. The company was established in 1960 and has since expanded its operations to include a wide range of products and services.products are used electronics, automotive, and construction. The company's plastics, for example, are used in the production of electronic components, automobile interiors, and medical devices. In 2021, the company received the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Award, which renown companies that demonstrate outstanding performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
Schlegel Electronic Materials, Inc. is an EMI shielding and thermal management material manufacturer. Pioneering conductive fabric over foam shielding gaskets in 1987, it's a premier electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding provider. The company delivers advanced EMI containment and thermal management solutions.Offering Fabric Over Foam Gaskets, Conductive Elastomers, RF Absorber Materials, and enclosure gaskets, serving computing, telecommunications, military, medical, and electronics sectors. Its EMI shielding gaskets come in varied profiles, with attachment options. With a global operations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, the company ensures unmatched support and service.
Daurex GmbH, established in 1971 and headquartered in Schermbeck, Germany, is a full-service progressive cavity pump and equipment developer, manufacturer, and supplier. The company's products include vertical, horizontal, and multiphase pumps that are designed for various liquid transfer application requirements, such as extreme volumes to media with different densities and states of aggregation. It also offers the supply of its own replacement and custom parts, as well as universal spare parts for pumps from other manufacturers. The company's services include customized client programs for pump and part repair, reserve pump storage, and rapid shipping.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation was founded in 1933 and has a head office in Tokyo, Japan. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation provides products including chemicals, industrial gases, and health care products to customers globally. Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s performance products division manufactures and distributes. functional food materials, electronic and electrical components, specialty chemicals, and other products. Mitsubishi Chemical health care products include pharmaceuticals, drug discovery solutions, diagnostic reagents, and instruments for medical use. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation also provides other services such as engineering, information systems, logistics, and consulting.
Kuraray Europe GmbH, established in 1991, is a manufacturer of specialty chemicals, polymers, synthetic microfibers, and other high-performance materials, based in Hattersheim, Germany. The company’s product portfolio includes polyvinyl alcohol (KURARAY POVAL/ EXCEVAL), polyvinyl butyral (Mowital), and other industrial polymers. Its products find applications in various sectors including automotive, paper, glass, packaging industries, and more. It has developed products like the paper-based PLANTIC EP resin-coated pouch which earned a prestigious recycling certification. With a global network of subsidiaries and more than 10,000 employees worldwide.
Elastomer Solutions GmbH is a manufacturer and supplier of rubber, thermoplastic, and 2K components for the automotive sector founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Wiesbaum, Germany. The company's products are segmented into wiring systems, heating and air conditioning, powertrain and engine, decoupling, and pedal covers. It also provides development services like product design, prototypes, testing, and mass production support to its customers. The company has ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949 certifications and operates four manufacturing plants in Portugal, Slovakia, Morocco, and Mexico. It utilizes various technologies, such as rubber injection, thermoplastic injection, assembling, and automatic inspection.
Denka Company Limited, founded in 1915, is a Japanese chemical manufacturer headquartered in Chuo City, Tokyo. The company offers a range of products made with the technology of fine ceramics and organic fine chemicals, such as adhesives, fluorescent materials, functional films, and heat dissipation materials. They also produce automotive parts, belts, hoses, electric wires and cables, and rubber gloves using chloroprene rubber. Additionally, Denka provides products made of polymer solutions, such as food packaging materials, building materials, and electric home appliances. In 2022, Denka launched the New Business Development to develop products and technologies in ICT and energy, healthcare, and sustainable living.
Trelleborg AB, a company founded in 1905 and headquartered in Trelleborg, Sweden, is a manufacturer that provides solutions for extreme cold, heat, pressure, or the tremendous power of nature. The company offers a wide range of products, including Cassette Seal CSL 1500, Pneumatic seals, O-rings, and more. It also has a shop called Seals-Shop that offers various products, such as Rod and Piston Seals. It provides rubber wear liners with synthetic rubber and chemical resistance. It has received the Excellence in Quality 2018 Award and Certificate of Merit from Hyster-Yale Group. It serves various industries, including Aerospace, Agriculture, and more.
National Rubber Corporation is a custom manufacturer specializing in the production of rubber molded parts and components founded in 1997 and located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, USA. The company offers a range of capabilities including custom compression and transfer molding, die-cutting of materials such as styrene butadiene and nitrile rubber, and secondary fabrication services such as corner molding. It also offers custom extrusion for the production of components including weather strippings and o-rings. The company mainly serves clients in the automobile, construction, and food and beverage industries.
Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions, established in 1963, is a manufacturer of tapes, including adhesive, bonding, gaskets, and spacer tapes targeting the automotive, energy, building & construction, industrial, and electrical markets. Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions offer custom solutions, with 139 projects opened in the last twelve months and three new projects each week. The company in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, has gasketing foams that eliminate the sticky problems that come with sealants, elastomeric foam tapes are also available with or without adhesive.
Induplast Plásticos de Ingeniería, SL is a manufacturer specializing in engineering and industrial plastics established in 2004 and based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The company manufactures standard and custom plastic components including sliding rails, gears, and rollers for industrial-grade machinery. It also produces technical parts and elements essential to facility operations such as pulleys, flanges, and guards. The company chiefly serves clients in the iron and steel, packaging, and pharmaceutical industries. It offers 3D printing services as well as design assistance.
Teknor Apex is a polymer manufacturer that delivers essential products spanning bottles, boots, dashboards, and earbuds. Since its establishment in 1924, the company has emerged as a preferred source for tailored polymer solutions, showcasing expertise across six distinct divisions and nearly a century of operational history. Standing out with its unparalleled material testing and quality control capabilities, the company propels advancement through its team and state-of-the-art laboratories. As a privately held entity guided by unwavering ethical principles, it places substantial emphasis on fostering customer relationships.
Sylvin Technologies, Inc., established in 1978 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a manufacturer of vinyl alloy and semi-rigid vinyl compounds. The company began as a supplier for the cable and wire industry but has experienced significant growth, now offering a wide range of semi-rigid PVC general-purpose and specialty compounds in standard as well as custom formulations.. It caters primarily to North American customers, with additional clients coming from other parts of the world. The company's products are primarily utilized in various applications and industries, including cable and wire, automotive, medical, industrial, and food products.
Avient Corporation, formerly known as PolyOne Corporation, is a global manufacturer of specialized polymer materials, established in 2000, is headquartered in Avon Lake, Ohio, the United States. The company's products include thermoplastic compounds, plastic colorants and additives, thermoplastic resins, vinyl resins, and specialty thermoset composite materials. Its operations span across specialty engineered materials, color and additive systems, advanced composites and polymer distribution. It is also embarking on a procurement transformation for its indirect procurement purchases and upgrading from its current procurement platform to Coupa.
Greene Tweed & Co., established in 1863 in the United States, is a global manufacturer of custom engineered materials and components for demanding applications. The company’s products, designed to withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, chemical corrosion, and mechanical wear, are used in industries such as aerospace, semiconductor, energy, defense, life sciences, and industrial operations. With over 200 engineers across North America, Europe, and Asia, it is continually researching and developing new thermoplastic plastics, composites, and custom parts. Its strength lies in its technical expertise and commercial experience, which it leverages to develop advanced solutions that optimize the performance of its customers’ equipment.
Covestro, founded in Leverkusen, NRW, in 2015 is a manufacturer of polymer materials and their components. The company's product portfolio includes polycarbonate, polyurethane, coatings, adhesives and specialties. their products find applications in packaging, industrial applications, and electronics to enhance the performance and properties of polymer materials. They serve markets such as construction, sports and leisure, electronics, fashion, and health and cosmetics. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, New Product Design and Development and Custom Manufacturing.
DuPont Material Data Center is a digital platform operated by DuPont, founded in 1802 and headquartered in Delaware, USA, offering access to technical datasheets for DuPont materials. The DuPont MDC offers a wide range of DuPont materials, including engineered, performance, safety & protection, and electronics and industrial materials. It also provides resources like application guides, safety guides, and technical support, serving various industries like electronics, transportation, construction, and agriculture. It is operated by DuPont, a developer and manufacturer of materials, ingredients, and solutions. It has operations in over 70 countries globally.
Aronkasei Co., Ltd., a division of the Aronkasei Group, is based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan, and has been a chemical manufacturer since its establishment in 2009. The company specializes in the production of thermoplastic elastomers. The AR elastomers combine the ease of molding typical of general-use plastics with an elasticity comparable to rubber. The company’s product portfolio encompasses an array of grades, including industrial-grade, medical-grade, food-grade, heat-resistant, and low-compression set grades of thermoplastic elastomers. AR elastomers find extensive applications across industries, including automotive, electrical, and construction.
Eastman Chemical was founded in 1920 and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee. The company is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty chemicals, including coatings, adhesives, fibers, and plastics for industries such as automotive, medical, manufacturing, and construction. The company operates through four segments: Additives & Functional Products, Advanced Materials, Chemical Intermediates, and Fibers segments. Additives & Functional Products include food and fertilizer-based products. Advanced Materials include films and other chemicals used in transportation and electronics. Chemicals include phthalate plasticizers and other plastic products. Fibers include cigarette filters and other products.
Techsil Ltd., founded in 1989 and headquartered in Bidford-on-Avon, United Kingdom, is a distributor of industrial adhesives, sealants, tapes, and UV curing equipment, and operates as a division of Diploma PLC. The company offers a comprehensive range of products from various renowned brands, including ThreeBond, Power Adhesives, and BJB Enterprises. As an ISO 9001-certified entity, it provides additional services such as contract gasketing, repacking, and tape conversion. With an extensive inventory of over 2000 products, Techsil Ltd. collaborates with engineers to streamline production processes across diverse industries, including energy, aerospace, and electronics.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | GAF Materials Corp. |
5.3%
|
2 | Elastomer Solutions GmbH |
4.7%
|
3 | AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc. |
4.7%
|
4 | Sylvin Technologies, Inc. |
4.7%
|
5 | DAUREX GmbH |
4.1%
|
6 | Denka Company Limited |
4.1%
|
7 | Advanced Elastomer Technologies |
3.5%
|
8 | Fischer-Brodbeck GmbH |
3.5%
|
9 | Teknor Apex |
3.5%
|
10 | PSI Urethanes, Inc. |
3.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the elastomer page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 19 | 65.5% |
Germany | 4 | 13.8% |
Japan | 2 | 6.9% |
Republic of Korea | 1 | 3.4% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 3.4% |
Taiwan | 1 | 3.4% |
Hong Kong | 1 | 3.4% |