polymerguru

The global demand for PAN-based carbon fibers is expected to expand at an annual growth rate of exceeding 15% as an advanced material which contributes not only to energy saving through weight reduction but also to spread of renewable energy as alternative of fuel (oil and coal) energy. On the one hand, regular tow carbon fiber is widely being accepted in the field of high performance / high quality application such as aerospace, but on the other hand, large tow carbon fiber is anticipated to expand its applications, based on its reasonable balance between cost and performance, to wind energy-related which shows rapid demand growth in recent years, and automobile structural parts in future. It is foreseen that demands for regular tow carbon fiber and large tow fiber will grow separately, reflecting each characteristic. Zoltek entered into large tow carbon fiber business in 1988, and acquired textile acrylic fiber plants in Hungary and Mexico in 1996 and 2007 respectively, and has been

When it comes to replacing metals with intelligent plastic solutions, one can easily lose track of the spectrum of possible applications, also beyond the realm of automotive construction. Handles for doors and windows often have internal parts made of die-cast zinc that can be replaced with plastic. Heavy and expensive metals are still being used for sports equipment, household appliances, and furniture and even for thermal separators and assembly systems in solar modules. However, there are hardly any choices between standard  polyamide  – which does not always meet the requirements – and costly high-performance materials. In a quest to fill this gap, BASF has now expanded its Ultramid® portfolio and is introducing two new materials upon the occasion of the K 2013 plastics trade fair. Ultramid D3EG10 FC Aqua® and Ultramid D3EG12 HMG are two materials that are suitable for replacing metal in many different, and yet highly specialized, areas of application. Balancing act between cos

Eastman, a specialty chemical company, is announcing another new innovation using Eastman Tritan™ copolyester: the Anypad line of stands for iPads from the brand, which uses copolyester to make the transparent stands. With an innovative design, these stands make the iPad more functional and offer practicality to its users. There are four models with very specific features: AnyPad Office, AnyPad Hand, AnyPad Cook and AnyPad Wall. The Office can be used to turn the tablet into an elegant desktop computer and provides spring-regulated articulation, height adjustment, and swivel and tilt adjustment, providing greater comfort and ergonomics. The Hand is recommended for those looking for added safety when holding the iPad to use it, in addition to offering an option for use as a tabletop stand in four different positions. The Cook, which can be hung on cabinets and shelves using the mount, is geared toward people who spend a lot of time in the kitchen and want to see their recipes and other

The Perstorp Group, among the world leaders in specialty chemicals, will be presenting the next generation of co-polyesters at K Fair 2013. This will include Akestra™, a high performance plastic with remarkable properties. Perstorp have formed a strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical to develop and distribute this exciting co-polyester throughout Europe. On a long term, this will result in both companies jointly establishing the most competitive production platform in Europe for the raw material used in these co-polyesters. Perstorp puts its main development focus into delivering high performance, safe and sustainable chemistry. Akestra™ is the latest in a long line of innovative products that support Perstorp's development philosophy. Akestra™ is not only innovative, but represents an entirely new generation of plastics. Its unique properties make it an important alternative to  polycarbonate , polystyrene and glass. Perstorp presents Akestra™ – a new plastic

Airbus Military has completed an important set of trials of the A400M new generation airlifter, demonstrating the aircraft’s excellent performance on gravel runways. In tests lasting more than a week at Ablitas in northern Spain, development aircraft MSN2 performed 25 landings during six flights on the same runway. The trials confirmed that despite the harsh conditions, damage to the aircraft exterior from stones and dust was minimal and within expectations, and the runway remained usable after repeated operations. Demonstrations included ground manoeuvring, rejected take-offs, and use of propeller reverse thrust at speeds as low as 70kt (130 km/h) – none of which caused engine or cockpit contamination. Tests were successfully performed with and without the optional nosewheel deflector which can be fitted to protect the aircraft during such operations, underlying the A400M’s ability to operate to and from rough strips close to the scene of military or humanitarian action in addition t

The bioplastic PHAs developed by bio-on can be used to regenerate human tissue, notably to create support structures (scaffolds) for cultured bone cells; structures through which it is possible to regenerate a human bone. This is possible because this material, 100% biodegradable in water, is also extremely bio-compatible, as shown by a study by a team of Italian researchers. The first results of this study are being published in major international specialized scientific journals. "It has been amply demonstrated in writings on the subject that polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are materials well suited to be used in tissue regeneration from cell cultures" "It has been amply demonstrated in writings on the subject that polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are materials well suited to be used in tissue regeneration from cell cultures," explains Paola Fabbri, a researcher at the Enzo Ferrari Department of Engineering at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. "In

Arsenal Capital Partners, among the leading New York-based private equity firms that invests in middle-market specialty industrial and healthcare companies, recently announced the acquisition of International Fiber Corporation ("IFC"), one of the leading suppliers of cellulose-based insoluble fiber products for food and industrial applications globally. Prior to close of this acquisition, IFC was a portfolio company of Swander Pace Capital. Founded in 1917, and headquartered in North Tonawanda, NY, IFC is one of the industry leaders in insoluble fiber products, providing exceptional service and customized product solutions. IFC's fiber is used in food applications for a variety of functions including improving taste and texture, enhancing yield and processability, and numerous health benefits. In industrial applications, IFC's fiber is used to thicken paints, strengthen rubber used in industrial hoses and belts, for filtration as well as to control viscosity in