polymerguru

Scientists in Brazil have developed a more effective way to use fibers from these and other plants in a new generation of automotive plastics that are stronger, lighter, and more eco-friendly than plastics now in use. They described the work, which could lead to stronger, lighter, and more sustainable materials for cars and other products, here today at the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Study Leader Alcides Leão, Ph.D., said the fibers used to reinforce the new plastics may come from delicate fruits like bananas and pineapples, but they are super strong. Some of these so-called nano-cellulose fibers are almost as stiff as Kevlar, the renowned super-strong material used in armor and bulletproof vests. Unlike Kevlar and other traditional plastics, which are made from petroleum or natural gas, nano-cellulose fibers are completely renewable. "The properties of these plastics are incredible," Leão said, "Th...

Thermoplastic tubing and profiles custom extruder International Polymer Engineering (IPE) is now offering small-diameter (0.25-inch) microtubes and profiles made of medical grade KetaSpire® polyetheretherketone ( PEEK ) resin from Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC. Microtubes are manufactured on 1-inch extruder that can tolerate high melting temperature (upto 370°C), a PEEK material characteristic, for a prolonged period of time and can withstand more than 1,000 cycles of steam sterilization. IPE found materials made of KetaSpire PEEK better that nylon, polytetrafluorothylene ( PTFE ), polyurethane and polycarbonate in terms of strength and rigidity. Unfilled KetaSpire KT-820 NT PEEK microtubes (size: 0.029-inch outer dimension by 0.016-inch inner dimension) are used in medical instruments, laproscopic devices, catheters; open and hollow PEEK profiles are also produced. KetaSpire® PEEK Grade KT-851 NT is also used in wire and cable insulation, monofilaments, ultra-thin tubing a...

The BMW Group has approved spindle nuts made from Evonik Industries product VESTAKEEP® polyether ether ketone ( PEEK ) polymer. The spindle nuts are used in electrical steering column adjustment assemblies. As claimed, the VESTAKEEP® L4000G-based spindle nuts do not break under the severe conditions and thus prevent any plastic pieces from disabling the function of safety-relevant features. With improved ductility, high dimensional stability at different temperatures, chemicals & impact-resistance, VESTAKEEP® PEEK passed the tests by BMW. VESTAKEEP® spindle nuts are used in the electrical steering column adjustment assemblies that are manufactured by Solingen, Germany-based C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG. Exceptional material characteristics diversify its future use in mechanical steering column adjustment assemblies, besides automotive and aerospace applications, oil and natural gas sectors, semiconductor, electronics and medical industry and much more.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/95996-january-2011-indian-car-sales-figures.html

Mazda MX-0 automotive slashed the vehicle's weight to less than 1,000 pounds, using MaterialScience LLC's Baypreg ® F polyurethane composite sandwich. Mazda is now one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles with alternative materials technology available today. Mazda designers used lightweight MX-5 Miata for weight reduction and consolidation of the automotive parts. A bonded two-piece monocoque structure is used for the safety cell, subframes, body panels and interior surfaces. MX-0 concept utilizes automotive glazing using Makrolon ® polycarbonate to replace use of heavy glass, Baytec® polyurethane for the wheels, and Baydur® STR for structural components. The adoption of lightweight polymers replaces traditional materials such as glass and steel in exterior applications, including window glazing and body panel components. Polycarbonate and polyurethane roof modules that reduce weight and lower the vehicle center of gravity.

Japan-based Teijin Limited has established a mass production technology for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), by means of which significant reduction in cycle time can be achieved when it comes to molding automobile cabin frame. Carbon fiber can be mass produced for automobiles and other products using this breakthrough technology. Using the concept, the company has developed a significantly light-weight electric vehicle that features cabin frame made of thermoplastic CFRP. The difference between this latest technology and the conventional one is that the former include intermediate materials made of thermoplastic resin instead of thermosetting resin for molding-use CFRP. The three new intermediate materials used are: Unidirectional intermediate, Isotropic intermediate, and Long-fiber thermoplastic pellet. Technologies for welding thermoplastic CFRP parts and bonding CFRP with materials such as steel, is also been developed by the company.

Teijin Ltd has announced that it has established the world’s first mass production technologies for carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). The company claims it can mould a vehicle cabin frame in under 60 seconds. Teijin’s new technologies are based on thermoplastic resin instead of conventional thermosetting resin. The company has also developed technologies for welding thermoplastic CFRP parts together and for bonding CFRP with materials such as steel. Going forward, Teijin , a leading producer of carbon fibre, intends to develop mass production applications for CFRP in cars and other items that require certain levels of structural strength, such as machine tools and industrial robots. Carbon fibre thermoplastics By impregnating carbon fibre with thermoplastic resin, Teijin has developed three intermediate materials for the production of CFRP suited for use in mass-production vehicles. The materials can be used selectively depending on the required stren...

Nextlife™, one of the leading providers of sustainable solutions for the consumer packaged goods industry, and Preserve®, one of the leading sustainable products companies, announce that Nextlife will begin supplying its FDA approved 100% post - consumer recycled (PCR) polypropylene ( PP ) resin to Preserve for use in select products in the company's line of stylish, eco - friendly personal care, tableware, kitchen and food storage products. Nextlife produces PCR PP resins from plastic waste supplied by U.S. retailers through a proprietary process of sorting, washing, drying and extruding. The recycled resins can be mixed with virgin food grade resins or used as is to create thermoformed or injection molded products such as cups, plates, cutlery, storage and organization containers and housewares accessories. Nextlife's PCR polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene ( PS ) are FDA approved for food contact applications. The carbon footprint of Nextlife resin is 70 pe...

Recently, a ban has entered into force prohibiting the manufacture in the European Union of baby bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA), an organic molecule used to produce polycarbonate plastics. From June 1st, the ban will also cover the placing on the market and import into the EU of baby bottles containing BPA. Meanwhile, the industry is voluntarily withdrawing from the market baby bottles containing BPA and replacing them with safer products. As part of its activities to support the Commission in the discussion that lead to this ban, the JRC-IHCP launched a large screening study on baby bottles made of materials other than polycarbonate . The scope was to assess the nature of materials, chemicals, and potential release of substances. Close to 300 baby bottles from most EU countries were analysed. The work included testing for chemical migration and the development of methods for the determination of chemical migrants. The results of this study, which are going to be avai...