polymerguru

Solvay Specialty Polymers has announced the introduction of a high stiffness grade of KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that provides 50% greater modulus/stiffness than standard neat PEEK grades. Despite its higher stiffness, the new grade, KetaSpire KT-825, retains the elongation and toughness that is comparable to that of neat PEEK resin for structural applications in transportation, electronics, semiconductor, and oil and gas.  This grade utilizes a proprietary additive and compounding technology that allows a combination of high stiffness, ductility, and low specific gravity of 1.35 compared to 1.30 for neat PEEK. The new grade bridges the performance gap between unfilled PEEK and traditional glass fiber reinforced or carbon fiber reinforced PEEK grades, according to Jamal El-Hibri, principal scientist for Solvay Specialty Polymers.  Unfilled PEEK offers ductility, good impact resistance and isotropic properties, but often lacks sufficient stiffness and strength, while reinfor

Metabolix (NASDAQ: MBLX), an advanced biomaterials company focused on sustainable solutions for the plastics and chemicals industries, recently announced that it is highlighting at Interpack 2014 its high performance biopolymers offering a range of innovative solutions for packaging applications. Show attendees may visit Metabolix's booth at Messe Dusseldorf located in the "Biopolymers in Packaging Pavilion" in Hall 9, Booth G05 between May 8 and May 14. "As a result of our focus on innovation, we continue to offer our customers new solutions for packaging applications," said Bob Engle, vice president, biopolymers at Metabolix. "We look forward to highlighting at Interpack 2014 our compostable resin, performance additive and color masterbatch product lines. Further, we are continuing to focus on the unique performance advantages our PHA biopolymers can bring in applications such as compostable film and PHA latex coatings. Our goal is to deliver new deve

Global custom engineered thermoplastics compounder RTP Company has developed EMI shielding compounds that are ideal for replacing metal or conductive coated plastic housings in automotive sensing systems. Because drivers depend on the proper operation of automotive radar and sensing systems to maintain vehicle safety and reliability, these systems require highly reliable EMI protection to eliminate “noise” that could interfere with signal processing. And, as automotive industry engineers incorporate more electronic safety systems into vehicles, they need materials that are lighter in weight and provide greater design flexibility. “The automotive industry is putting more emphasis on reducing mass in order to meet fuel efficiency and emissions regulations,” said Neil Hardwick, Marketing Manager for Conductive Products at RTP Company. “RTP Company’s EMI shielding compounds are an ideal solution for engineers who need to replace metal components with lighter-weight materials that are s