Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : EPA Finalizes TSCA Risk Evaluation for Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP):

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

EPA Finalizes TSCA Risk Evaluation for Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP):

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the final risk evaluation for diisononyl phthalate (DINP) conducted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA has determined that DINP presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health, because workers could be exposed to high concentrations of DINP in mist when spraying adhesive, sealant, paint, and coating products that contain DINP. DINP can cause developmental toxicity and harm the liver and can cause cancer at higher rates of exposure. Also, DINP can harm the developing male reproductive system, known as “phthalate syndrome” (e.g., decreased fetal testicular testosterone, male reproductive tract malformations, male nipple retention, and decreased male fertility). Therefore, EPA is including DINP in its cumulative risk analysis for six phthalates that demonstrate effects consistent with phthalate syndrome. This draft risk analysis was released earlier this month. 

DINP is used as a plasticizer to make flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and to make building and construction materials; automotive articles; and other commercial and consumer products including adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, and electrical and electronic products. 

Uses and Risks Associated with DINP 

EPA conducted the risk evaluation for DINP at the manufacturer’s request. Under TSCA, manufacturers can request that EPA conduct risk evaluations on chemicals they manufacture. EPA received and granted this manufacturer request for a risk evaluation of DINP in 2019.  

Workers may be exposed to DINP when making products or otherwise using DINP in the workplace. When it is manufactured or used to make products, DINP can be released into the water where most will end up in the sediment at the bottom of lakes and rivers. If released into the air, DINP will attach to dust particles and be deposited on land or into water. Indoors, DINP has the potential over time to come out of products and adhere to dust particles. If it does, people could inhale or ingest dust that contains DINP. 

In the risk evaluation, EPA has determined that DINP poses unreasonable risk of injury to human health when workers are exposed to the chemical under four conditions of use that represent approximately 3% of the DINP production volume in the U.S. EPA found that workers are at risk if they are unprotected from the DINP contained in spray-applied adhesives and sealants, and paints and coatings. Spraying these products could create high concentrations of DINP in mist that an unprotected worker could inhale. EPA did not identify risk of injury to human health for consumers or the general population or the environment that would contribute to the unreasonable risk of DINP.  

source EPA

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Singapore researchers develop flame retardant removal process

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

A paper published by researchers at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) focuses on a method to remove brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from plastic before it is recycled.

BFRs are considered a toxic compound but are found in commonly used and recycled items, including laptops, keyboards and smartphones. When landfilled, BFRs can leach out from discarded electronics and if a recycling process involves heating plastic, that also can release the toxic compounds.

NTU says a research team led by Associate Professor Lee Jong-Min at its School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology has come up with a way to make BFR-contaminated plastic recycling safer.

Using a mixture of 1-propanol and heptane, the process dissolves and removes BFRs from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a resin commonly used in the casings of keyboards and laptops.

According to NTU, the solvents dissolved predominantly BFRs, enabling the researchers to recover more than 80 percent of the plastic after removal of the BFRs.

“The properties of the plastic were also unchanged,” the university says.

The project’s findings were published in a paper titled “Enhanced extraction of brominated flame retardants from e-waste plastics” in Chemical Engineering Journal and highlighted in Pushing Frontiers, NTU’s research and innovation magazine.

source:Nanyang Technological University (NTU)/ recyclingtoday.com

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:TSRC's VECTOR SEBS for medical Applications

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

TSRC develops a range of new VECTOR SEBS products for medical applications.

A key distinguishing feature of medical grade SEBS versus typical materials is plasticizers free. Moreover, VECTOR SEBS products also provide superior mechanical strength, high clarity and excellent polyolefin compatibility. TSRC VECTOR SEBS meets stringent quality standards and delivers outstanding performance in medical applications such as IV bags / film, tubing, stoppers, liners, syringe plunger tips and closures.

VECTOR SEBS:

VECTOR SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene/Butylene-Styrene copolymer) is designed for medical applications as alternative to PVC due to its eco-friendly feature. VECTOR SEBS passed ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity test, USP Class VI test, complied with medical GMP production, and is well suited for general modification of articles in medical applications.

*Alternative to Polyvinylchloride (PVC) without plasticizer

*Wide formulation latitude – processable both in Oil Free & Oil-Extended

*High Polypropylene (PP) compatibility with excellent clarity

*Thermoplastics – easy processing & recyclable

IV Bags / Film:

VECTOR SEBS is suitable to apply in medical single and multi-layer film. The designed structure provides good compatibility with Polypropylene (PP) at various ratio to fulfill desired features such as printability, flexibility, and good sealing strength. In addition, the high flowability of VECTOR SEBS enables non-oil extended process available to meet medical requirements. The material also passes USP class VI test and ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity test to prove the reliability of medical products.

source:TSRC

Honeywell’s Technology Chosen By Vioneo For Its Planned European Production Of Fossil Feedstock-free Plastics

Vioneo and Honeywell announced today that Honeywell’s technology will be used by Vioneo as part of its plans to produce plastics using green methanol, at a new facility to be built in Antwerp, Belgium. Vioneo will use Honeywell’s advanced methanol-to-olefin (MTO) conversion technology to produce plastics without the need for traditional feedstock made from fossil fuels.

Honeywell's advanced MTO technology will enable Vioneo to use green methanol, containing only biogenic carbon dioxide, in place of coal and crude oil in its plastic production processes. This can avoid the high carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel-derived plastic, while still supporting the production of propylene and ethylene – essential components used in various everyday items such as medical equipment, food packaging, automotive parts, personal care products and toys.

“Vioneo aims to help transition the plastics industry by demonstrating that large-scale, cleaner production is economically viable using green methanol as an alternative to fossil fuel. This initiative offers Europe a chance to lead the €5 trillion chemicals and materials sector's defossilisation movement. Our collaboration with Honeywell for our Antwerp production facility marks a key step in our plans to support this transition

Vioneo plans to implement the technology at a new €1.5 billion plant in Antwerp, Belgium. This facility will use green methanol from renewable energy-based hydrogen and biomaterials and will be powered by renewable electricity.

“Vioneo’s Antwerp plant has the potential to significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and help position Europe as a leader in lower emissions industrial innovation. We are delighted to be a critical technology partner to this initiative,” said Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell UOP. “Our MTO technology helps support the industry's commitment to reducing emissions and the European Union's ambitious climate goals. This technology will play a crucial role in helping transform the production of olefins, helping advance the shift away from plastics made from fossil-derived feedstocks and supporting a path to a net-zero emissions future for the region.”

Vioneo will also deploy Honeywell’s light olefins recovery process (LORP) and olefins cracking process (OCP) to ensure high-purity ethylene and propylene output while capturing and reusing byproducts. This approach minimizes waste, saves energy, reduces costs and maximizes yield.

Planned development of the Antwerp-based plant will proceed in phases, starting with a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) in the fourth quarter of 2024 and potential Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2025. Commercial operations are anticipated to begin in 2028.

source:Honeywell

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share: The first synthetic Eukaryotic Genome.

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

First Synthetic Eukaryotic Genome Completed

Scientists at the Macquarie University in Australia worked with an international team of scientists to achieve a major milestone in synthetic biology by completing the creation of the final chromosome in the world’s first synthetic yeast genome. This achievement represents the completion of the global Sc2.0 project to create the world’s first synthetic eukaryotic genome from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) and a new-to-nature tRNA neochromosome.

Using genome-editing techniques, including the CRISPR D-BUGS protocol, the team identified and corrected genetic errors that impacted yeast growth. These changes restored the strain’s ability to grow on glycerol, a key carbon source, under elevated temperatures.

The study “Construction and iterative redesign of synXVI a 903 kb synthetic Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome,” published in Nature Communications, demonstrates how engineered chromosomes can be designed, built and debugged to create more resilient organisms that could help secure supply chains for food and medicine production in the face of climate change and future pandemics, according to the researchers.

Landmark moment

“This is a landmark moment in synthetic biology,” says Sakkie Pretorius, PhD, co-chief investigator and deputy vice chancellor (research) of Macquarie University. “It is the final piece of a puzzle that has occupied synthetic biology researchers for many years now.”

“By successfully constructing and debugging the final synthetic chromosome, we’ve helped complete a powerful platform for engineering biology that could revolutionize how we produce medicines, sustainable materials, and other vital resources,” adds Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen, PhD, director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology and co-director of the project.

The research team used specialized gene editing tools to identify and fix problems in the synthetic chromosome affecting how well the yeast could reproduce and grow under challenging conditions. They discovered that the placement of genetic markers near uncertain gene regions accidentally interfered with how essential genes were turned on and off, particularly affecting crucial processes like copper metabolism and how cells divide their genetic material.“The Sc2.0 global consortium to design and construct a synthetic genome based on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome commenced in 2006, comprising 16 synthetic chromosomes and a new-to-nature tRNA neochromosome,” write the investigators.

“In this paper we describe assembly and debugging of the 902,994-bp synthetic Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome synXVI of the Sc2.0 project. Application of the CRISPR D-BUGS protocol identified defective loci, which were modified to improve sporulation and recover wild-type like growth when grown on glycerol as a sole carbon source when grown at 37˚C. LoxPsym sites inserted downstream of dubious open reading frames impacted the 5’ UTR of genes required for optimal growth and were identified as a systematic cause of defective growth.

“Based on lessons learned from analysis of Sc2.0 defects and synXVI, an in-silico redesign of the synXVI chromosome was performed, which can be used as a blueprint for future synthetic yeast genome designs. The in-silico redesign of synXVI includes reduced PCR tag frequency, modified chunk and megachunk termini, and adjustments to allocation of loxPsym sites and TAA stop codons to dubious ORFs.

“This redesign provides a roadmap into applications of Sc2.0 strategies in non-yeast organisms.”

One of our key findings was how the positioning of genetic markers could disrupt the expression of essential genes, noted co-lead author Hugh Goold, PhD, research scientist at The NSW department of primary industries and Honorary Postdoctoral Research Fellow from Macquarie University’s School of Natural Sciences. “This discovery has important implications for future genome engineering projects, helping establish design principles that can be applied to other organisms.”

New possibilities in metabolic engineering and strain optimization

The completion of the chromosome known as synXVI allows scientists to explore new possibilities in metabolic engineering and strain optimization. The synthetic chromosome includes features that enable researchers to generate genetic diversity on demand, accelerating the development of yeasts with enhanced capabilities for biotechnology applications.

“The synthetic yeast genome represents a quantum leap in our ability to engineer biology,” according to Briardo Llorente, PhD, CSO at the Australian Genome Foundry.

The construction of such a large synthetic chromosome was only possible using the robotic instrumentation in the Australian Genome Foundry, he pointed out.

“This achievement opens up exciting possibilities for developing more efficient and sustainable biomanufacturing processes, from producing pharmaceuticals to creating new materials,” continued Llorente.

The research provides valuable insights for future synthetic biology projects, including potential applications in engineering plant and mammalian genomes, explains the research team whose new design principles for synthetic chromosomes to avoid placing potentially disruptive genetic elements near important genes will help other researchers working on synthetic chromosomes.

source:www.genengnews.com

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Breaking Polymer Chains

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Have you ever asked yourself if breaking a plastic part (or tensile bar) always means you are breaking polymer chains ?

It is not a trivial question and it is actually quite an important aspect to address if we want to better understand a polymer performance.

As it turns out it has a lot to do with the polymer chain entanglement density of the polymer of interest (and the temperature).

In a loosely entangled polymer, like Polystyrene, the lower ability to delocalize stress inside the network will allow an easier reach of the carbon-carbon bond strength limit, allowing thus significant chain scission when breaking a PS sample.

On the other side, highly entangled polymers like PC or PSU/PES/PPSU will spread the stress around the much denser entangled network, making carbon-carbon bonds way more unlikely to fail. The result is that failure will be dominated by disentanglement.

This has been proven by observing the significant appearance of free radicals (testifying chain scissions) on the PS fracture surface, contrary to the lack of free radicals for a PC fractured sample.

Of course, at very low temperatures, plasticity is almost totally suppressed, leaving chain scission as the only failure mechanism for all polymers, regardless of their entanglement density.

The Physics at play is not so different from what we observe in GF filled grades. Classical short GF (150-250 micron long) are too short to develop a stress higher than the glass stress at break, so fibers will be pulled out when breaking a sample.

LGF (long glass fibers, say longer than 1 mm) will typically break because the fibers are beyond the “critical length”, allowing the maximum stress in the fiber to reach the strength of glass.

source:Vito leo

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Bioinspired Adhesive for Fetal Surgery & Repairs:

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Researchers Develop Bioinspired Adhesive for Fetal Surgery & Repairs:

For over 20 years, Professor Phillip Messersmith from Berkeley has drawn inspiration from nature to develop innovative resins and adhesives for medical and industrial applications. This approach, which he refers to as bioinspiration, involves studying natural molecules to create synthetic counterparts in the lab.

Manipulate Lipoic Acid Chemistry to Improve Stability:

Messersmith’s early work focused on the "glue proteins" secreted by mussels to attach to surfaces, and his research has expanded to include other natural molecules, such as lipoic acid. This molecule, produced in the human body to support cell respiration and energy production, also serves as a monomer for creating larger polymers.

According to Messersmith, lipoic acid’s inherent flexibility makes it a versatile material. However, Subhajit Pal, a postdoctoral researcher in his lab, discovered, that the polymerized form of lipoic acid tends to degrade when exposed to water. This challenge has motivated ongoing research into improving its stability and broadening its potential applications.

Water-activated Superglue:

By modifying 7 to 15 percent of lipoic acid monomers with the molecule N-hydroxysuccinimide, Pal created a stable solution that would form a superglue on contact with water. That superglue could be applied during surgery to incisions in the amniotic sac, the layers of tissue surrounding a fetus in the uterus.

Starting small, Messersmith’s team applied the new polymer adhesive via a “patch” to the fetal membranes of lab mice, into which they poked holes. All of the mice fetuses in patched uteruses survived without issue while all of the “control” mice died.

The next step is to try the polymer adhesive on a larger animal like a sheep. If that works, it’s on to humans. An effective superglue holds promise for pregnant women in two situations: one, when the fetal membranes rupture spontaneously in the third trimester and need to be repaired; and two, when a surgeon needs to enter the uterus to perform a procedure on the fetus and then patch the surgical incision.

“That’s why we do this, to eventually apply it to humans,” Messersmith says.

Source: University of California, Berkeley/adhesives.specialchem.com

Swancor and Adani sign MoU to jointly develop India’s first recyclable wind farm

India is striving to reach 140 GW of installed wind power capacity by 2030. This project will support the rapid growth of India’s wind energy sector and achieve the shared vision of a net-zero, green, and sustainable future.

Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary created by Adani Enterprises for green hydrogen projects, manufacturing of wind turbines and solar modules, batteries among other components.

Adani and Swancor plan to complete the required certification by Q2 2025 and Swancor will conduct all necessary testing according to the qualification plan provided. The adoption of Swancor EzCiclo, the recyclable thermosetting resin, for manufacturing environmentally friendly, recyclable wind turbine blades is scheduled to commence in Q4 2025.

Aden Tsai, CEO of Swancor, said: “We are honored to collaborate with Adani Group to realize India’s first large-scale commercial recyclable wind power plant. This project is not only a breakthrough for the wind energy industry but also a testament to our commitment to global sustainable development.” Furthermore, Aden also expressed his gratitude to Mr. Milind Kulkarni – Business Head who also recognizes that this collaboration represents a key step forward for Adani in the renewable energy sector. He firmly believes that wind turbine blades produced with Swancor EzCiclo will accelerate the sustainable development of India’s wind energy sector and set a new global benchmark for advanced technology.

This is the beginning of a long-term relationship. Adani and Swancor will further expand the scale of cooperation by jointly establishing the largest recyclable wind farm in Asia. Together, both companies aim to set a new standard for the global wind power market, to drive the renewable energy industry’s transformation toward scalability and sustainability and lead the way to a greener energy future.

Cover photo: wind farm/

source:jeccomposites.com

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share :Avient's New light blocking solution for Extended Shelf-Life Dairy products

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Avient Unveils ColorMatrix™ Lactra™ ESL, New Light-Blocking Solution for Extended Shelf-Life Dairy Products

Avient Corporation, an innovator of materials solutions, announced the launch of ColorMatrix™ Lactra™ ESL, an additive solution formulated for the extended shelf-life (ESL) dairy market. This next-generation light-blocking additive offers a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional solutions, providing enhanced protection compared to standard masterbatch solutions for ESL dairy protection.

The global ESL dairy market is experiencing significant growth, and Avient's Lactra ESL is poised to meet the evolving needs of this dynamic industry. With its low titanium dioxide (TiO₂) levels, Lactra ESL can support sustainability goals by reducing inorganic content in packaging without compromising light-blocking performance while also extending the shelf life of dairy products to help prevent food spoilage. Compared to Avient’s existing Lactra grades, this innovative solution allows for brighter whiteness and more tailored light-blocking performance for the ESL dairy market, making it an excellent choice for brands seeking to improve their product offerings.

Lactra ESL is versatile, catering to a range of dairy packaging applications that require mid-range light protection, and is useful for products with shelf-life requirements of up to three months. It offers a balanced solution between standard white pigment and full light-blocking additives, providing tailored protection. 

Avient's commitment to sustainability and innovation is further demonstrated through Lactra ESL's potential for bottle lightweighting, which can reduce transportation costs and lower CO₂ emissions. This solution was developed as a plug-and-go option compatible with standard PET extrusion lines, making it easy for manufacturers to integrate it into their existing production processes.

As the ESL dairy market expands, Avient's ColorMatrix Lactra ESL light-blocking additive solution stands out as a more sustainable choice for brands looking to enhance their product quality and extend their market reach. For more information on how Lactra ESL can benefit your business, please contact the Avient team today.

source:Avient

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:New Adhesive from Kiilto

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

A new adhesive line with further improved quality and efficiency in bonding of load-bearing wooden structures

In the production of wooden structures, Kiilto Pro SW, a new line of one-component polyurethane adhesives, can boost the bonding process by up to 30%. The adhesives meet the requirements of EN 15425:2023 I 90 GP 0.3 w (adhesive type I). The different stages involved in the production of engineered wood have been extensively studied in developing the adhesive. In addition to improved production efficiency, this attention to detail can be seen in the excellent foaming properties of the adhesive. These properties reduce the need for adhesive in production.

Wood construction is becoming increasingly popular, as it contributes to achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. Wood is also a warm, safe and aesthetic construction material. Cross-laminated timber, or CLT, has provided the industry with new opportunities, and log construction has once again become popular.

Kiilto has developed a new adhesive line, offering a wide range of technical solutions for the engineered wood industry. The Kiilto Pro SW line is suitable for applications requiring strength and quality that can withstand decades of use. According to Business Development Manager Juha Rinne of Kiilto, the product’s applications include not only cross laminated timber but also roof trusses, glulam beams, log construction and structural finger jointing.

Optimal ratio between open and pressing time

As RDI Manager Jussi Hänninen of Kiilto points out, the required open time of adhesive vary, depending on the number of layers that the CLT element is to be made up of – for example, three, five or seven.

“The Kiilto Pro SW line includes options with an optimal ratio between the open and pressing times. This way, the customer can choose the adhesive that is best suited for their factory and production.”

Often, the optimal solution for the engineered wood industry is one with a long open time but the shortest possible pressing time.

“Usually, when the pressing time is divided by the open time, the resulting coefficient is 2.5. However, with the Kiilto Pro SW line, in standard conditions the coefficient can be as low as 1.5,” says Hänninen.

Rinne calculates that optimising the ratio between the open time and pressing time can help increase the efficiency of the bonding process by up to 30%.

“In other words, productivity can also be improved by simply changing the adhesive, without the need to invest in a new press, for example.”

 

Less adhesive – without compromising on quality

“The adhesive spreads well and penetrates the wood during the pressing phase. A high-quality bonding result can be achieved with less adhesive, which reduces production costs. Material efficiency also contributes to environmental friendliness,” Rinne points out.

The product is highly shear-thinning, meaning its viscosity is high when stationary and decreases during movement.

Bio-based option on the way

Wood construction is already a good option for achieving a lower carbon footprint in construction. If the carbon footprint of the end products is to be further reduced, there is also an option for that.”

“Kiilto will also launch a product with identical technical properties but made of partly bio-based components instead of fossil ones. The proportion of bio-based materials can be up to 25%,” says Hänninen.