Airbus Military A400M successfully performs unpaved runway trials

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 to its strategic capability.

Head of A400M Flight Tests, Eric Isorce, said: “We are extremely pleased with the results of these tests which were very close to all predictions and confirm the A400M´s capability to operate successfully from gravel runways.”

Source:www.eads.com

bio-on Develops 100% Biodegradable Bioplastic PHAs to Create Scaffolds to Regenerate Human Bones

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 our laboratory, we've shown how this material, when properly combined with ceramic or vitreous osteoinductive particles in highly porous structures, is suitable for the construction of composite scaffolds devoid of cytotoxicity. Biological validation tests with cell proliferation assays have demonstrated that bone cells are able to adhere fully to these scaffolds, and to give rise to a supported process of tissue regeneration".

In the future, the properties of this material, especially its extreme bio-compatibility, will enable its use to be extended to the regeneration of other tissues, thanks to the design of bioresorbable scaffolds in vivo, i.e., which are absorbed by the human body and therefore do not need removal at the end of the tissue regeneration process.

"We're extremely pleased with these results,' says Marco Astorri, CEO and co-founder of bio-on "because the biomedical sector is one of the many in which our biopolymers can be used (obtained in this case from by-products from Co.Pro.B., the leading Italian manufacturer of sugar beet). We've already finalized a deal with Virdhi an innovative start-up that develops advanced materials for biomedical use, and in the months ahead we'll be doing the same with other similar initiatives in the world."

Source: bio-on

Arsenal Acquires IFC, a Supplier of Cellulose-based Insoluble Fiber Products from Swander Pace

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 thermoplastics. IFC's products include brands such as Solka-Floc, Alpha-Cel, KEYCEL, JustFiber, FloAm, Qual Flo, and NutraFiber. IFC has operating facilities in North Tonawanda, NY, Urbana and Oberlin, OH, Nitro, WV and Temse, Belgium.

"Arsenal is delighted to invest in a global company with long history of innovation providing great solutions and service to its diverse customers. IFC maintains a strong industry reputation by providing its customers with the highest level of performance and quality, and is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for fiber products both domestically and internationally," said John Televantos, a Partner who co-heads the Arsenal's Specialty Industrials practice.

"We look forward to partnering with IFC management, growing the business organically as well as building through strategic acquisitions to further expand its offerings," added Sal Gagliardo, an Operating Partner at Arsenal.

"Swander Pace is pleased with the growth and performance of IFC throughout the duration of our investment, which included the addition of a new production facility, expansion into several new product categories and a significant increase in production capabilities," said Swander Pace Managing Director Mo Stout. "It has been a very rewarding partnership on both sides, and our team will continue to look for opportunities to partner with innovative, industry-leading companies, such as IFC."

Arsenal Senior Advisor Ken Blackburn will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer of IFC following successful executive roles with Arkema Corp., FMC Corp. and ITT Rayonier. "I'm excited to join a best-in-class team at IFC, and look forward to the growth IFC is well-positioned for in both the U.S. and international markets. As we further expand the business's product suite, we hope we can continue to improve the service and solutions we provide to our customers."

The acquisition of IFC is the eighth acquisition by Arsenal in 2013, and sixth by its Specialty Industrials Team following the acquisitions of TP Electrical, Fournier Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Arnco, Pathway Polymers and ADCO Global, Inc. IFC joins Arsenal's extensive portfolio of investments in the specialty industrials sector.

Arsenal's current investments in the specialty industrials sector include Dash Multi-Corp., among the leading manufacturers of formulated polyurethane, vinyl plastisol, specialty coatings as well as recycled rubber products; IGM Resins, one among leading providers of intermediates to the global ultraviolet ("UV") radiation cure coatings, inks and adhesives industry; Chromaflo Technologies, one of the largest independent global pigment dispersion providers to the architectural and industrial coatings and thermoset composites industries; Fluoro-Seal Holdings, among the leading providers of unique plastic barrier, adhesion and surface enhancement products and services as well as manufacturer of value-added materials; Royal Adhesives & Sealants, one of the largest global pure-play producers of proprietary, high-performance adhesives, sealants and coatings. Previous investments in the sector include Novolyte Technologies, Genovique Specialties, Velsicol Chemical, Sermatech International, and Vertellus Specialties.

Sagent Advisors acted as financial advisor and DLA Piper LLP acted as legal advisor to Arsenal. Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Swander Pace.

Source: Arsenal Capital Partners

Production Capacities for Bio-based Polymers in Europe are Limited to Few Polymers: nova-Institute

Europe's current position in producing bio-based polymers is limited to a few polymers. However, new developments and investments are foreseen: the first European industrial-scale PLA plant by 2014, the introduction of future PET production facilities by 2015, recent developments in the commercialization of bio-based PBT and further advancements in the field of high-value fine chemicals for PA, PUR and thermosets production.

Although Europe shows a strong demand for bio-based polymers, production tends to take place elsewhere, namely in Asia and America. The European Union's relatively weak position in the production of bio-based polymers is largely the consequence of an unfavorable political framework for the industrial material use of biomass.

The European market data presents the latest findings of production capacities of bio-based polymers in Europe based on the market study published by the nova-Institute in spring this year and its continuously updated database.

The "Bio-based Polymers Producer Database" shows that Europe's situation in producing bio-based polymers is limited to just a few polymers. Europe has so far established a solid position mainly in the field of starch blends (blends of polymers with native starch or thermoplastic starch) and it is expected to remain strong in this sector for the next few years (see figure). Nevertheless, new developments and investments are foreseen in Europe: some years after the installation of industrial scale PLA capacities in North America and Asia, the first European industrial-scale PLA plant is scheduled to become operational in 2014.

PET production is growing worldwide, largely due to the Plant PET Technology Collaborative (PTC) initiative, whose global value chain development will lead to the introduction of future production, facilities in Europe by 2015.

Bio-based polymers: Evolution of production capacities in Europe from 2011 to 2020 (without Cellulose acetate and Thermosets)

One noteworthy finding of other studies is that Europe shows the strongest demand for biobased polymers, while production tends to take place elsewhere, namely in Asia and South America. The bio-based polymer production facilities for PLA and PHA located in Europe are currently rather small, and although there are next to no production capacity figures for the latter, several pilot plants are already operating. On the other hand, bio-based PUR and PA production has gradually taken off in Europe and is likely to remain stable in order to supply the growing markets on the building and construction and automotive sectors. Europe does host industrial production facilities for PBAT (shown in figure). Although still fully fossil-based, PBAT is expected to be increasingly bio-based reaching shares of 50% by 2020, to judge by industry announcements and the capacity development of its bio-based precursors. Also for PBT (see table) recent developments in the production of bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO) have proven that the bio-based route to the polymer is commercially feasible and its production is planned to have started by 2020 (date not disclosed yet).

With leading chemical corporations, Europe has a particular strength and great potential in the fields of high-value fine chemicals and building blocks for the production of PA, PUR and thermosets among others. However, only few specific, large-scale plans for bio-based building blocks with concrete plans for the production of bio-based polymers have been announced to date.

Bio-based polymers, producing companies in Europe and production capacities (t/a)

EU: No dedicated policies to promote bio-based polymers

The European Union's relatively weak position in the production of bio-based polymers is largely the consequence of an unfavorable political framework. In contrast to biofuels, there is no European policy framework to support bio-based polymers, whereas biofuels receive strong and ongoing support during commercial production (quotas, tax incentives, green electricity regulations and market introduction programs, etc.). Without comparable support, bio-based chemicals and polymers will suffer further from underinvestment by the private sector. It is currently much more attractive and safe to invest in bio-based polymers in Asia, South America and North America.

Source:nova-Institute

Cereplast's BioPP 101 Used to Manufacture Child Bicycle Carriers by Bellelli's MammaCangura

Cereplast, Inc.,among the leading manufacturers of proprietary biobased, compostable and sustainable bioplastics,recently announced that MammaCangura by Bellelli, one among the world leaders in the design and manufacture of child bicycle carriers and trailers, is launching a line of child bicycle carriers made from Cereplast Biopropylene® 101 this fall.

MammaCangura is manufacturing two child bicycle carriers made from Cereplast Biopropylene 101: FRECCIA ECO, a front-mounted child bicycle carrier, and MR FOX ECO, a rear-mounted child bicycle carrier. Initially, both carriers will be available for retail sale and purchase by MammaCangura North America at brick and mortar retailers in Canada.

FRECCIA ECO

Made from a non-toxic bioplastic frame, FRECCIA ECO is lightweight, solid and washable, featuring big-feet-shaped footrests, a secure handlebar for the child to play with, wide ventilation slots on the back and shoulders, a soft, removable and washable seat pad, a three-point length-adjustable harness, wider and safer legs/feet side protection to avoid contact with any parts of the bike, a child-proof, parent-friendly, one-hand fasten and release safety buckle with two depth settings, a wide, comfortable seat with high sideboards to increase child support and containment and a one-click, easyon/ easy-off protection handle.

MR FOX ECO

Made from a non-toxic bioplastic frame, MR FOX ECO is lightweight, durable and washable and features an ergonomic backrest with an integrated helmet slot to ensure maximum support and comfort to the child's back and neck, a heightlength- depth-adjustable five-point harness, higher and safer sideboards, a soft, removable, washable seat pad, a childproof, parent-friendly one-hand fasten and release safety buckle with two depth settings in the seat center, broad footrest settings and four-position, length adjustable foot straps, a wide, comfortable seat, and high sideboards to increase child support and containment and wider and safer legs/feet side protection to avoid any contact with wheel spokes. The MammaCangura FRECCIA ECO and MR FOX ECO are made from Cereplast Biopropylene 101, which offers a lower carbon footprint when compared to conventional plastics. A third party lifecycle assessment (LCA) of Cereplast Biopropylene 101* determined that this grade of bioplastic resin is superior to all conventional plastics evaluated in terms of overall environmental impact. The LCA compared Cereplast Biopropylene 101 bioplastic to four different conventional plastics including Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE),Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) and Polypropylene (PP), and provided a rating for each product's cumulative environmental impact including climate change, ozone layer depletion, and ecotoxicity.

The reduction in Global Warming Potential for Biopropylene 101 compared to conventional Polypropylene (PP) is 32%. When you replace 1,000,000 pounds of conventional PP with Biopropylene 101, the environmental impact reduction is 800,000 pounds of CO₂ eq., which is equivalent to driving 732,800 miles in an average passenger vehicle, or driving around the world more than twenty-nine times. If 0.1% of the global demand for PP was replaced with Hybrid 101, that's the same as removing 5,100 cars from America's roads or planting 1,200,000 trees, which would save millions of pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

*Formerly named Cereplast Hybrid 101

Source: Cereplast, Inc.

High-tech plastic makes notebooks razor-thin

Casing thickness and weight considerably reduced with a total design freedom to achieve sleek and stylish forms

Light enough to be taken anywhere, razor-thin and stylish, powerful and long-lasting: this is what defines a new generation of laptops – the “ultra- notebooks”. They address the needs of today’s technology-savvy people on the move. To help producers meet these demands even better, Bayer MaterialScience is launching a new material solution for the housings: reinforced polycarbonates that offer lightness, durability, and total design freedom, and allow fast and efficient mass production.

“We are committed to providing solutions to the next trend of mobile computing,” says Steffan Huber, responsible for industrial marketing of information technology and appliances at Bayer MaterialScience’s Polycarbonates business unit. “These requirements call for a more sophisticated hardware made from higher performance materials.” The company’s solution based on reinforced polycarbonates can make the casings lighter and thinner while maintaining sturdiness and safety, Huber adds.

”The new reinforced polycarbonate solution from Bayer can address the needs of end consumers for lighter, thinner, more stylish, safe and sturdy mobile devices,” says Dr. Ning Hao, Material Engineer at the IT company Lenovo. “At the same time it enables manufacturers to save energy and time in the production process of the parts. One full set of housing can be produced in less than one minute.” 

While traditional notebooks can weigh up to 2.6 kg and have a 3.5 cm profile thickness, the new ultrathin laptop generation offers weights as low as 1.5 kg and only a 2.1 cm profile thickness. Bayer’ specially formulated reinforced polycarbonates can trim weight further to save up to 100 g, which is 1.4 kg in total weight. And they reduce profile thickness by 45%, meaning 1.4 cm or even less. 

The new material also comes in a broad range of color choices and allows the laptop housings to achieve complex geometric structures (3D) and innovative surface textures (2D). Or it can be given a coating for a soft touch surface feeling.

About Bayer MaterialScience:
With 2012 sales of EUR 11.5 billion, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and the sports and leisure industries. At the end of 2012, Bayer MaterialScience had 30 production sites and employed approximately 14,500 people around the globe. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company.

More information: www.materialscience.bayer.com

Newlight's AirCarbon Wins Prestigious R&D 100 Award

Newlight Technologies inventor and manufacturer of AirCarbon™, announced that AirCarbon has been awarded a R&D 100 Award. The prestigious and influential R&D 100 Awards—also known as the "Oscars of Innovation"—are selected by a panel of independent industry experts and R&D Magazine editors, and recognize the most technologically significant innovations of the year. 

Now in its 51st year, past R&D 100 Award winners include the fax machine (1975), liquid crystal display technology (1980), the Nicoderm anti-smoking patch (1992), the Taxol anticancer drug (1993), and HDTV (1998). A full list of the 2013 award recipients will be showcased in the September-October issue of R&D Magazine, and the award will be presented to Newlight at the R&D 100 Awards banquet on November 9 in Orlando.

Founded in 2003, Newlight Technologies has invented, patented, and commercialized AirCarbon™, a paradigm-shifting material made by pulling carbon, such as methane and carbon dioxide, out of air. As a result of Newlight's breakthroughs in gas conversion yield and polymer performance, AirCarbon can replicate the performance of oil-based plastics while significantly out-competing on price, representing a market-driven solution to displacing oil, reducing material cost, and reversing climate change. 

"Newlight is honored to receive this prestigious award, and humbled to be in the company of the award's previous winners," said Mark Herrema, Newlight CEO. "This award recognizes the potential of AirCarbon: to reverse climate change by sequestering greenhouse gas into high-performance materials that outcompete oil-based plastics on price. Our breakthroughs in bringing AirCarbon to market were made possible by the contributions of each member of our exceptional team, and this award is a testament to their efforts."

Newlight commenced sales of the company's carbon-capturing AirCarbon materials in 2012, and demand for AirCarbon has since grown significantly, with over 12.5 million pounds of AirCarbon under executed letter of intent to purchase. AirCarbon is currently being used to manufacture furniture, bags, films, containers, top caps, and a variety of other products. Newlight's customers and product development partners include some of the largest manufacturers in the world, including multiple Fortune 500 companies and brand-name market leaders.

In recognition of the company's technological and commercialization achievements, AirCarbon was named "Biomaterial of the Year" in April 2013, and Newlight was named "Most Innovative Company of the Year" by the American Business Awards in June 2013.

Source:Newlight