Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Thin Ply UD Tapes by A+ Composites

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

✈️ Thin Ply UD Tapes by A+ Composites: Enabling the Next Generation of Aerospace Lightweight Structures

Modern aircraft design faces increasing demands: reduced weight, enhanced safety, extended service life, and more sustainable manufacturing. With its advanced Thin Ply UD Tapes, A+ Composites delivers a breakthrough composite solution tailored for aerospace applications—ultrathin, highly durable, and automation-ready.

These unidirectional tapes feature extremely low ply thicknesses (<< 100 µm), allowing for highly optimized layups with precise fiber orientation and improved damage tolerance. The result: lighter, more fatigue-resistant structures that meet the most demanding aerospace requirements.

🔹 Key benefits for aerospace engineering:

✔ Significant weight savings through fiber path optimization

✔ Higher fatigue resistance and damage tolerance

✔ Ideal for complex geometries and curvature transitions

✔ Consistent quality in automated layup processes (e.g., AFP)

✔ Excellent thermal and chemical performance

💡 Versatile material options for every specification

A+ Composites offers its Thin Ply UD Tapes with a wide range of high-performance thermoplastic matrix systems, including:

• PEI (Polyetherimide) – flame retardant, heat resistant

• PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide) – chemical resistance, dimensional stability

• LM-PAEK (Low-Melt Polyaryletherketone) –out-of-autoclave processing and back-injectable

• PC (Polycarbonate) – impact resistant, formable

🛠 Process integration made easy

Thin Ply UD Tapes are fully compatible with advanced manufacturing technologies such as Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), thermoforming, and hybrid molding processes. In particular, back-injection molding with e.g LM-PAEK-based tapes allows for efficient integration of structural and functional elements—opening new possibilities for lightweight design in aerospace interiors and substructures.

🌍 Lighter aircraft = greener aviation

By reducing structural weight and material waste, Thin Ply UD Tapes help decrease fuel consumption and support sustainability goals across the aerospace industry.

🎯 Conclusion:

Thin Ply UD Tapes by A+ Composites offer a next-generation composite solution for aerospace—combining high mechanical performance, processing efficiency, and material versatility.

source: A+ Composites

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Council and Parliament agree on new rules to reduce microplastic pollution

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Plastic pellet losses: Council and Parliament agree on new rules to reduce microplastic pollution

Today, the Council and the European Parliament provisionally agreed on a regulation on preventing the loss of plastic pellets – the industrial raw materials used to make plastic products – into the environment. The new rules will help improve the handling of plastic pellets at all stages of the supply chain, both on land and sea.

Microplastics, including plastic pellets are now found everywhere — in our oceans, seas and even in the food we eat. Each year, the equivalent of up to 7,300 truckloads of plastic pellets are lost to the environment. Today, the EU has taken a landmark step toward reducing pellet pollution by adopting measures to tackle losses and ensure correct handling, including in maritime transport.

Stronger prevention of pellet losses

Under the new rules, prevention of plastic pellet losses would be the main objective for operators and EU and non-EU carriers. A clear framework sets out obligations for cases of accidental losses focusing on clean-up operations. A clear set of measures will be included in a risk management plan, prepared by each installation handling pellets. Such measures would tackle, among others,  packaging, loading and unloading, staff training, as well as necessary equipment.

To provide for a level playing field between the EU and non-EU carriers and to ensure accountability and transparency for all carriers of plastic pellets, non-EU carriers will have to designate an authorised representative in the EU.

Achieving simplification and compliance:

In line with the simplification goals for smaller companies and reflecting the Council’s approach, the provisional agreement strikes a balance between a high level of environmental protection and the requirements for companies adapted to their different size. In this sense, operators that handle above 1 500 tonnes of plastic pellets annually will have to obtain a certificate issued by an independent third party. Small companies also handling above 1 500 tonnes per year will benefit from lighter obligations, such as one-off certification to be done in 5 years after the entry into force. Finally, companies handling less than 1 500 tonnes annually and microenterprises will only need to issue a self-declaration of conformity.

Maritime transport:

The persistence of a plastic pellet in an aquatic environment can be measured over decades or more, since plastic pellets are not biodegradable. Moreover, maritime transport accounted for around 38% of all pellets transported in the EU in 2022.

Therefore, the co-legislators also agreed to set obligations for the transport of plastic pellets by sea (in freight containers), including ensuring good quality packaging and providing transport and cargo-related information, following the guidelines of the International Maritime Organisation.

Next steps:

The provisional agreement will now have to be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament. It will then be formally adopted by both institutions, following a legal and linguistic review, and published in the Official Journal of the EU. The regulation will then become applicable 2 years after publication. To facilitate compliance within the maritime sector, the co-legislators agreed to postpone the application of relevant rules by one year (compared to the rest of the rules set out in the regulation).

Background:

It is estimated that between 52 140 and 184 290 tonnes of pellets were lost into the environment in the EU in 2019. Pellet losses can occur at various stages along the value chain. Currently, no EU rules specifically cover plastic pellet losses, despite their adverse impacts on the environment, the climate, the economy and potentially on human health. Plastic pellets rank third among the largest sources of unintentional microplastic releases, after paints and tyres.

source : European Council

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Avantium to develop PEF-based spacer fabric for Auping mattresses

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Avantium Advances PEF-Based Spacer Fabric For Auping Mattresses With Consortium Of Textile Innovators

Avantium N.V., a leading company in renewable and circular polymer materials, is pleased to announce significant progress in its collaboration with leading textile innovators to develop PEF (#polyethylenefuranoate)-based spacer fabric for #Aupingmattresses. #PEF is a plant-based, fully circular polymer material. Recently, a consortium comprising of Auping, Muller Textiles, ANTEX and Monosuisse has successfully developed a PEF-based spacer fabric, a key component in Auping mattresses.

#Spacerfabric is an innovative material known for its breathability, cushioning, and versatility. Unlike traditional #2Dfabrics, spacer fabric is constructed by joining two separate layers of fabric with monofilaments , creating a breathable 3D "microclimate" between the layers. This unique structure allows heat and vapor to escape from the body while enabling cool air to circulate through the permeable layer, ensuring optimal temperature control and maximum air circulation.

Over the course of 2024, Auping, renowned for its commitment to sustainable innovations in premium sleeping solutions, has been working closely with Muller Textiles, a leader in fabric development. Muller Textiles has been developing and supplying PEF-based spacer fabric, while ANTEX and Monosuisse have supplied yarns to Muller Textiles. The consortium has completed the initial proof of concept study and is now progressing towards prototype development. Simultaneously, efforts are being directed towards scaling up the development and production process.

Pavan Kumar Manvi, Technical Application Manager at Avantium, says: "We are proud to collaborate with Auping, Antex, Monosuisse, and Muller Textiles to drive innovation in the textile industry. This partnership underscores our collective commitment to minimizing the environmental footprint of textile production. By harnessing #Avantium's innovative technology and the combined expertise of our partners, we can make meaningful progress towards a more sustainable textile industry."

source : Avantium

Praj industries latest partnership with ThyssenKruppUhde for PLA production

Praj industries:

We’re proud to announce a 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 between Praj Industries and thyssenkrupp Uhde's polymer experts, Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH to revolutionize the 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐜𝐢𝐝 (𝐏𝐋𝐀) — a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

This collaboration combines 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐣’𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀™ technology with 𝐔𝐈𝐅’𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐧𝐞𝐨® process to deliver a seamless, end-to-end integrated solution for PLA production — from feedstock to final polymer.

Key highlights:

🔹 Joint expertise in industrial biotechnology and chemical engineering

🔹 Sustainable, cost-effective production of lactic acid and PLA

🔹 Applications across packaging, textiles, hygiene, and more

🔹 Adaptable to first- and second-generation (non-food) feedstocks

🔹 Backed by Praj's Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers and a Centre of Excellence & Innovation with ICT Mumbai

Together, we’re advancing the circular bioeconomy and enabling industries to transition from fossil-based plastics to innovative, eco-friendly materials.

Let’s create a more sustainable world, one bioplastic at a time.

 

#Bioplastics #PLA #PrajIndustries #thyssenkruppUhde #PLANERA #PLAneo

source: Praj Industries

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Shanshan develops fast-charging graphite enhanced with OCSiAl’s carbon nanotubes

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Shanshan Commercializes a New Fast-Charging Synthetic Graphite Enhanced with OCSiAl’s Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Shanshan has developed a cutting-edge, fast-charging grade of synthetic graphite for Li-ion battery cells, enhanced with OCSiAl’s single wall carbon nanotubes (#SWCNTs) both on the surface of the graphite anode particles and inside their structure.

The enhanced #graphite demonstrates superior electrical conductivity and exceptional thermal dissipation properties at high temperatures during charge/discharge cycles.

The companies are in discussion on a long-term supply agreement for TUBALL™ single wall carbon nanotubes, which are already used by #Shanshan in smartphone battery cells, with expansion into the electric vehicle (#EV) battery market expected to follow.

The commercialization of a new fast-charging grade of synthetic graphite for Li-ion battery cells has been announced by Shanshan, the world leader in synthetic graphite production, which is widely used by leading cell manufacturers worldwide. This advanced electrode material is enhanced with single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) from Luxembourg’s OCSiAl, integrated both on the surface and throughout the volume of the graphite anode particles, and is expected to further elevate performance in applications demanding high performance.

“Single wall carbon nanotubes stand out from other conductive agents due to their unique properties: unparalleled electrical and thermal conductivity, length, and flexibility, and the ability to form conductive reinforcing networks in materials at a very low dosage,” said Loyes Zhi, General Manager of OCSiAl Greater China. “Regarding the effects of enhancing graphite anode particles with SWCNTs, this results in higher electrical conductivity of the graphite anode and an improved ability to dissipate heat, thus allowing the battery cells with such graphite anodes to withstand higher charging and discharging currents without overheating.”

The new grade of graphite anode with single wall carbon nanotubes has already been adopted by leading Li-ion battery cell makers for consumer electronic applications, and Shanshan is now preparing to introduce the technology into the EV battery sector.

“Through technological breakthroughs, Shanshan’s R&D team has successfully integrated SWCNTs, ensuring system compatibility, stability, and uniformity. By directly applying nanotubes to the functional coating, they have overcome mass production challenges. This SWCNT-coated graphite anode enhances energy density, charging speed, and cycle life, delivering a comprehensive performance upgrade for battery cells,” said Jiang Jingcheng, Head of Shanshan Supply Chain. One of the key upcoming technological advancements is a next-generation silicon-carbon composite anode solution. #OCSiAl nanotubes have already gained industry recognition for their ability to extend the cycle life of silicon anodes and reduce internal cell resistance.

Two companies are in discussions for a long-term contract to supply single wall carbon nanotubes for Shanshan projects. The companies are also expanding their technical collaboration to boost battery performance and develop next-generation energy materials.

source : OCSiAl

USEON and TotalEnergies Corbion Forge Strategic Partnership

On April 15, 2025, during Chinaplas, USEON and TotalEnergies Corbion have announced a strategic partnership to advance the development and global commercialization of EPLA molded products — a new generation of sustainable, high-performance foam materials made from Luminy® PLA bioplastics.

This collaboration combines the strengths of both parties in polymer materials and green foaming technologies:

USEON has been deeply engaged in direct bead foaming processes and offers mature turnkey solutions;

TotalEnergies Corbion focuses on the development and supply of high-performance, sustainable PLA materials.

The jointly developed EPLA foam material features a lightweight, durable structure with strong protective properties. At the same time, it offers outstanding environmental performance fully biodegradable under industrial composting conditions into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. This provides a low-carbon, sustainable alternative for industries such as packaging, cold chain logistics, and food service.

Hao Ding, Global Marketing Director of #TotalEnergiesCorbion, which produces Luminy® PLA, said: “Useon’s technical leadership in foam extrusion, combined with the performance and sustainability of #Luminy® PLA, offers the market a new product range (EPLA) that testifies to the power of collaboration in delivering reduced carbon footprint solutions without compromising functionality and quality.

With #EPLA, businesses now have access to a foam material that performs well and also aligns with growing regulatory and consumer demand for circular, climate-responsible alternatives” said Mr. Chen Zhiqiang, CEO of #Useon. He continued, “We are excited to team up with TotalEnergies Corbion and drive the adoption of molded #PLA foam at scale. The combination of direct bead foaming and high-quality #bioplastics enables sustainable innovation across the packaging industry and beyond. Together, we are redefining what’s possible in foam applications.

source: Useon /TotalEnergies corbion

Celebrating 50 years of flame retardants: Exolit™ AP leads the way to a more sustainable future

In 2025, Clariant is proud to celebrate a significant milestone: 50 years of Exolit AP flame retardants protecting lives and property around the world. Based on advanced ammonium polyphosphate (APP) technology, these pioneering flame retardants have become the industry benchmark in a wide range of applications, including intumescent coatings, fire barrier sealing systems, thermoset composites for e-mobility battery housings and coatings, rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation foams and more. As Clariant marks this golden anniversary, it is not just celebrating past achievements but actively shaping the future of fire protection.

A legacy of innovation:

Since producing the first batch of Exolit AP at the Knapsack site in Germany in 1975, the Exolit AP product line has pioneered flame retardant technology. What began as a groundbreaking solution has evolved into a comprehensive portfolio that sets industry standards for performance and reliability. The recent launch of a melamine-free Exolit AP grade demonstrates how this spirit of innovation continues today.

Innovation for today and tomorrow:

The successful launch of melamine-free Exolit AP marks a significant step forward in more sustainable flame retardant technology. This SVHC-free solution, without the addition of melamine, demonstrates Clariant’s commitment to meeting stringent safety and sustainability demands while maintaining superior fire resistance across multiple Passive Fire Protection (PFP) solutions such as fire stop systems and intumescent coatings, as well as flame-retardant applications like insulation panels. This development responds to the rising demand from health- and sustainability-conscious consumers and brands, including those who are actively seeking safer alternatives to products containing substances of concern. Similar to the growing adoption of PFAS-free alternatives across various markets, there is a clear shift in purchasing behavior towards safer solutions in PFP.

Exolit AP 435: same trusted performance, now even better for tomorrow:

Building on this momentum, Clariant is excited to preview the next evolution in the journey towards melamine-free fire protection: an enhanced version of the trusted Exolit AP 435.

This evolution maintains the exceptional performance characteristics in water-based formulations that have made Exolit AP 435 the industry benchmark for shelf-life stability, while incorporating forward-thinking improvements to meet future regulatory requirements, all without compromising on fire protection performance.

The power of partnership:

Clariant’s success story is built on strong partnerships with customers, many spanning generations. In the continued development of next-generation solutions, Clariant is engaging with forward-thinking companies interested in shaping the future of sustainable flame retardants. This collaborative approach ensures that innovations align perfectly with market needs while maintaining high-performance standards.

To show that significant innovations are best achieved through partnership, Clariant is actively seeking development partners who share the vision for more sustainable fire protection and want to be at the forefront of industry innovation. This collaborative approach allows helps to refine solutions while ensuring they meet real-world performance demands.

Milestones that matter:

Clariant’s 50-year journey has been marked by significant breakthroughs:

1975: Introducing Exolit AP 422 flame retardant

1983: Launching Exolit AP 462, encapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (APP)

1990s: Development of specialized solutions for intumescent coatings

2000s: Strategic expansion of intumescent coatings market

2015: Launching Exolit AP 435, setting new standards in viscosity control

2024: Introduction of the very first melamine-free Exolit AP

2025: Continuing development of next-generation solutions

"Through changing times and evolving industry needs, Exolit AP has remained at the forefront of innovation. From its origins in Hoechst AG to becoming a cornerstone of Clariant's portfolio in 1997, each decade has brought new challenges and achievements. The introduction of Exolit AP 462 in 1983 marked our first major breakthrough in encapsulated ammonium polyphosphate technology, setting new industry standards for performance and reliability," said Achim Hennemann, Head of Market Segment Passive Fire Protection.

Today, this legacy of innovation continues. “The launch of melamine-free Exolit AP represents more than just a new product,” explained Adrian Beard, Global Industry Market Manager Flame Retardants. “It embodies our commitment to combining five decades of expertise with tomorrow's sustainability demands.

The road ahead:

As Clariant looks to the next 50 years, its commitment to innovation remains stronger than ever. The success of the very first melamine-free Exolit AP grade and the evolution of Exolit AP 435 demonstrate how the company can meet evolving industry needs while maintaining the high-performance standards that have defined Clariant’s products for half a century.

Stefan Brejc, Global Vice President Segment Coatings & Adhesives proudly stated, “The same pioneering spirit that drove our first innovations in 1975 still drives us today. As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we're not just looking back at 50 years of achievement, we're building on this foundation to create the next generation of more sustainable flame retardants.”

source:Clariant