Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : High Pure Rare Earth Elements

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Highly pure rare-earth elements are NOT essential for the production of Nd-Fe-B (neodymium-iron-boron) magnets. Nd-Fe-B magnets can be made from mixtures of rare-earth elements (REE) rather than highly pure metals of the individual REE. This possibility is often overlooked, but it could lead to much cheaper and more sustainable Nd-Fe-B magnets.

REE mixtures can be separated into individual REE with a purity of more than 99.9% by solvent extraction (SX). For full separation of a mixture of all REE, more than 1000 SX stages are required. This makes REE separation an expensive and tedious process.

While highly pure REE oxides are required for luminescent materials such as lamp phosphors or laser crystals, this is not the case for REE permanent magnets that are essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military applications.

We do not need 99.9% pure neodymium for high-quality Nd-Fe-B magnets. Nd₂Fe₁₄B (the main phase in Nd-Fe-B magnets) and its praseodymium analogue Pr₂Fe₁₄B, as well as mixtures of Nd₂Fe₁₄B and Pr₂Fe₁₄B, can be used for Nd-Fe-B magnets without experiencing any significant deterioration in magnetic properties. Therefore, the neodymium does not need to be more than 95% pure. It is even possible to prepare strong permanent magnets from mischmetal, a mixture of non-separated rare earths, using the naturally occurring ratio of these elements found in their ores. Only the samarium must be removed.

Dysprosium and terbium are often added to Nd-Fe-B magnets to help maintain the magnetic properties of the magnets at higher temperatures. This makes the magnets more reliable and efficient in high-temperature environments, such as in electric vehicle motors. It is very difficult to separate these elements, but they do not need to be separated for use in magnets. They can be added to the magnet alloy as a dysprosium-terbium mixture.

I was not aware of this myself until we analyzed different magnets used in cars at SOLVOMET R&I Centre. To illustrate this, have a look at the following chemical composition of a REE magnet from a power steering motor of a car:

Neodymium: 20.9 wt%

Dysprosium: 3.8 wt%

Praseodymium: 4.2 wt%

Terbium: 0.6 wt%

Gadolinium: 0.2 wt%

(Total REE content: 29.7 wt%)

This raises the question: Why are we spending so much effort on the over-purification of REE for permanent magnet production? This is something to reflect upon.

Credit picture: Shutterstock

source: Koen Binnemans

#RareEarths #Lanthanides #Magnets #NdFeBMagnets #RareEarthElements

UPM receives triple sustainability certification for the Leuna biorefinery

UPM Biochemicalsis proud to announce that its new biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, has achieved ISCC PLUS, PEFC, and FSC™ chain-of-custody certifications – highlighting UPM’s commitment to sustainable sourcing, full traceability, and transparent operations.

The certifications confirm that all wood-based feedstocks used in the biorefinery are sourced from sustainably managed forests and are fully traceable through credible third-party auditing schemes. This independently verified sustainability is a core commercial value of UPM’s biochemicals, supporting customers who prioritize responsible sourcing in their value chains. 

 

“Our products are built on sustainability, and now that commitment is verified by globally recognized standards,” said Martin Ledwon, Vice President, Marketing, Sustainability and Communications, UPM Biorefining & Technology. “These certifications provide assurance that we meet the highest environmental and social standards throughout the supply chain – crucial not only for forest biodiversity and community responsibility, but also for brand trust and consumer confidence.” 

 

The Leuna biorefinery sources only FSC™ or PEFC-certified hardwood from regional, sustainably managed forests. These feedstocks are used to produce next-generation products such as UPM BioPura™ (BioMEG), BioMPG, UPM BioMotion™ RFF (Renewable Functional Fillers), and industrial sugars – all designed to replace fossil-based materials in sectors like automotive, textiles, packaging, and more. 

 

Commercial production at the Leuna site is expected to begin in the second half of 2025. Commercial interest in the products and side streams is confirmed with an opportunity pipeline multiple times the annual capacity of the refinery.

 

The Leuna biorefinery is the world’s first industrial-scale facility of its kind, converting wood into advanced biochemicals at scale. This milestone reinforces UPM’s role as a frontrunner in sustainable innovation. 

 

In recognition of its industry-leading practices, UPM remains the only forest and paper company listed in both the Dow Jones World and European Sustainability Indicesfor 2024–2025. UPM has also been included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook, placing it among the top-performing companies globally. 

source:UPM Biochemicals

Toray, Daher, and Tarmac Aerosave Announce Launch of End-of-Life Aircraft Recycling Program for Thermoplastic Composites

Toray Advanced Composites, Daher, and TARMAC Aerosave are proud to announce the launch of a joint End-of-Life Aerospace Recycling Program for commercial aircraft production. Working with Airbus, this collaborative initiative will focus on advancing recycling technology practices in aerospace manufacturing by recovering and reusing end-of-life secondary structural components made from continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites.

The project aims to extend the useful life of composite materials and contribute to the aviation industry’s Net Zero goals by developing remanufacturing processes and creating a closed-loop recycling system minimizing waste and driving recycling innovation across the aerospace industry. The initiative aims to reutilize secondary structural thermoplastic (TP) parts from End-of-Life Airbus A380 aircraft and repurpose them for other aeronautical applications.

Expertise from the aerospace and materials sectors is being brought together in this collaborative initiative. Airbus provides support for the advanced material reuse framework, while TARMAC Aerosave will ensure components are dismantled without damage, preserving material integrity. Daher is leading the reshaping and the quality validation (performed as serial production conditions) of repurposed parts, while Toray, as a materials supplier, is monitoring the material quality for the second-life application.

At the core of this initiative is the End-of-Life recycling of the A380 pylon cover, specifically the Toray Cetex® TC1100 (carbon/PPS) thermoplastic composite structure. As thermoplastic parts become more prevalent in next-generation aircraft, this pilot case sets the foundation for new methodologies in recycling, repurposing, and reprocessing composite materials. The A380 alone contains over 10,000 flying parts made from continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites, making it an ideal platform for testing and validating recycled material recovery practices.

"Thermoplastic materials offer great potential for recycling. Through this initiative, we aim to build on that strength by exploring new opportunities for recycling technology development —where our high-performance materials are not just recycled, but meaningfully reused and reintegrated into other structural aerospace applications” states Scott Unger, CEO Toray Advanced Composites. “As demand for commercial aircraft continues to increase, it is critical we make progress on recyclability of thermoplastic and thermoset composite materials, and reduce the impact of our industry on the environment.

Julie Vadour, R&D Director at Daher, “For many years, Daher has relied on thermoplastic composites to develop structural parts for next-generation aircraft. These materials offer lightness, high production compatibility, and – crucially – true sustainability. Beyond their weldability and reusability, we are actively advancing recycling processes for both end-of-life parts and manufacturing waste, particularly on our Nantes site.

“Sorting and recovering the materials that make up an aircraft is in the DNA of TARMAC Aerosave. We are constantly working to improve our recycling rate, which currently stands at 92%. This joint work on the re-use of thermoplastic composites contributes to our expertise in A380 recycling and our contribution to the eco-design of the new generation of aircraft” said Alexandre Brun, President of TARMAC Aerosave.

source: Toray Advanced Composites

Ampacet Earthen Clay Collection Masterbatches Provide Natural Look

 Ampacet has introduced the Earthen Clay Collection, a special effects masterbatch portfolio that emulates natural matte colors and textures.

The collection is suitable in polyethylene for multilayer blow molding and extrusion. According to Ampacet, the Earthen Clay Collection is ideal for personal care, hair care and beauty packaging as well as home and garden products. Because of the recyclable muted matte outer layer, the collection is part of the Ampacet R3 Sustainable Solutions portfolio and can effectively support a brand’s sustainability focus.

Earthen Clay Collection masterbatches are available in six colorways: Clay-Fired Red, Sunbaked Adobe, Golden Argilla, Limestone Loam, Volcanic Blue and Ancient Nettle.

“Today, with the breakneck pace of technology, we question what it means to be human and long for a simpler existence with a deeper connection to the earth and our origins,” says Mercedes Landazuri, market insight manager at Ampacet. “The Earthen Clay Collection harkens back to prehistoric times, when clay figurines and pottery were made by cultures around the globe as a form of artistic expression. Because of the strength and durability of these materials, clay art and functional artifacts dating back to over 20,000 years ago can be found in museums around the world, unlocking secrets of ancient societies and connecting us with humanity’s past.

Founded in 1937 and headquartered in Tarrytown, New York, #Ampacet is a global masterbatch supplier and also manufactures a line of machinery and feeders for the plastic industry.

source:Ampacet/ptonline.com

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Cefic study suggest 5-point action plan to advance circularity in chemical industry

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Cefic study suggest 5-point action plan to advance circularity in chemical industry

The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) in partnership with management consultancy, UNITY, launches a joint study, “Accelerating the Circular Transformation: Insights, Challenges, and Pathways for the Chemical Industry and Beyond.

The study offers key insights from interviews with industry experts, supported by case studies, into where the European chemical industry stands in the shift to a circular economy, and how to accelerate it.

From policy to practice: A call for unified action

High costs, gaps in infrastructure, complex regulations, and low demand for circular productions continue to limit progress. These are structural changes that require coordinated solutions from industry and policymakers alike.

“The message is clear: while the industry is stepping up, scaling circularity will require decisive action across the entire policy, business, and societal ecosystem.”, says Marco Mensink, Cefic director general.

Based on findings, the study sets out a 5-Point Action Plan to drive forward the transition:

1. Drive forward a supportive regulatory framework with targeted incentives.

2. Facilitate investments in circular infrastructure and technologies.

3. Embed circular thinking across the economy and society.

4. Foster innovation through new forms of multi-stakeholder collaboration.

5. Monitor progress to close implementation gaps.

A survey of #Cefic members reveals that:

90 % report high impact on their business activity due to the transition to a more circular economy.

72% cite customer demand for circular models as a key driver.

82% confirm the circular economy is embedded in corporate strategy.

52 % state their companies are advanced in the transition.

The findings of the study were discussed today at the Cefic-UNITY EU Green Week partner event, “Competitiveness & Circularity: A Win-Win for Europe’s Chemical Industry?”. The event brought together over 150 participants from across industry, policy, and civil society to explore challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions to accelerate the chemical industry’s circular transition.

Source: Cefic /polymer-additives.specialchem.com

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Lubrizol Launches Novel ESTANE BCX TPU Solutions for Physically Foamed Midsoles

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

 Lubrizol Launches Novel ESTANE BCX TPU Solutions for Physically Foamed Midsoles

Lubrizol, a global leader in specialty chemicals, is excited to announce the launch of novel grades of ESTANE® BCX TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for physical foam solutions, enhancing production efficiency, promoting circularity, and meeting high-performance demands. These brand new ESTANE BCX AM and BCX HS TPU solutions, developed in collaboration with leading machinery companies and foaming processors, are specially formulated for melt- and solid-state physical foaming processes and are based on both aromatic and aliphatic HDI TPU chemistries.

Physical foaming, an emerging technique that uses physical blowing agents like super critical fluid (SCF), offers environmentally friendly advantages compared to traditional chemical foaming while maintaining performance expectations. This method facilitates automated midsole production, streamlining the manufacturing process and providing consistent quality and performance. This advancement underscores Lubrizol’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the footwear industry. 

Depending on the foaming process used, midsoles made with the new ESTANE BCX TPUs achieve properties such as lighter weights at densities down to 0.12 g/cm3, vertical rebound up to 75%, improved energy return and long-term performance stability compared to market average performance foams. Balancing these properties in foams is necessary to provide optimal comfort and support for both athletes and everyday users.

The use of SCF blowing agent with the injection foaming process endows midsoles made with ESTANE BCX TPUs with significant reductions in environmental impact when compared to other TPU foaming processes. These midsoles are more easily recyclable at the end of their life cycle, aligning with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products and innovative performance features.

"The increasing adoption of physical foaming technology in the footwear market calls for more advanced thermoplastic materials solutions." said Justin Park, Lubrizol’s Global Director of Footwear. "Our new ESTANE BCX TPU products represent a remarkable advancement in footwear midsole design. Our broadened capabilities and collaboration with machinery companies and processors have enabled the value chain to deliver more innovations to the market.

As a highly recognized and trusted TPU partner, #Lubrizol works closely with leading footwear brands and manufacturers worldwide to drive advancements in performance, sustainability, and manufacturing process simplification. With new investments for foam application technology in its China and South Korea labs, Lubrizol will enhance innovation capabilities for more cutting-edge TPU solutions and speed-to-market agility that deliver more value to customers.

source:Lubrizol

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Piezoresistive vs Resistive Inks

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Piezoresistive vs Resistive Inks: What’s the Difference?

In the world of printed electronics and smart surfaces, the type of ink you choose defines what your device can sense; or whether it can sense at all.

- Resistive Inks

These inks have a fixed resistance, unaffected by pressure or deformation. They’re perfect for applications like printed resistors, heater circuits, and touch buttons — where stability matters more than sensitivity.

✅ Simple, low-cost

❌ No sensing capability

- Piezoresistive Inks

These advanced materials change resistance when stretched or pressed, turning mechanical force into an electrical signal.

✅ Ideal for wearable sensors, smart textiles, soft robotics

✅ Sensitive to subtle force/stress changes

✅ Better durability, linear response

Why it matters:

Traditional Force Sensing Resistors(FSRs) using carbon resistive inks rely on contact area changes meaning performance can degrade, and readings may be inconsistent.

In contrast, Nanopaint’s Piezoresistive Inks senses force intrinsically with direct, smooth, and repeatable responses.

Bottom Line:

Resistive inks conduct.

Piezoresistive inks sense.

And with #Nanopaint's Piezoresistive #Inks, the ink is the sensor enabling ultra-thin, fully printed, and flexible sensing surfaces for next-gen applications.

source:Nanopaint