Black Swan Graphene and METCO Resources Announce Distribution and Sales Agreement in India

Black Swan Graphene Inc. has entered into a non-exclusive distribution and sales agreement with METCO Resources (“METCO”), a major Indian supplier of specialty materials and polymers. The agreement allows METCO to supply Black Swan’s graphene-enhanced masterbatches (GEM™) across a broad range of polymer applications in India.

This partnership supports Black Swan’s efforts to expand its global presence and foster the adoption of graphene-based technologies in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. Under the agreement, METCO will distribute and promote Black Swan’s graphene nanoplatelets and advanced GEM masterbatch products within India’s industrial, packaging, automotive, and construction sectors.

Michael Edwards, Chief Operating Officer of Black Swan, stated, “This partnership with METCO aligns with our strategy to collaborate with experienced regional players who understand the local market needs and have strong technical and commercial capabilities. India is a rapidly growing market for advanced materials, and we are excited to introduce our graphene-enhanced solutions to a broader audience through this collaboration.”

Jitendra Mehta, Managing Director of METCO, remarked, “We are proud to partner with Black Swan, a recognized innovator in advanced materials. Their graphene-enhanced masterbatches offer tremendous potential to improve performance and sustainability in polymer applications. Our team is eager to bring these next-generation materials to Indian manufacturers seeking to gain a competitive edge.”

Black Swan’s GEM products are engineered to integrate seamlessly into existing polymer manufacturing systems, offering notable improvements in mechanical strength, thermal stability, and barrier properties. This agreement is expected to position both companies to address the increasing demand for high-performance and environmentally sustainable materials in the Indian market.

source: Black Swan Graphene/ Advanced Carbons Council

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Six Automakers Launch ‘BlueRebirth’ Council to Boost Recycled Materials in New Vehicles

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Toray and partners launch council to boost use of recycled materials in new vehicles

DENSO CORPORATION, Toray Industries, Inc., Nomura Research Institute, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., MATEC Inc., and REVER CORPORATION announces the establishment of the BlueRebirth Council.

Initiated by these six companies, the Council aims to build a manufacturing and recycling integrated value chain to realize Car-to-Car*1 recycling, starting with automated precision dismantling*2, which efficiently disassembles end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) for material recovery and recycling.

Aim to realize a true car-to-car recycling system

In recent years, the automotive industry has sought to transition to a circular economy to help realize a sustainable society, taking on the significant challenge of reducing natural resource consumption by greatly expanding the use of recycled materials. However, the mainstream global method remains shredding ELVs followed by material sorting, which makes it extremely difficult to secure high purity recycled materials.

Furthermore, collaboration between manufacturing and recycling industries has not been sufficient, and as a result, initiatives to use recycled materials as automotive components— which require both high quality standards and adequate supply volumes for mass production–have not progressed sufficiently. In addition, the automotive recycling industry faces challenges in promoting automation and digitalization and in addressing worker shortages by improving workplace environments.

The newly established BlueRebirth Council aims to address these challenges and, looking ahead to 2035, evolve the automotive recycling industry into a “recycled materials manufacturing industry” that plays a key role as part of a new resource-circulating value chain within the automotive industry. Through these efforts, the companies behind the Council are committed to realizing a true Car-to-Car recycling system.

Automated precision dismantling for high quality recyclates:

As specific initiatives, the Council will engage in discussions and research, as well as advance technology development and demonstration projects together with participating companies, research institutions, and other stakeholders, starting with the automated precision dismantling of ELVs to build a manufacturing and recycling integrated value chain. In addition, it will make recommendations to relevant companies and organizations.

Automated precision dismantling is an advanced intelligent system that utilizes AI and sensor technologies to enable robots to operate along the optimal path even for deformed parts. This not only ensures the quality and volume of recycled materials that were difficult to achieve with conventional methods, but also contributes to fundamentally solving worker shortages. Furthermore, by recording information such as material provenance and environmental impact on a digital platform and sharing it across the manufacturing and recycling value chain, it can ensure a reliable and stable supply of recycled materials.

The Council is committed to expanding the use of recycled materials in automotive recycling and building a manufacturing and recycling integrated value chain toward a Car-to-Car model. Through these efforts, the companies aim to contribute to the realization of a circular economy in the automotive industry.

*1 Car-to-Car: Returning all automobile parts to raw materials, utilizing them in new vehicle production, and creating a closed-loop recycling system.

*2 automated precision dismantling: Automatically performing sophisticated dismantling and precise sorting by leveraging robotics technology and AI-based recognition and decision-making capabilities.

Source: Toray/omnexus.specialchem.com

Tosaf Introducing an ATO-Free, Cost-Effective Alternative with Stable Supply

Tosaf has announced an alternative to chlorine- or bromine-based flamer retardants. The halogen-free grades enable sustainable solutions to fill customer requirements and legal specifications. FR8719PP is specifically designed to meet the flame-retardant requirements of polypropylene in injection molding and extrusion applications.

According to Tosaf, FR8719PP helps to prevent the spread of fire and meet stringent fire safety criteria in applications such as construction, automotive and shipping packaging without compromising the properties of the material. PP pipes, for example, retain their high impact strength, dimensional stability and chemical resistance without restriction after switching to halogen-free flame retardants. In contrast to many halogen-based flame retardants, FR8719 shows no long-term migration of the active ingredients, and corresponding PP products offer significantly higher UV resistance.

Dispersion of FR8719PP in injection-molded and extruded PP-based products enables a relatively low dosage and therefore the mechanical properties to be largely retained, but also uniform flame retardance across the entire product. In addition, the low potential for die buildup offers a processing advantage over other halogen-free solutions available on the market. 

The choice of flame retardant depends on which UL94 classification is to be achieved. For example, to fulfill the requirements of class V-2, flame retardants in low concentrations are sufficient to eliminate the free radicals formed by the heat of combustion and thus suppress the fire. Only in higher concentrations do they also prevent burning droplets, as required by the UL94 V-0 classification.

Tosaf has developed a portfolio of halogen-free flame retardant grades that differ from each other in their flame retardant systems and fulfill individual priorities to achieve the optimum balance between effect and concentration. Their dosage is between 3% and 10%, and depends on the desired classification, type and melt flow index of the PP, thickness of the part and the simultaneous presence of other additives. In contrast, intumescent halogen-free flame retardants require a dose of over 20% to achieve similar performance.

source:Tosaf/ Plastics Technology (PT)

Clariant launches innovative PFAS-free polymer processing aids for more sustainable polyolefin extrusion

Getting ready for the K’ 2025 trade fair in Duesseldorf, #Clariant today announced the launch of its new AddWorks PPA product line, a new generation of PFAS-free #polymerprocessingaids designed specifically for polyolefin extrusion applications. This innovative solution addresses the industry's growing need for more sustainable alternatives to conventional fluoropolymer-based processing aids while maintaining strong performance standards.

The new range includes AddWorks PPA 101 FG, primarily focused on EMEA, Americas, and SEAP markets, and AddWorks PPA 122 G, targeted for Greater China and SEAP regions. Both products are readily commercially available, offering manufacturers a timely solution as regulatory restrictions on PFAS substances continue to tighten worldwide.

"Our new AddWorks PPA product line represents a significant breakthrough in sustainable polymer processing," said Diederik Goyvaerts, Global Business Development Manager for Polymer Solutions at Clariant. "By developing PFAS-free alternatives that match or exceed the performance of traditional processing aids, we're helping our customers stay ahead of regulatory changes while maintaining the high-quality standards their end-users expect.

The innovative formulations are completely free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as well as inorganic, silicone, or polysiloxane materials. This composition ensures broad regulatory compliance, including suitability for food contact and food packaging applications, addressing a critical need in the packaging industry. Additionally, these PFAS-free solutions support recyclability requirements under the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), further aligning with the industry's sustainability objectives.

Manufacturers using the new AddWorks PPA solutions can expect significant processing improvements, including enhanced extrusion efficiency, effective elimination of shark skin defects, and superior film surface smoothness.

AddWorks PPA 101 FG features a 100% active fine grain composition that can be easily incorporated via host resin, masterbatch, or concentrate. Meanwhile, AddWorks PPA 122 G comes in a convenient masterbatch form for easy handling, requiring the same dosing level as traditional polymer processing aid masterbatches, simplifying the transition for manufacturers.

The versatility of these new processing aids makes them ideal for a wide range of applications, including polyethylene blown and cast film extrusion processes commonly used in packaging, agriculture, and building & construction industries. Film converters will particularly benefit from the improved surface quality and processing efficiency these additives provide.

source: Clariant

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : The best accidental discoveries in polymer chemistry (Charles Goodyear)

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

The Accidental Alchemy of Charles Goodyear

In the mid-19th century, rubber was known as a temperamental material. While waterproof and elastic, it had a significant flaw it became sticky and brittle in hot weather and hard and inflexible in the cold.

Around this time, American inventor Charles Goodyear was determined to pursue a peculiar idea. He was convinced that he could improve the properties of natural rubber to make it more versatile and suitable for a broader range of applications.

His first major development was a nitric acid treatment that reduced rubber’s adhesiveness; however, it did not hold up well in high temperatures. He then teamed up with and later purchased the process of Nathaniel M. Hayward, a former rubber factory employee, who found that a sulfur treatment similarly reduced the stickiness of the material.

Legend has it that, while experimenting one day in 1839, Goodyear accidentally spilled a mixture of rubber and sulfur onto a hot stove. To his surprise, the rubber concoction charred and hardened instead of turning into a gooey mess. This transformative accident would soon lead to the commercial production of vulcanized rubber.

Vulcanized Rubber Gains Traction

After several more years of experimentation, Goodyear finally perfected and patented his vulcanization process in 1844, which he named after the Roman god of fire, Vulcan. Around this time, he also created the ​​Naugatuck India-Rubber Company in Connecticut, which became a leading site of rubber manufacturing in the following centuries.

To the misfortune of Goodyear, he spent many years fighting patent infringements from local and international competitors who saw the immense value in the process, leaving him penniless at the time of his death. However, in 1898, two brothers named their tire company after the inventor to honor his work in making their products possible.

Modern Production and Uses of Vulcanized Rubber

Today, vulcanization is commonly used to enhance both natural and synthetic rubber. It is a chemical process that involves heating the rubber with a curing agent such as sulfur or peroxide, creating a material that retains the desirable properties while preventing temperature-induced defects. This results in a more stable, durable, and versatile product resistant to aging, swelling, and abrasion.

Some of the most common applications of vulcanized rubber are:

1. Vehicle Tires: Vulcanized rubber has found its calling in the automotive industry. Tires from this material provide a smooth and reliable grip on various road surfaces and are resistant to damage and wear.

2. Footwear Innovation: The invention of vulcanized rubber transformed the shoe industry. Rubber soles, with their excellent grip and durability, have become a standard feature in a wide range of footwear, from athletic shoes to every day sneakers.

3. Industrial Applications: The resilience of vulcanized rubber makes it indispensable in various industrial applications, from conveyor belts to hoses, gaskets, and seals. Its resistance to chemicals and abrasion makes it an ideal material for machinery and equipment.

4. Rain Clothes: Raincoats and boots owe their impermeability to vulcanized rubber. The material’s waterproof nature makes it the perfect choice for outerwear and footwear that withstand the elements.

5. Sports Balls: Vulcanized rubber has made its mark on sports equipment, especially in the show’s main stars. Soccer, volley, tennis, bowling, basketball, lacrosse, golf, medicine, foot, base, and nearly every type of bouncy ball you can think of has been made of rubber. Its flexibility and resilience are key for lasting through a game.

6. Medical Advancements: The medical field has benefited from vulcanized rubber. It is used in various medical devices, including gloves and certain types of tubing, owing to its hypoallergenic properties and chemical resistance.

The serendipity of Charles Goodyear’s kitchen mishap left an undeniable mark on society. The grip of our shoes, the comfort of our tires, and the durability of our equipment are all due to the transformative power of vulcanized rubber. It’s a testament to the idea that the most revolutionary inventions can sometimes emerge from the most unexpected and sticky situations.

source:Custom Powder Systems

Plastic Contract Manufacturing Assignment for Market Research Company

Plastic Contract Manufacturing

 I have completed an assignment on PLASTIC CONTRACT MANUFACTURING MARKET OVERVIEW for a well-reputed market research company and shared my insights on current existing models that have been in practice in Europe and North American markets. And also shared my inputs on the top industries and their market share and EBIT margin % respectively. Mostly listed out products that have been complex to manufacture in various applications.

I have covered an overview of the Plastic Contract Manufacturing Market for various products such as Injection molding, extrusion, Blow molding, thermoforming etc,. mostly covered Europe and North American market. Finally given the comparison over the two markets on various plastic products. Overall my client was satisfied with the inputs that I have shared with them.

#polymer #contractmanufacturing #marketresearch #europe #northamerica #automotive #consumerelectronics #medical #industrial #construction

SYENSQO AND TERMA SIGN STRATEGIC AGREEMENT TO ADVANCE AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE COMPOSITES

 In a move set to accelerate innovation in aerospace and defence, Syensqo, a global leader in advanced materials, and Terma, a trusted name in mission-critical aerospace and security systems, have signed a strategic collaboration agreement aimed at expanding scientific and technical progress in high-performance composites.

The agreement marks a formal commitment between the two companies to establish a growth framework that harnesses their combined expertise, R&D capabilities, and resources to drive next-generation composite materials for some of the most demanding aerospace and defence environments.

 

“We are excited to join forces with Terma,” said Marc Doyle, Business Executive Vice-President of Syensqo Composite Materials. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to scientific advancement and delivering innovative composite solutions for the future of aerospace and defence.

 

The partnership will leverage Syensqo’s Heanor Application Center and its global network of testing and qualification laboratories. The focus will be on integrating Syensqo’s advanced adhesives, composites, and specialty polymer materials into Terma’s systems, enhancing durability, performance, and reliability in extreme operational conditions.

 

For Terma, the collaboration brings a wealth of material science innovation to complement its established design and manufacturing pedigree. “This is an exciting opportunity to fuse Syensqo’s world-class material technologies with Terma’s integrated product development expertise,” said Jesper Böhnke, Executive Vice President, Integrated Product Development at Terma. “Together, we aim to push the boundaries of composite development and provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to the evolving needs of our defence and aerospace customers.

 

The agreement underscores a growing trend of strategic partnerships within the aerospace sector, where materials innovation is critical to improving performance, reducing weight, and ensuring mission readiness in increasingly complex operational theatres.

source : Syensqo/World Air News