Kaynes Technology Subsidiary to Invest ₹4,995 Crore (~570 millions USD) in Tamil Nadu

Kaynes Circuits India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of #KaynesTechnology, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the #TamilNadu government. As per the filing, the agreement was signed on August 4, 2025, and mentions an investment of ₹4,995 crore over the next 6 years for setting up new manufacturing facilities in the state.

It will include greenfield projects and expansion of existing capacities. The company has not yet shared specific timelines for the start of construction or production.

Range of Products to Be Manufactured

The unit will focus on manufacturing advanced #electronics components. These include multilayer #PCBs (up to 74 layers), HDI PCBs, flexible PCBs, camera module assemblies, wire harnesses, and #highfrequencylaminates. These products are used in sectors like telecom, defence, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

The state’s investment promotion agency, Guidance, is expected to assist with infrastructure, clearances, and eligibility for financial incentives. The MoU allows for discussions on industrial policies, subsidies, and support packages, but no legal commitment has been made yet.

Employment and Ecosystem 

The facility in #Thoothukudi is expected to generate approximately 4,700 jobs and nearby districts. The location is close to the upcoming VinFast EV plant, which could support the development of a broader manufacturing cluster in the region.

source: AngelOne/ Kaynes Technology

SEKISUI CHEMICAL Achieves Progress in Creating PFAS-Free Pipes for Ultrapure Process Applications in the Manufacturing of Advanced Semiconductors

SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. announced that, in response to the global trend of tighter regulations regarding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and growing demand for reducing environmental impact, the Urban Infrastructure & Environmental Products Company had been developing a new technology for PFAS-free pipe materials for ultrapure process applications in the manufacturing of advanced semiconductors.

1. Background

  In the semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) industries*, the ultrapure water being used needs to be supplied without lowering its water quality. The types of pipe materials for this purpose include those that use resin materials hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and fluorocarbon resins (polyvinylidene fluoride or PVDF, polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, and perfluoroalkoxy or PFA) as well as those that use metallic materials in the form of metal pipes with special surface treatment. Today’s advanced semiconductor industry, with the progress of ultra-miniaturization, requires pipe materials that can suppress the elution of inorganic and organic matter as far as possible.

* The flat panel display (FPD) industry refers collectively to all industries related to the manufacture of flat panel displays, including liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, and LED displays.

2. PFAS and Its Regulation

  PFAS refers to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are difficult to break down in nature and may affect the human body or ecosystems. Among PFAS, the manufacture, import, and such of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) are already prohibited. As of now, PVDF, PTFE, and other materials used in fluorocarbon resin pipes and fittings for ultrapure process applications are not within the scope of regulation in Japan. However, in Europe and the United States, studies are being conducted to comprehensively subject PFAS to regulation. Together with other initiatives, there is a global trend of tighter regulations regarding PFAS.

3. Chronology of Development

  As a pioneer of plastic piping materials, SEKISUI CHEMICAL launched “Eslon Clean Pipe”a hard PVC pipe material for transporting ultrapure water—in 1984. Since then, supported by an impressive track record, the product has been used in a wide range of applications. This time, a special olefin resin pipe material has been developed as a new low-elution material replacing fluorocarbon resins from the perspective of PFAS. In November 2022, a demonstration using an actual ultrapure water manufacturing system was started jointly with Kurita Water Industries Ltd. Compared to existing fluorocarbon resin pipe materials, this special olefin resin pipe material can reduce CO2 emissions during manufacturing by approximately 80%. Furthermore, in response to the global trend of PFAS regulation, SEKISUI CHEMICAL started working on developing PFAS-free pipes and fittings for ultrapure process applications.

4. Future Prospects

  With the establishment of this PFAS-free technology, SEKISUI CHEMICAL will start to formally propose it to customers and will aim for market launch within fiscal 2026. The company will also undertake development toward the early realization of creating valves, gaskets, and other pipe materials that are totally free from PFAS in the area of ultrapure process applications.

Reference: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Multi-Objective Optimisation of Hybrid Banana/Sisal/Red Mud Composites Using Taguchi–Grey Relational Analysis

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Multi-Objective Optimisation of Hybrid Banana/Sisal/Red Mud

#Composites Using Taguchi–Grey Relational Analysis

by Karthick Rasu, Vigneshwaran Shanmugam and Joao Paulo Davim

J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(7), 357; https://lnkd.in/dnQM5fTx

Abstract

In response to the rising demand for sustainable engineering materials and waste valorisation strategies, this study investigates the multi-objective optimisation of eco-friendly hybrid composites reinforced with natural fibres and industrial waste. Sixteen composite specimens were fabricated using compression moulding by varying sisal fibre from 0 to 45 wt.%, banana fibre from 0 to 45 wt.%, NaOH treatment from 0 to 6%, and red mud filler from 1 to 4 wt.%. Mechanical properties were evaluated following ASTM standards D256 for impact strength, D790 for flexural strength, D638 for tensile strength, D395 for shore strength, and E18 for hardness. The Taguchi method combined with grey relational analysis was employed to identify optimal processing conditions. The best mechanical performance, with an impact strength of 6.57 J, flexural strength of 72.58 MPa, and tensile strength of 65.52 MPa, was achieved with 30 to 45 wt.% sisal fibre, 15 wt.% banana fibre, 6% NaOH, and 3 to 4 wt.% red mud. ANOVA revealed that NaOH treatment had the most significant influence on mechanical properties, with high F values and p values close to 0.05. Grey relational analysis proved more effective for multi-objective optimisation, with the highest grey grade of 0.894 observed in the specimen containing 45 wt.% sisal fibre, 6% NaOH, and 2 wt.% red mud. The findings highlight the critical role of surface treatment and hybrid reinforcement in enhancing performance. The optimised composites demonstrate strong potential for use in automotive interior panel applications, offering a sustainable alternative with enhanced strength and reduced environmental impact.

source: Journal of Composites Science

#bananafibre #sisalfibre

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : During World War II, something incredible happened just outside Detroit.

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

During World War II, something incredible happened just outside Detroit.

At a place called Willow Run, the Ford Motor Company took on a challenge that seemed nearly impossible—they built almost 9,000 B-24 Liberator bombers in just three years. No one had ever done anything like that before, not on that scale, and not that fast.

By 1944, the factory was turning out one bomber every single hour. That’s how fast they moved. It wasn’t just a factory anymore—it was the heart of what people called the “Arsenal of Democracy.” It showed the world that American industry could be as strong and steady as anything in nature—powerful, tireless, and unstoppable.

But the real story of Willow Run isn’t just about machines. It’s about the people.

Tens of thousands of workers—many of them women who had never worked in factories before—came together to build those planes. With their sleeves rolled up and bandanas tied back, they picked up tools and got to work. They weren’t just filling in for the men who went off to war—they were showing what they were capable of. This was where the spirit of “Rosie the Riveter” was born, not as a slogan, but as a reality.

Willow Run became more than a factory. It became a symbol of what people can do when they come together with purpose. It reminds us that in the face of crisis, unity, determination, and a shared sense of mission can change the course of history.

source : Garnik Gary K

VINFAST 1st ELECTRIC CAR ROLL OUT IN INDIA

 VINFAST 1st ELECTRIC CAR ROLL OUT IN INDIA:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated Vietnamese Electric Car manufacturer Vinfast's first Indian plant at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu (INDIA).

The plant is set to produce 150,000 EVs annually.

This marks a major step in India’s green mobility journey.

Just in 17 months

2024 February - 2025 July

Vinfast at Thoothukudi.

A beginning of silent revolution in South Tamilnadu

🔹Investment : ₹16000 cr (closer to 1.9 billion USD)

🔹Jobs created : 3500

🔹Cars to be manufactured : 50000/annum

source: Dr.TRB.RAJAA/Kishore Chardran /TIDCO/SIPCOT

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : 𝗡𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗰𝗿𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

𝗡𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗰𝗿𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

In injection molding of semi-crystalline polymers, 𝗰𝗿𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 — small points where polymer chains start to arrange into ordered structures.

The way nucleation and crystallization happen directly affects shrinkage, part dimensions, and mechanical properties.

How holding pressure and cooling influence crystallization:

𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲, the polymer is still soft and partly molten.

Applying pressure for a longer time keeps the melt dense and delays the formation of nucleation sites, because it reduces the space available for crystals to start growing.

However, once the temperature drops close to the crystallization point, nucleation starts anyway, and the effect of pressure becomes smaller.

The influence of holding pressure on crystallization depends on how much pressure is applied, how long it is maintained, and how much heat is transferred from the melt to the mold surface.

𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, the polymer changes structure quickly.

As the material cools below the crystallization temperature, nucleation speeds up — especially near the surface of the part, where the hot polymer is in direct contact with the colder mold steel, causing rapid heat transfer and faster solidification.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 — the temperature difference between the surface and the center of the part plays a big role:

Fast cooling at the surface creates many small nucleation points, leading to a fine crystalline structure. This usually gives higher stiffness but lower impact resistance.

Slower cooling in the center allows larger crystals to grow, which improves impact resistance but slightly reduces stiffness.

In the end, everything comes back to temperature control.

Even the influence of holding pressure is tied to temperature — it affects how quickly nucleation sites form, depending on the pressure level, the time of application, and the speed of heat transfer between the material and the mold.

For good part quality, it is most important to optimize cooling, manage thermal gradients, and apply holding pressure correctly to balance shrinkage, internal stresses, and mechanical properties.

Note: image source — https://lnkd.in/dwPBmpmg.

source: Krstina Jankovic

Twaron® by Teijin Aramid powers new Bridgestone’s solar car tire

Twaron® by Teijin Aramid powers new Bridgestone’s solar car tire

Twaron® with circular content is playing a key role in one of the world’s most advanced solar cars as it faces an extreme real-world test of endurance. The Brunel Solar Team will compete in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge using Bridgestone tires featuring belts reinforced using Twaron® with circular content. 

This marks the first time Twaron® with circular content is being used in a high-performance race tire. The material offers the same trusted strength, thermal stability, and low weight as standard Twaron®, while supporting our ambition to create a more circular aramid value chain. 

Twaron® with circular content applied to Bridgestone’s tire

The tires for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge will once again feature ENLITENTM technology, building on the success of the previous event. Developed through close collaboration with partners, Bridgestone has enhanced both the tire’s performance and environmental performance by incorporating additional recycled resources and applying a new version of Twaron® containing circular content in the belt layer. 

These combined technologies contribute to the low rolling resistance, durability, lightweight construction, and puncture resistance required for solar car racing. Together, they help support the safe and efficient 3,000-kilometer journey across the challenging conditions of the Australian outback. 

Teijin Aramid sponsors Brunel Solar Team

As an official sponsor of the Brunel Solar Team, we are proud to contribute high-performance materials that support both vehicle efficiency and safety. The team’s Nuna 13 car uses Bridgestone tires featuring belts reinforced using Twaron® with circular content. Inside the vehicle, a flame-resistant shield made with Twaron® fabric has been installed around the driver area to provide strength, thermal stability, and low weight under demanding race conditions.

Supporting Brunel’s bid in the World Solar Challenge

Spanning more than 3,000 kilometers from Darwin to Adelaide, the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is the world’s leading solar mobility competition. The Brunel Solar Team, based at Delft University of Technology, has achieved multiple victories since its debut in 2001. In 2025, the team will compete in the Challenger Class with its latest solar car, Nuna 13.

“Seeing these two types of Twaron® being used in this solar race car is a powerful example of how our partnerships, be they with large corporations or student teams, really drive progress. This project brings together innovation and sustainability to further our goal of materializing ambitions.” 

Peter ter Horst, CEO, Teijin Aramid  

source : Teijin Aramid