Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : U.S. Coast Guard MBI releases report on Titan submersible

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

U.S. Coast Guard MBI releases report on Titan submersible

The two-year investigation into the June 2023 tragedy that took five lives has been published, citing key findings, contributing factors to the casualty and a recommended regulatory framework to avoid future oversight.

The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation (MBI, Washington, D.C., U.S.) has released its Report of Investigation (ROI) on the loss of the Titan submersible, which imploded during a June 2023 dive to the Titanic, killing five people. The Titan was a 22-foot manned #submersible with an 8-foot long carbon fiber composite pressure hull glued to titanium end sections.

The more than 300-page ROI outlines key findings and contributing factors in the casualty and includes 17 safety recommendations aimed at strengthening oversight of submersible operations, improving coordination among federal agencies and closing gaps in international maritime policy. 

“This marine casualty and the loss of five lives was preventable,” says Jason Neubauer, Titan MBI chair. “The 2-year investigation has identified multiple contributing factors that led to this tragedy, providing valuable lessons learned to prevent a future occurrence. There is a need for stronger oversight and clear options for operators who are exploring new concepts outside of the existing regulatory framework. I am optimistic the ROI’s findings and recommendations will help improve awareness of the risks and the importance of proper oversight while still providing a pathway for innovation.

The board determined the primary contributing factors were OceanGate’s inadequate design, certification, maintenance and inspection process for the Titan. Other factors cited in the report include a toxic workplace culture at OceanGate, an inadequate domestic and international regulatory framework for submersible operations and vessels of novel design, and an ineffective whistleblower process under the Seaman’s Protection Act. 

The board also found #OceanGate failed to properly investigate and address known hull anomalies following its 2022 Titanic expedition. Investigators determined the Titan’s real-time monitoring system generated data that should have been analyzed and acted on during the 2022 Titanic expedition. However, OceanGate did not take any action related to the data, conduct any preventative maintenance or properly store the Titan during the extended off season before its 2023 #Titanicexpedition. 

MBI recommendations include restricting the #Oceanographic Research Vessel designations for submersibles; expanding federal and international requirements to all submersibles conducting scientific or commercial dives; and requiring Coast Guard documentation for all U.S. submersibles. The board also recommended adding Coast Guard personnel capacity at Coast Guard headquarters to support new construction oversight and field inspections involving submersibles and vessels of novel design. 

Further recommendations include requiring operators to submit dive and emergency response plans to the local Coast Guard officer in charge, marine inspection; evaluating the Coast Guard’s subsea search and rescue capabilities; and working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to define passenger submersibles and expand international safety requirements for submersibles operating on the high seas. The board also called for a new Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Coast Guard agreement to clarify whistleblower investigative protocols and improve interagency coordination. 

The Marine Board’s report is now under review by the Commandant of the Coast Guard. Upon completion of the review, the Commandant will issue a Final Action Memorandum confirming the U.S. Coast Guard’s position on the recommendations and any actions to be pursued.  

Report: https://media.defense.gov/2025/Aug/05/2003773004/-1/-1/0/SUBMERSIBLE%20TITAN%20MBI%20REPORT%20(04AUG2025).PDF

source: Composites World

#composites #oceangate

Indorama calculates reaching 150 billion bottles recycled

The global producer and recycler of PET plastic says its efforts have helped 150 billion PET bottles enter the recycling stream

Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., which operates production and recycling facilities around the world, says it has recycled more than 150 billion postconsumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles since 2011.

Thailand-based Indorama says the number is a "significant milestone" and underscores its long-term commitment to circular economy practices and its sustained investment in global recycling infrastructure.

With more than 20 recycling facilities in 11 countries, some entailing partnerships, #IndoramaVentures says those plants collectively recycle or reprocess 789 bottles every second, turning PET into high-quality recycled PET (#rPET) resins and other circular materials. The rPET is consumed by various industries globally.

Indorama reached its first major milestone of 50 billion bottles recycled in March 2020 and doubled that figure to 100 billion bottles in 2023.

Now, the firm says it has reached the 150 billion mark, adding that milestone “reflects both growing global demand for recycled content and the company’s strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and innovation to scale up recycling at speed.

“#Recycling 150 billion PET bottles is more than a milestone—it reflects the power of people, purpose and technology driving scalable, sustainable impact,” says Yash Lohia, Indorama executive president and chairman of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Council.

“We’re grateful to our consumers, customers and partners who make this progress possible,” Lohia adds. “This achievement reinforces the value of long-term thinking, strategic investment, and collaboration as we lead the shift toward a #circulareconomy.

Beyond what Indorama calls positive benefits of recycling and reusing PET, the activity also helped avoid an estimated 3.8 million tons of #CO₂emissions over the #PETbottle product life cycle and diverted 2.8 million tons of discarded plastic from #landfills and the environment, the firm calculates.

Indorama says the achievement is rooted in its integrated and scalable approach to circularity and anchored in three core pillars: education, collection, and innovation.

Through its recycling education initiative, the Waste Hero program, #Indorama says it has taught close to 1 million people in schools and communities worldwide about plastic recycling, “empowering individuals to make informed choices and driving long-term behavioral change in recycling.

Partnering with a network of collection organizations helps ensure Indorama of a consistent supply of high-quality postconsumer PET, “supporting the integrity of circular supply chains.

source : Indorama Ventures /Recycling Today

Cookware Care Seasoning Wipes Honored at WOW

100% viscose material offers a convenient, mess-free solution for maintaining cast iron and carbon steel pans

The 2025 World of Wipes Innovation Award® was presented to #CookwareCareSeasoning Wipes, 100% #viscosewipes that offer a convenient, mess-free solution for maintaining cast iron and carbon steel cookware. Infused with non-petrochemical oils and beeswax through a proprietary waterless process, the wipes simplify seasoning while expanding #nonwoven applications beyond traditional uses.

Co-founder Jordan Burkey leads innovation at Cookware Care, which is redefining how users care for cast iron and carbon steel cookware. Seasoning Wipes are the industry’s first fully oil-based wipe offering a simple, convenient and mess-free solution using only natural oils and beeswax. This patented product simplifies traditional cookware maintenance while expanding the role of nonwoven technology into the culinary world. By introducing nonwovens beyond hygiene and cleaning applications, Seasoning Wipes has ceated an entirely new category in the wipe market, positioning nonwoven materials as a transformative solution for cookware care.

“Walking into WOW 2025 as a brand-new company, we didn’t know what to expect. From the moment we arrived, the encouragement, curiosity, and warmth of the industry made us feel truly welcome,” said Cookware Care co-founders Jordan and Blaire Burdey. “Connecting with so many knowledgeable and inspiring individuals made winning the World of Wipes Innovation Award® even more meaningful. This recognition validates two years of passion, late nights, and unwavering belief in our vision, and it motivates us to continue growing and getting Seasoning Wipes™ into more hands. We are deeply grateful to INDA and to everyone who showed us such genuine support.

Fellow finalists Dude Products’ Dude Odor Destroyer XL Flushable Deodorant Wipes and Magnera’s Sontara® EC Green Cotton were also celebrated for their innovation and market potential. Nominations for the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Awards will open August 7, 2025.

source : Nonwovens Industry

A Monumental Milestone: 100,000 Members in the Polymer Experts LinkedIn Group

Subject: A Monumental Milestone: 100,000 Members in the Polymer Experts LinkedIn Group

Dear Esteemed Members,

It is with immense pride and profound gratitude that I announce a remarkable achievement: our Polymer Experts LinkedIn Group has now surpassed an extraordinary 100,000 members. This milestone represents not just a number, but the culmination of years of dedication, collaboration, and expertise since our humble beginnings in 2008.

This success is a direct result of your unwavering support and intellectual contributions. As of 2025, we are honored to hold the distinction of being the preeminent polymer group on LinkedIn, a testament to the collective strength and vision of our community. Under our committed management and leadership, we have fostered a dynamic environment where knowledge sharing thrives and industry expertise flourishes.

New Endeavors to Foster Growth and Knowledge:

In our ongoing mission to create a platform of unparalleled value, we are thrilled to introduce several new initiatives aimed at enhancing the collective knowledge and engagement within our group:

Today's Knowledge Share: Our daily (excluding Sundays) expert-led posts delve into diverse topics ranging from polymer technologies to advanced processing techniques, ensuring that members remain at the cutting edge of industry trends and innovations.

QuizTime (Poll Sessions): Over the past year, our Poll Sessions—affectionately known as QuizTime—have garnered widespread acclaim from thought leaders and trailblazers in the polymer industry. This initiative has sparked vibrant discussions and deepened our collective understanding of the latest advancements in the field.

Our group is further enriched by contributions from experts in fields such as Polymeric Material properties and various processes. The frequent exchange of ideas and insights makes this space truly unique—a dynamic forum where professionals not only share their knowledge but also learn from one another, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

 Amplifying Your Company’s Presence:

To further bolster the visibility of your brand within this esteemed community, we are pleased to announce a new promotional opportunity:

Top Placement for Company Posts: We will now offer your company the chance to have your product-related posts featured prominently at the top of the group for a period of 12 hours. This will ensure that your content reaches a global audience of industry professionals, sparking engagement and creating opportunities for networking across multiple regions.

We believe this initiative will not only elevate your company’s presence but will also contribute to the continued success and vibrancy of our collective network.

Wishing you all continued success in your business endeavors, and I look forward to seeing our community thrive even further in the years to come.

With deepest regards,

Muthuramalingam Krishnan

Group Administrator

Polymer Experts LinkedIn Group

Borealis Partners with IMCD for Bormed™ Distribution in Americas

Effective August 1, 2025, Borealis has appointed IMCD as the official distribution partner for its Bormed™ portfolio in the Americas. This agreement covers the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, significantly enhancing access to Borealis’ healthcare polyolefins in these regions.

Bormed™ Portfolio

The Bormed™ portfolio consists of specialized #polyethylene and #polypropylene grades designed for medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging, and diagnostic applications. These materials are suitable for various processing technologies, including injection molding, and are built on the principles of service, commitment, and conformance.

Partnership Background

IMCD, with its extensive knowledge of polyolefins for healthcare applications, has been #Borealis’ Bormed distributor in most European markets since 2021. The new agreement extends this successful partnership model to the Americas, aiming to meet the healthcare industry's demand for reliable supply and regulatory compliance.

Strategic Goals

The collaboration between Borealis and IMCD is a strategic move to strengthen their presence in the Americas and ensure that the Bormed™ portfolio is represented by a partner with the expertise and reach to serve this critical market. The partnership focuses on providing high-quality materials, technical guidance, and reliable local service to meet the strict regulatory and performance demands of the healthcare sector.

source : Borealis/Chemxplore

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Adsorption vs. Absorption

 Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

🌍 Adsorption vs. Absorption: What’s the Difference? 🔬

In the world of materials science and water treatment, the terms adsorption and absorption are often confused. But understanding their differences is crucial for developing efficient filtration systems, energy storage materials, and sustainable environmental solutions.

✨ Adsorption (📌 Surface Phenomenon)

🔹 Definition: Adsorption is the process in which molecules, ions, or particles adhere to the surface of a solid or liquid material without penetrating into its bulk.

✔ Common in activated carbon, zeolites, and nanocomposites for removing contaminants.

✔ Used in water purification, gas separation, and catalysis.

💧 Absorption (🧽 Bulk Phenomenon)

🔹 Definition: Absorption occurs when a substance is fully taken up into the bulk of another material, either dissolving or diffusing into it.

✔ Found in polymeric membranes, sponges, and hydrogels for liquid retention.

✔ Plays a key role in desalination, biomedical applications, and energy storage.

🔎 Why Does It Matter?

Understanding these mechanisms helps in designing advanced composite materials for applications like:

✅ Water purification 🌊 (removal of heavy metals, fluoride, dyes)

✅ Air filtration 🌬️ (capturing pollutants & toxic gases)

✅ Energy storage ⚡ (improving electrode performance in batteries)

📢 The choice of material depends on the target contaminant and desired efficiency.

Let's innovate for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

source: Sana Gharsallah

#Adsorption #Absorption #Filtration #Sustainability