Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Challenges in Polymer Degradation

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Challenges in Polymer Degradation

a. Environmental Impact : One of the most significant challenges is the environmental impact of polymer degradation. Conventional plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to persistent pollution in landfills and oceans.

b. Material Performance :Degradation affects the mechanical and aesthetic properties of plastics. For example, degraded polymers can become brittle, discolored, and less effective in their intended applications.

c. Recycling : Polymer degradation complicates recycling efforts. Degraded polymers may have altered properties, making them less suitable for recycling into high-quality products.

d. Product Safety :In applications such as food packaging and medical devices, degradation can pose safety risks due to the release of harmful degradation products.

V. Solutions to Polymer Degradation

Addressing the challenges of polymer degradation requires a multi-faceted approach

Stabilizers:

Incorporating stabilizers, such as UV absorbers, antioxidants, and heat stabilizers, into polymers can significantly slow down the degradation process by neutralizing harmful factors.

Barrier Coatings:

Applying barrier coatings can protect polymers from environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen, thereby reducing degradation.

Blending and Copolymerization:

Blending polymers with other materials or creating copolymers can enhance their resistance to degradation. For example, adding UV-resistant polymers can improve the overall durability of the material.

Biodegradable Polymers:

Developing biodegradable polymers that decompose under specific environmental conditions can mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Advanced Recycling Techniques:

Advanced recycling techniques, such as chemical recycling, can break down degraded polymers into their monomers, which can then be used to create new, high-quality polymers.

VI. Future Directions in Polymer Degradation Research

Research in polymer degradation is focused on developing more sustainable and resilient materials. Some promising areas include:

Smart Polymers: Polymers that can self-heal or signal degradation, allowing for timely intervention.

Nanocomposites: Incorporating nanoparticles into polymers to enhance their stability and resistance to degradation.

Bio-based Polymers: Developing polymers from renewable sources that offer better degradation profiles and lower environmental impact.

Degradation Modeling: Advanced computational models to predict degradation behavior and optimize polymer formulations accordingly.

Polymer degradation is a critical aspect of the lifecycle of plastics, influencing their performance, environmental impact, and recyclability. By understanding the mechanisms and challenges associated with polymer degradation, the plastics industry can develop innovative solutions to enhance the durability and sustainability of polymer materials.

source : Plastics Technology

ABB and Citroniq target a world first with 100% bio-based polypropylene facility

-->Citroniq aims to build world’s first 100% biogenic full commerical-scale polypropylene plant, using corn-based ethanol feedstock to advance low-carbon plastics manufacturing

-->Under the supply agreement, ABB will provide integrated automation, electrification and digital technologies to enable an efficient operations facility in Nebraska, in the US

-->The project aims to strengthen domestic supply chains, create skilled jobs, support US manufacturing and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the plastics industry

ABB has entered a supply agreement with Citroniq to provide advanced automation, electrification and digitalization solutions for a 100 percent biogenic polypropylene facility in Nebraska, US – aiming to be the world’s first full commercial-scale facility of its kind. Polypropylene is used for many everyday items society relies on, including food and beverage packaging, automotive parts, consumer goods and medical devices.

The facility is scheduled to start operating in 2029 and will produce fully certified biogenic polypropylene from the established corn-based ethanol industry in the US. Citroniq’s strategy is to create a more sustainable plastics manufacturing platform in the US and reduce emissions in the hard-to-abate plastics sector.

At full capacity, the three-plant platform is expected to have the potential to decarbonize the US domestic polypropylene production by 20 percent, according to Citroniq . The first facility will convert corn-based ethanol into polypropylene, capturing three million tonnes of CO₂ a year and permanently storing it as solid pellets.

“Our collaboration with ABB is a critical step to building an advanced world-class manufacturing facility that transforms the plastics industry,” said Mel Badheka, President and Co-Founder of Citroniq. “We worked with ABB from early on in the process due to their leadership in automation and their expertise, which is required for such a project.

Upon final investment decision, ABB will deliver its ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system, advanced process control, digital simulation, electrical equipment, instrumentation and engineering services to optimize design, delivery and operations at the plant.

“We are proud to collaborate on this complex project, bringing our technology and expertise to enable the development of a low-carbon manufacturing infrastructure in the US,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “Through our integrated automation and electrification solutions, we aim to help Citroniq achieve safe, efficient and reliable operations to support the decarbonization of a hard-to-abate sector.

source : ABB

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Why injection speed profiles matter more than a single “fast” setting.

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Why injection speed profiles matter more than a single “fast” setting.

Most people set one injection speed and call it done. But a single speed rarely works well across an entire cavity fill. The material doesn’t flow uniformly, the geometry changes, and the gate sees different pressures at different stages.

That’s why speed profiles matter. Early in the fill, you might want a slower speed to prevent jetting or trapped air. Once the flow front stabilizes, you can speed up to fill the bulk of the cavity efficiently. Near the end, slowing down again reduces shear and helps avoid flash or overpacking thin areas.

A good profile does a few things:

1. Reduces cosmetic issues like flow lines, splay, and gate blush.

2. Controls how the air vents out of the cavity, preventing burns.

3. Balances pressure across multiple cavities, especially family molds.

4. Lowers clamp load by avoiding a sudden spike in pressure.

When you run one constant speed, you’re forcing the same pressure and shear across every section of the cavity. It’s simple, but it often creates more variation than you realize.

So here’s a question: how often do you review your fill profile? Are you running the same “fast fill” setting because it works, or because it’s the only thing that’s been tried?

Speed profiles aren’t about overcomplication. They’re about controlling how the part fills so you’re not chasing defects later.

source : Roman Malisek

#InjectionMolding

Trelleborg Medical Expands Tooling, Molding, and Automation Capabilities

The contract development and manufacturing organization is moving its Innovation Center to a larger location to enhance in-house machining and molding services and provide customers with a full array of services under one roof.

To accommodate demand and accelerate design and development for its medtech customers, Trelleborg Medical Solutions is expanding its US-based Innovation Center.

Currently located in Plymouth, MN, the center will move to a new purpose-built space in nearby Delano and encompass more than 45,000 square feet.

Tool shop remodel

The project involves a remodel of the tool shop, which will expand its footprint to 6,000 square feet. It also includes nearly 40,000 square feet of new construction housing a visitor center, additional high-end Swiss machining, injection molding, and increased space for the automation laboratory.  

Part of Sweden-based #Trelleborg, which applies expertise in polymers to a range of applications, Trelleborg Medical Solutions sees its role as facilitating speed to market and ensuring high-quality, reliable supply of products and services to its customers. Business Unit President of Medical Device Solutions for the Americas, Kevin Ehlert explained the “investment enables Trelleborg to deliver on all aspects and provide an exceptional experience to our customers from early stage prototyping all the way to high-volume commercialization, all under one roof.

Collaborative, high-tech meeting space

Innovation Center and New Product Development Director Chris Tellers added that the “additional Swiss machining and injection molding will enhance our in-house capabilities to provide the highest quality components fast without relying on outside shops.

Meanwhile, increased space for automation provides scalability to support future projects, noted Tellers. “The visitor center will be a collaborative, high-tech meeting area where customers can brainstorm on project ideas alongside our experts. This remodel and expansion project enables us to continue doing that but on a larger scale, utilizing more equipment and experts added through our new apprenticeship program.

Four-year apprenticeship program launched

Trelleborg Medical Solutions launched a certified toolmaker apprenticeship program in May 2025. Apprentices learn to construct, troubleshoot, and repair molds, fixtures, and related tools under the guidance of experienced mentors in the course of the four-year program. Trelleborg will hire graduates as Toolmaker, Class B, or Machinist, with eligibility for promotion to Toolmaker, Class A.

Trelleborg Medical Solutions offers medical device OEMS design, development, and manufacturing services across the world. It operates several plants in the United States along with Germany, China, and Malta. A facility is scheduled to open in Costa Rica in the near future.

source : Plastics Today

Medical Manufacturing Technologies Adds Catheter Laser Bonding Specialist to Portfolio

Laser-bonding pioneer Innova Design Inc. has been acquired by #MedicalManufacturingTechnologies (MMT), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management. This acquisition further expands MMT’s suite of bonding technologies, continuing its commitment to delivering advanced solutions to medical device and industrial manufacturers worldwide, the company said in the announcement dated Aug. 22.

San Diego, CA–based Innova Design is credited with developing the first commercial #catheter #laserbonder in 2002. Now featuring its sixth generation of US-made laser bonders, Innova has been instrumental in producing millions of balloon catheters utilized in interventional #medical procedures across the globe. The company has established partnerships with medical device manufacturers in the United States, Ireland, Costa Rica, Brazil, Singapore, China, and Japan.

Common mission

“Today marks an important milestone as we welcome Innova Design to the MMT family,” commented MMT CEO Robbie Atkinson. “Innova’s innovative and pioneering spirit aligns perfectly with our mission to support global manufacturers with reliable, streamlined services and solutions. We look forward to harnessing our combined expertise to drive future innovations in the medical device industry and advance #healthcare worldwide.”

A single-source supplier for automated process-driven medical manufacturing based in Charlotte, NC, MMT’s portfolio of companies includes CathTip, Comco, Engineering by Design, FEPeeler, GenX Medical, Glebar, Innova Design, Interface Catheter Solutions, MMT Automation, MPT Europe, R&D Engineering, Somex Automation, Syneo, and Tridex Technology.

Safety innovations

MMT said that Innova’s laser bonder technology will complement its existing offerings, which include hot box and split die bonding solutions. The Innova laser bonder boasts superior ergonomics and innovative laser safety features — a motorized revolving safety door, enhanced air cooling, linear ball screw laser traverse, integrated diode pointer, beam shutter, and multiple sample holding system configurations.

Innova Design President and founder Adam Chen expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “Innova Design is thrilled to partner with MMT to enhance bonding capabilities in the medical manufacturing space. As we continue to address the bonding needs of our customers, we are eager to leverage MMT’s resources to provide a comprehensive range of solutions to enhance manufacturing processes and boost productivity,” said Chen.

source : Plastics Today

India Opens First Mobile Tempered Glass Factory

India Opens First Mobile Tempered Glass Factory

India launches its first tempered glass factory for mobile devices in Noida, advancing self-reliance in #electronicsmanufacturing and job creation.

India has taken a major stride toward electronics self-sufficiency with the inauguration of its first-ever #TemperedGlassManufacturing Facility for mobile devices. The factory, located in Noida, was officially opened on August 30, 2025, by Union Minister of Electronics and IT Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Established by Optiemus Electronics in partnership with Corning Incorporated, USA, the facility will manufacture tempered glass under the premium brand “Engineered by Corning”. These products will serve both Indian and global markets, marking a pivotal expansion of India’s domestic electronics production capabilities.

Pushing the Make in India Vision Forward

Building Domestic CapabilitiesTempered glass, a crucial accessory for smartphones, has so far been mostly imported. With this new facility, India aims to manufacture every part of a mobile device, including chips, tempered glass, and server components, as emphasized by Minister Vaishnaw.

This step supports the broader objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat—making India a global leader in electronics by reducing import dependence and increasing local value addition.

Economic and Industrial Impact

India’s electronics sector has grown sixfold in the last 11 years, reaching a production value of ₹11.5 lakh crore, with exports of over ₹3 lakh crore and 2.5 million jobs created. The new facility adds significantly to this momentum

Initial investment: ₹70 crore

Phase 1 capacity: 25 million units/year

Jobs created in Phase 1: 600

Phase 2 expansion: ₹800 crore

Future capacity: 200 million units/year

Expected new jobs: 4,500+

World-Class Manufacturing and Quality Standards

The Noida plant is equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure and offers a complete transformation of raw materials into high-quality tempered glass. Manufacturing stages include,

Scribing and chamfering

Polishing and dual-stage rinsing

Chemical tempering

Coating, printing, and lamination

Every unit undergoes stringent quality checks to ensure BIS certification and fog marking, providing Indian consumers with globally competitive products made domestically.

source : Adda247 Current Affairs

DuPont sells aramids business to materials firm Arclin for $1.8B

DuPont Inc. said it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its aramids business to Arclin Inc. (Alpharetta, Georgia), a portfolio company of an affiliate of private equity firm TJC LP (New York), for approximately $1.8 billion.

DuPont’s #aramids business includes the Kevlar and Nomex synthetic fiber brands. It has a workforce of 1,900 and five manufacturing sites. The aramids business generated net sales of $1.3 billion in 2024.

Arclin has received fully committed financing in connection with the transaction, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval, DuPont said in a statement Aug. 29.

DuPont said it will receive pretax cash proceeds of approximately $1.2 billion at close, subject to customary transaction adjustments, a note receivable of $300 million, and a noncontrolling common equity interest in the future Arclin company currently valued at $325 million, which is expected to represent an approximate 17.5% stake at the time of close.

”The aramids transaction further enhances the strategic focus of our portfolio, while also increasing the growth and margin profile,” said Lori Koch, CEO of DuPont.

The aramids divestiture will not impact DuPont’s intended separation of its electronics business, to be called Qnity Electronics Inc., which remains on track for a Nov. 1, 2025, spinoff, DuPont said.

The aramids transaction offers significant growth potential to #Arclin, the company said. "The addition of #Kevlar and #Nomex to the Arclin portfolio presents a unique opportunity to transform our business with increased scale, broader global reach, and market-leading application development capabilities," said Bradley Bolduc, Arclin president and CEO.

Kevlar and Nomex are used in bulletproof vests and firefighting equipment, respectively, for their high-strength and thermal-resistance properties.

Arclin is a materials science company, supplying polymer technologies and manufacturing engineered products and specialized materials for the construction, agriculture, transportation infrastructure, weather and fire protection, pharmaceutical, nutrition, electronics, design and other industries.

Reports in July said that private equity firms #AdventInternational LP and Platinum Equity LLC were preparing bids for #DuPont’s aramids business.

source : Chemweek