polymerguru

Eastman, a specialty chemical company, is announcing another new innovation using Eastman Tritan™ copolyester: the Anypad line of stands for iPads from the brand, which uses copolyester to make the transparent stands. With an innovative design, these stands make the iPad more functional and offer practicality to its users. There are four models with very specific features: AnyPad Office, AnyPad Hand, AnyPad Cook and AnyPad Wall. The Office can be used to turn the tablet into an elegant desktop computer and provides spring-regulated articulation, height adjustment, and swivel and tilt adjustment, providing greater comfort and ergonomics. The Hand is recommended for those looking for added safety when holding the iPad to use it, in addition to offering an option for use as a tabletop stand in four different positions. The Cook, which can be hung on cabinets and shelves using the mount, is geared toward people who spend a lot of time in the kitchen and want to see their recipes and other...

The Perstorp Group, among the world leaders in specialty chemicals, will be presenting the next generation of co-polyesters at K Fair 2013. This will include Akestra™, a high performance plastic with remarkable properties. Perstorp have formed a strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical to develop and distribute this exciting co-polyester throughout Europe. On a long term, this will result in both companies jointly establishing the most competitive production platform in Europe for the raw material used in these co-polyesters. Perstorp puts its main development focus into delivering high performance, safe and sustainable chemistry. Akestra™ is the latest in a long line of innovative products that support Perstorp's development philosophy. Akestra™ is not only innovative, but represents an entirely new generation of plastics. Its unique properties make it an important alternative to  polycarbonate , polystyrene and glass. Perstorp presents Akestra™ – a new plastic ...

Airbus Military has completed an important set of trials of the A400M new generation airlifter, demonstrating the aircraft’s excellent performance on gravel runways. In tests lasting more than a week at Ablitas in northern Spain, development aircraft MSN2 performed 25 landings during six flights on the same runway. The trials confirmed that despite the harsh conditions, damage to the aircraft exterior from stones and dust was minimal and within expectations, and the runway remained usable after repeated operations. Demonstrations included ground manoeuvring, rejected take-offs, and use of propeller reverse thrust at speeds as low as 70kt (130 km/h) – none of which caused engine or cockpit contamination. Tests were successfully performed with and without the optional nosewheel deflector which can be fitted to protect the aircraft during such operations, underlying the A400M’s ability to operate to and from rough strips close to the scene of military or humanitarian action in addition t...

The bioplastic PHAs developed by bio-on can be used to regenerate human tissue, notably to create support structures (scaffolds) for cultured bone cells; structures through which it is possible to regenerate a human bone. This is possible because this material, 100% biodegradable in water, is also extremely bio-compatible, as shown by a study by a team of Italian researchers. The first results of this study are being published in major international specialized scientific journals. "It has been amply demonstrated in writings on the subject that polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are materials well suited to be used in tissue regeneration from cell cultures" "It has been amply demonstrated in writings on the subject that polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are materials well suited to be used in tissue regeneration from cell cultures," explains Paola Fabbri, a researcher at the Enzo Ferrari Department of Engineering at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. "In ...

Arsenal Capital Partners, among the leading New York-based private equity firms that invests in middle-market specialty industrial and healthcare companies, recently announced the acquisition of International Fiber Corporation ("IFC"), one of the leading suppliers of cellulose-based insoluble fiber products for food and industrial applications globally. Prior to close of this acquisition, IFC was a portfolio company of Swander Pace Capital. Founded in 1917, and headquartered in North Tonawanda, NY, IFC is one of the industry leaders in insoluble fiber products, providing exceptional service and customized product solutions. IFC's fiber is used in food applications for a variety of functions including improving taste and texture, enhancing yield and processability, and numerous health benefits. In industrial applications, IFC's fiber is used to thicken paints, strengthen rubber used in industrial hoses and belts, for filtration as well as to control viscosity in...

Europe's current position in producing bio-based polymers is limited to a few polymers. However, new developments and investments are foreseen: the first European industrial-scale PLA plant by 2014, the introduction of future  PET  production facilities by 2015, recent developments in the commercialization of bio-based  PBT  and further advancements in the field of high-value fine chemicals for  PA , PUR and thermosets production. Although Europe shows a strong demand for bio-based polymers, production tends to take place elsewhere, namely in Asia and America. The European Union's relatively weak position in the production of bio-based polymers is largely the consequence of an unfavorable political framework for the industrial material use of biomass. The European market data presents the latest findings of production capacities of bio-based polymers in Europe based on the market study published by the nova-Institute in spring this year and its continuou...

Cereplast, Inc.,among the leading manufacturers of proprietary biobased, compostable and sustainable  bioplastics, recently announced that MammaCangura by Bellelli, one among the world leaders in the design and manufacture of child bicycle carriers and trailers, is launching a line of child bicycle carriers made from Cereplast Biopropylene® 101 this fall. MammaCangura is manufacturing two child bicycle carriers made from Cereplast Biopropylene 101: FRECCIA ECO, a front-mounted child bicycle carrier, and MR FOX ECO, a rear-mounted child bicycle carrier. Initially, both carriers will be available for retail sale and purchase by MammaCangura North America at brick and mortar retailers in Canada. FRECCIA ECO Made from a non-toxic bioplastic frame, FRECCIA ECO is lightweight, solid and washable, featuring big-feet-shaped footrests, a secure handlebar for the child to play with, wide ventilation slots on the back and shoulders, a soft, removable and washable seat pad, a three-poi...