polymerguru

r-pac International Corp. and Solegear  Bioplastics  Inc. completed an agreement to accelerate the production, sales and distribution of Solegear's Polysole® and Traverse® plant-based plastic packaging. Using its award-winning expertise in Green Chemistry, Solegear collaborated with leading Canadian research institutions, including the National Research Council of Canada, to develop novel bio-based and environmentally responsible  bioplastics  for rigid consumer product packaging. As part of this new agreement, r-pac and Solegear will work together on selling and marketing the bio-based packaging, having successfully completed materials evaluation and production testing. r-pac plans to begin offering the new products immediately. "It has been a pleasure developing our relationship with r-pac. Their expertise in packaging design, production, sales and retail support is first-rate. This agreement sets the stage to further broaden Solegear's vision: providing a be...

Foster Corporation, among the leaders in custom polymers for medical devices, introduces LoPro Plus™ radiopaque compounds reinforced with nanoparticles for improved pushability of thin wall catheters. These compounds allow for extrusion of single layer tubes with radiopacity and strength properties equivalent to conventional two layer tubes, in which each layer provides the distinct properties. LoPro Plus reduces material and inventory costs when compared to standard two layer constructions. Radiopaque compounds typically include 30% to 40% barium or bismuth filler to provide fluoroscopic visibility of catheters within blood vessels; however, these fillers are not designed to improve strength properties. Improved pushability and torque for catheters that must reach deep in the body or precise locations often requires coextrusion of additional layers using polymers with high strength properties. This can increase manufacturing costs due to the purchase and inventory management of mul...

Solvay Specialty Polymers has announced the introduction of a high stiffness grade of KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that provides 50% greater modulus/stiffness than standard neat PEEK grades. Despite its higher stiffness, the new grade, KetaSpire KT-825, retains the elongation and toughness that is comparable to that of neat PEEK resin for structural applications in transportation, electronics, semiconductor, and oil and gas.  This grade utilizes a proprietary additive and compounding technology that allows a combination of high stiffness, ductility, and low specific gravity of 1.35 compared to 1.30 for neat PEEK. The new grade bridges the performance gap between unfilled PEEK and traditional glass fiber reinforced or carbon fiber reinforced PEEK grades, according to Jamal El-Hibri, principal scientist for Solvay Specialty Polymers.  Unfilled PEEK offers ductility, good impact resistance and isotropic properties, but often lacks sufficient stiffness and strength, whil...

Metabolix (NASDAQ: MBLX), an advanced biomaterials company focused on sustainable solutions for the plastics and chemicals industries, recently announced that it is highlighting at Interpack 2014 its high performance biopolymers offering a range of innovative solutions for packaging applications. Show attendees may visit Metabolix's booth at Messe Dusseldorf located in the "Biopolymers in Packaging Pavilion" in Hall 9, Booth G05 between May 8 and May 14. "As a result of our focus on innovation, we continue to offer our customers new solutions for packaging applications," said Bob Engle, vice president, biopolymers at Metabolix. "We look forward to highlighting at Interpack 2014 our compostable resin, performance additive and color masterbatch product lines. Further, we are continuing to focus on the unique performance advantages our PHA biopolymers can bring in applications such as compostable film and PHA latex coatings. Our goal is to deliver new deve...

Global custom engineered thermoplastics compounder RTP Company has developed EMI shielding compounds that are ideal for replacing metal or conductive coated plastic housings in automotive sensing systems. Because drivers depend on the proper operation of automotive radar and sensing systems to maintain vehicle safety and reliability, these systems require highly reliable EMI protection to eliminate “noise” that could interfere with signal processing. And, as automotive industry engineers incorporate more electronic safety systems into vehicles, they need materials that are lighter in weight and provide greater design flexibility. “The automotive industry is putting more emphasis on reducing mass in order to meet fuel efficiency and emissions regulations,” said Neil Hardwick, Marketing Manager for Conductive Products at RTP Company. “RTP Company’s EMI shielding compounds are an ideal solution for engineers who need to replace metal components with lighter-weight materials that are s...

Technifab Inc., Avon, Ohio, among the leading solutions providers to the aerospace industry, has developed a new high-performance polymeric foam ducting system that features structural components made of AvaSpire® polyaryletherketone (PAEK) resin from Solvay Specialty Polymers. The new ducting system is a key element of a newly developed aerospace Environmental Control System (ECS) for a major aircraft manufacturer. Solvay made the announcement at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIE), Booth 7A29, in Hamburg, Germany. AvaSpire® PAEK provides greater toughness and reduced cost compared to standard polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for interior aerospace applications such as the structural end caps and anchors used in this design. The ultra-high performance polymer also offers greater strength, better creep resistance, and improved hydrolytic stability compared to nylon and other competitive engineering thermoplastics that were also considered, according to Jack DeRuyter, vice president of busi...

The Biofore  Concept Car , a unique, futuristic street-legal vehicle demonstrating the use of renewable biomaterials in the automotive industry, will premiere at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show, March 6-16, 2014. The car is designed and built by next generation of talent from Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and showcases the versatile use of UPM's innovative biomaterials. Various parts and components traditionally made from plastic are made from  UPM Formi  biocomposite  and UPM Grada thermoformable wood material. These materials will significantly improve the overall environmental performance of the  car , without compromising quality or safety. The concept car will also be fuelled by UPM BioVerno wood-based renewable diesel. UPM Raflatac label materials will be used to mark  spare parts  as well as in the  interior and exterior  design of the car. Dating  back to March 2010, initial idea of the Biofo...