polymerguru

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share What are the differences between wetting agents and dispersants? Several types of additives can be used in the dispersion process in which solid particles, like pigments and fillers, are distributed and stabilised in a liquid. Often two categories of additives, wetting agent (EU) and dispersants (EU), are mentioned in one breath. However, the two materials differ strongly with respect to the role they play in the system and with respect to chemical composition and morphology of the molecules they are composed of. Functionality It is important to have a clear view on what each raw material that is used in a paint or ink should do. The job a raw material, like an additive, must do in a system is called functionality. Wetting agents: Wetting is the first step in the dispersion process. The air that surrounds the solid particles in an agglomerate must be substituted by liquid. Wetting will take place when the surface tension of the liquid is low compared to the

Borealis is pleased to announce the success of a value chain collaboration to develop a chemically recycled drinking water pressure pipe. Around 660 meters of polyethylene PE100-RC (crack resistant) drinking water pressure pipes based on Borealis’ transformational Borcycle™ C technology platform are being laid in Vienna, marking a significant step forward on the path to a circular economy. The installation is the result of a pilot project to help Wiener Wasser (the Vienna Water Department), increase the sustainability of its operations. The groundbreaking initiative is the outcome of an all-Austrian partnership between Borealis, Pipelife, a solution brand of wienerberger, and Wiener Wasser—a collaboration carried out in the spirit of EverMinds™, Borealis’ platform to accelerate the transition to a circular economy for plastics. Creating drinking water pressure pipes from recycled plastic posed a significant challenge due to the high purity and quality requirements of materials used in

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share TORLON: Torlon® polyamide-imide (PAI) is the highest performing, melt-processable thermoplastic. The amorphous polymer has exceptional resistance to wear, creep and chemicals and performs well under severe service conditions up to 260°C (500°F). Torlon® PAI also has superior electrical and structural characteristics at high temperatures, an extremely low coefficient of linear thermal expansion, and exceptional dimensional stability. Typical applications include non-lubricating bearings, seals, valves, compressors, and piston parts, bearing cages, bushings, and thrust washers. Why Torlon® PAI? Unsurpassed wear resistance in dry and lubricated environments Maintains strength and stiffness up to 260°C (500°F)   Very low-temperature toughness and impact strength Excellent resistance to wear and creep under load Resistant to most chemicals, including strong acids and most organics  Excellent compressive strength and extremely low CLTE Low flammability and smoke

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Understanding Shrinkage in Injection Molding: The Role of the Packing Phase In injection molding, shrinkage is fundamentally linked to thermal expansion. However, this relationship can become complex, especially when we factor in the "Packing Phase." During this phase, we apply significant pressure to the molten material, allowing us to inject more grams of material into a predefined mold volume, assuming we disregard mold deformation for now. As a result, the final shrinkage can vary widely—ranging from high shrinkage, dictated by the room pressure PvT curve (in cases where no packing is applied), to even negative shrinkage in situations of overpacking. While the basic principles of shrinkage are driven by Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE), the reality is much more nuanced. For instance, with glass-filled polymers, increased packing pressure can influence the anisotropy-driven warpage of the material; it may even suppress warpage without affe

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share TOP-PERFORMING HEAT RESISTANT PLASTICS There are numerous types of heat resistant plastics available, each of which has unique advantages and disadvantages that make it suitable for different applications. Some of the top-performing ones are: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene ).  PTFE—commonly known by the brand name Teflon™—is characterized by its low coefficient of friction and high chemical resistance. It also demonstrates excellent flexural strength, electrical resistance, weather resistance, and thermal stability.It is suitable for use in temperatures ranging from -328° F to 500° . PEEK (polyetheretherketone).  PEEK is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic with a semi-crystalline structure. It is resistant to chemicals, creep, fatigue, heat, and wear and has the highest flexural and tensile strength of any high-performance polymer. These qualities make it a suitable alternative to metals as they allow the material to remain strong and adaptable in ha

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Fungi have more to offer than meets the eye. Their thread-like cells, which grow extensively and out of sight underground like a network of roots, offer huge potential for producing sustainable, biodegradable materials. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam Science Park are using this mycelium to develop a wide range of recyclable products, from wallets and insulation to packaging. Fungal Mycelium as the Basis for Sustainable Products: To most of us, fungi look like a curved cap and a stem. However, the largest part of the organism consists of a network of cell filaments called mycelium, which mainly spreads below ground and can reach significant proportions. This finely branched network has been underutilized until now. However, for researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam, mycelium represents a pioneering raw material with the potential to replace petroleum-based produ

ResiCare, a subsidiary of the Michelin Group, and IFPEN announced last November the development of a bio-based production process for the platform molecule 5-HMF( 5 - hydroxymethylfurfural) . Non-toxic* and produced from plant-based fructose, this molecule offers industries a substitute for fossil-based products. The samples of the 5-HMF molecule produced by ResiCare are now available for industrial testing. 5-HMF is a particularly attractive platform molecule for the chemical industry, as it allows the replacement of fossil-based products with bio-based alternatives in numerous application areas: adhesives and resins, plastic polymers, solvents and acids, amines and amides, fuels and fuel additives, pharmaceuticals, and human and animal nutrition. ResiCare, a subsidiary of the Michelin Group, develops and markets innovative adhesive resins that combine high performance, non-toxicity, and renewable materials. Initially developed for the tire industry, ResiCare technology is now expandi