polymerguru

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Insights into carbon fiber production (Part 1/5)! Oxidation - the beginning of carbon fiber production Large piles of PAN precursor mark the beginning of carbon fiber production with PAN precursor, the main precursor valued for its high strength and heat resistance. The oxidation process consists of several stations where the fiber is continuously oxidized and cleaned of anything that is not carbon. After the fifth oxidation oven, the fiber finally emerges from the ovens completely dark and chemically refined. Safety is our top priority: Our ovens are equipped with advanced fire protection systems to minimize the risk of fire. Even in the event of yarn breakage, our sophisticated systems ensure that each yarn is returned to the process without waste. source:Teijin Carbon America,Inc #carbonfiber #carbonfiberproduction #oxidation

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share BASF Ludwigshafen announces additional production capacity for expandable polystyrene (EPS) granules by 50,000 tonnes/year. BASF is strengthening its styrene value chain at the Ludwigshafen site by increasing annual production capacity for Neopor by 50,000 tonnes. The increase is aimed at meeting the growing market demand for grey insulation materials. The new production facility is scheduled to be commissioned in early 2027.   Neopor is a graphite-containing expandable polystyrene (EPS) granule developed by BASF as a raw material for the production of energy-saving thermal insulation for building envelopes. The graphite content gives the material a grey colour and improves the thermal insulation performance of the sheets by 30% compared to white EPS. Neopor insulation sets new standards for new and refurbished buildings.   "BASF's sustainability assessment ranks Neopor as a 'pioneer' in the highest category and is part of BASF's 'so

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Understanding Common Issues with Color Masterbatches in Injection Molding The use of color masterbatches is prevalent in injection molding. However, over the years, I have frequently encountered several issues that typically result in surface defects on the molded parts. These issues can be categorized into three main scenarios: 1. Incompatible Carrier Materials Sometimes, masterbatches (e.g., with 50% pigment and 50% carrier) use a high-flow carrier like LLDPE, even when the host polymer to be colored is not LLDPE-based. Issue: The incompatible high-flow carrier is pushed to the surface by hydrodynamic forces. For instance, small amounts of LLDPE in a nylon part can readily create blisters or delamination. 2. Neglecting to Dry the Masterbatch In nylon or polyester parts, even when the masterbatch uses the correct carrier (same as the host matrix to be colored), users often neglect to dry the masterbatch, drying only the bulk resin to be molded. Issue: User

  Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Neste and Braskem, the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas, have reached an agreement for the supply of renewable and recycled feedstocks for polymers and chemicals production. Braskem products based on these feedstocks are expected to be available on the market starting from the fourth quarter of 2024. These products will be sold mainly in South America and included in Braskem’s Wenew product portfolio.  “This is a very important moment for the industry. We're introducing a new solution that will adhere to the industry’s high quality standards while ensuring sustainability right from the start of the value chain. This partnership with Neste is a significant milestone in our journey towards a circular economy,” stated Fabiana Quiroga, Director of Circular Economy at Braskem in South America.  Braskem will sell polymer resins and chemicals made from Neste’s more sustainable feedstock Neste RE™: the recycled feedstock, produced lever

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share DOMO Introduces PA6-based WRAS-certified Solutions for Drinking Water Applications DOMO Chemicals announces the successful achievement of the first PA6-based Water Regulation Approved Scheme (WRAS)-certified solutions, demonstrating that the material is suitable for drinking water contact applications.  Eliminates Risk of Galvanic Corrosion and Scale Formation: With increasing urbanization, one of today’s key challenges is to provide sustainable access to quality water. An optimal way to do this is to provide advanced polyamide technology for metal replacement and high-end polymers for the water management industry. This helps to ensure greater sustainability, lower system and maintenance costs, and easier and safer handling of water.   "Our new range of TECHNYL® SAFE C can effectively replace brass and other metals in water distribution, filtration and irrigation, sanitary and small appliance components requiring WRAS approval up to 85°C," said Pa

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Xenia Launches 50% CF Reinforced Bio based PA 10.10 Grade This new carbon-fiber reinforced material, based on PA10.10, delivers exceptional strength and durability while being 100% bio-based. This new material not only represents a step forward in performance but also aligns with Xenia®’s commitment to sustainability. Suitable for High Temperature Applications: With up to 50% carbon fiber reinforcement, XECARB® 31 ensures increased stiffness, making it ideal for structural applications that demand superior mechanical strength. Furthermore, this new compound is well-suited for environments that require higher operating temperatures without compromising performance, thanks to its high melting point. The PA10.10 base polymer ensures significantly reduced moisture absorption, improving long-term durability. Its excellent cold impact resistance makes it suitable for applications frequently exposed to low temperatures, such as outdoor environments and high-altitud

Honeywell and SGP BioEnergy today announced they are working together to develop new, scalable technology to convert industrial hemp and other plant-based material into biochemicals that can be used to produce plastics and other everyday items, offering an alternative to chemicals produced from fossil fuels. As part of this collaboration, Honeywell will develop the new technology that enables plant material to be used as feedstock for biochemical production on an expanded scale. SGP BioEnergy will provide the infrastructure, workforce and second-generation feedstock, including industrial hemp, for this initiative through its “READY.GROW.” program. To ensure safe and efficient unit operations, Honeywell will provide ongoing operational support and workforce training for the team at SGP BioEnergy. The collaboration with SGP BioEnergy supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to three powerful megatrends, including the energy transition. “Honeywell is committed to developing innovat