polymerguru

#Avient Corporation, an innovator of materials solutions, today announced the availability of Cesa™ WithStand™ SX Low Haze #Antimicrobial Additives for clear polycarbonate and plexiglass applications. This patent-pending next-generation formula is especially useful for products incorporating recycled resin. Cesa WithStand SX additives can help preserve visual clarity and aesthetics in finished plastic parts while offering protection against bacterial, mold, and fungal growth. By limiting microbial growth in plastic parts, this additive can reduce unwanted odor, staining, and discoloration, helping the plastic parts maintain a “like new” look for an extended period. “Our patent-pending formulation solves a long-standing challenge,” said Felipe Reichert, Global Marketing Director for Color, Additives, and Inks at Avient. “Traditional antimicrobials often cause opacity or hazing in #polycarbonate or acrylic. This is especially true in applications using recycled content. Cesa WithStand...

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share During one of my recent BIMS-1 sessions I was asked to comment about surprising results obtained on notched Charpy tests when using “molded-in notches” vs. post-molding machined notches. 1. First of all molded pre-notched bars should be accurately measured since the effective notch radius will likely be somewhat smoothed out by the material shrinkage and warpage. If effective radius is larger, that will already shift the performance to an apparent better impact 2. Machined notches will typically create some damage on the machined surfaces which might further help initiating the brittle failures that we typically want to see in notched samples. This will likely reduce the apparent performance since crack initiation energy is essentially absent due to the machining pre-damage 3.The single most important reason for the discrepancies however is the fact that machining a molded sample means biting through the frozen skin and the outer layers created by th...

Lummus Technology, a global leader in process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, announced an award from SHCCIG Yulin Chemical Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the SHCCIG Group, for its superabsorbent polymer (SAP) technology. This marks the first commercial deployment of Lummus’ SAP technology since it was added to the company’s portfolio in 2023. “We are honored to be selected by SHCCIG Yulin Chemical and look forward to executing this project with them,” said Romain Lemoine, Chief Business Officer for Polymers and Petrochemicals, Lummus Technology. “Lummus acquired SAP technology to strengthen our position in the high-value polymer market and expand our offering across C3 value chain. The first commercial award for the technology solidifies our entrance into the market and reinforces our strategy to offer customers more integrated technology solutions.” “Lummus’ technologies and expertise align with our vision for advancing high-value polymer production,” said Xie Wuqiang...

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Perpetuus Advanced Materials introduces the first in its range of proprietary nano engineered graphene-enhanced masterbatch compounds, initially formulated specifically for the field of commercial, passenger and industrial tire manufacturing sectors. The initial offering will be broadened to include other polymer/elastomer masterbatches suitable for industries such as hoses, seals, gaskets, V-belts, conveyor belts, etc. Using its environmentally friendly, plasma treatment process, Perpetuus graphenes are integrated into the masterbatch. The resultant masterbatch is now available in industrial quantities, allowing tire manufacturers to integrate this breakthrough material into their existing production processes. Perpetuus’s unique graphene manufacturing process is environmentally safe by avoiding traditional wet acid, solvent, or surfactant treatments, eliminating the need for energy-intensive drying steps and the associated disposal of post-production toxic...

  Today's KNOWLEDGE Share NatureWorks announces the launch of Ingeo 3D300, the company’s newest specially engineered 3D printing grade. Designed for faster printing without compromising quality, Ingeo 3D300 sets a new benchmark in additive manufacturing by offering enhanced efficiency and exceptional performance. Ingeo 3D300 delivers faster print speeds while maintaining excellent surface finish and detail, significantly reducing print time and overall production costs. Whether used for prototyping, functional parts, or creative designs, this faster printing grade provides unparalleled consistency and accuracy, enabling users to meet demanding deadlines without sacrificing quality. Key Benefits of Ingeo 3D300: Fast speed : Printing up to 300 millimeters per second consistently in its neat form, Ingeo 3D300 ensures rapid production without requiring any performance-enhancing additives. Print clarity : The material’s optimal transparency simplifies coloring and color m...

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Nan Ya Plastics and Taiwan Mitsui Chemicals Launch Market Development Efforts Focused on Biomass-Based Plastic Products Today announced that they have embarked on efforts to develop the market for biomass-based plastic products. Under this initiative, NPC will procure biomass-based acetone produced by Mitsui Chemicals and use it to manufacture biomass-derived bisphenol A (BPA) in Taiwan. 1. Efforts to develop the market for biomass-feedstock-based plastics In August 2024, Taiwan Mitsui Chemicals acquired certification under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS system for certifying sustainable products. Using the mass balance system*1 based on this certification, the company began supplying the Taiwanese market with biomass-derived materials in January 2025.   Having also acquired ISCC PLUS certification in September 2024, leading Taiwanese materials manufacturer NPC will procure biomass feedstocks from Taiwan Mitsui Che...

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Covestro unveils Autentium®: an innovative step towards the future of currency printing The first polymer banknotes made their debut in the late 1980s. They reformed cash transactions with their modern design, allowing for new security features that were impossible with paper. Over time, countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom have fully transitioned to polymer banknotes as their primary currency medium. Despite this progress, most banknotes worldwide are still made from paper and cotton composites, materials with inherent limitations such as a comparable short lifecycle and limited recyclability. In response to the growing demand for sustainable solutions in currency printing, Covestro is introducing Autentium ® , an innovative polymeric printing substrate. Designed exclusively for currency printing applications like banknotes, Autentium ®  combines cutting-edge anti-counterfeiting technology with a recyclable mono-material design. ...