polymerguru

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Researchers develop a reusable HMA made from xylan Professor Peng Feng's team from the School of Materials Science and Technology of Beijing Forestry University developed a high-performance, reusable bio-based hot melt adhesive (XA) using industrial byproduct crystalline xylan as raw material. This not only provides innovative ideas for the design of new biomass-based adhesives, but also provides new ideas and technologies for the high-value utilization of hemicellulose. Xylan-based adhesive outperforms epoxies and EVAs Xylan hemicellulose is an important natural polymer in plant cell walls, and together with cellulose and lignin, it constitutes the main component of wood fiber biomass. Hemicellulose is the second largest renewable carbohydrate resource after cellulose, and is abundant in crop straw and forest biomass. However, in the production process of pulp and paper industry and bioethanol industry, most of the #hemicellulose is degraded or dissolv...

In the face of growing environmental concerns and the urgent need to reduce dependence on fossil resources, the development of circular and bio-based solutions is becoming increasingly important. One of the most promising approaches is the transformation of agricultural and food industry residues into high-value bio-based materials, such as biodegradable plastics and sustainable components for industrial applications. These innovations not only help reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions but also support the transition toward a more resilient and resource-efficient European economy. In this context, the  PROMOFER  project, coordinated by #AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, and funded by the European Union’s CBE-JU, aims to unlock the potential of agri-food and lignocellulosic residues by converting them into two high-value bio-based compounds: PHBV, a biodegradable plastic, and 2,3-BDO, a key ingredient in the production of sustainable polyurethanes. PROMOFER project ...

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Desert plants from Mexico may offer and attractive alternative to conventional fossil-based materials, with the potential to create innovative, high-value products. #Nopal , a symbol of Mexican culture with approximately 300 species found in Mexico alone, plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance across many regions. Beyond its culinary value, nopal serves as a raw material for producing biodegradable plastics. #Guayule , a desert shrub native to northern Mexico and the southern United States, is an important source of high-quality natural rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene). Similarly, natural fibers derived from desert plants provide sustainable reinforcement options for composite materials in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. For example, #Yucca filifera, a desert palm, yields fibers that enhance the tensile and flexural strength of polypropylene composites. source: Roberto YANEZ #polymers #DesertPlants #BioBasedMateria...

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share In a medical world-first, surgeons at Cleveland Clinic have successfully replaced a heart valve through a small neck incision, completely avoiding the need to open the chest. Using robotic tools, Dr. Marijan Koprivanac led the team in performing transcervical aortic valve replacements on four patients, all of whom recovered quickly and with minimal pain. One patient even resumed running within a week. The technique, adapted from robotic thymectomy, uses four small incisions and offers faster recovery, lower risk, and greater precision. The team now aims to reduce surgery time and expand the procedure to other centers. source: Eddie M #ClevelandClinic #HeartValveReplacement #CardiovascularCare

#Klöckner Pentaplast (kp), a global leader in rigid and #flexiblepackaging and specialty film solutions, has announced the launch of kp Elite® Nova, a next generation modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) tray that is the lightest in its class. The tray uses a unique ribbed design to add strength in critical areas, while keeping weight and material use to a minimum, making it around 10% lighter than any other tray in its category - without compromising on barrier performance, sealing integrity, or mechanical strength. Developed using finite element analysis, kp Elite® Nova is ideal for high-speed automated protein packing lines and represents a step forward in sustainable food packaging. We’re proud to reveal kp Elite® Nova; a breakthrough tray that reflects over 60 years of packaging innovation and technical excellence,” said Paul Rawlings, Launch Manager at kp Food Packaging. “With kp Elite® Nova, food producers no longer need to compromise between sustainability and perform...

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Toray makes breakthrough in photosensitive polyimide #Toray Industries has developed the STF-2000, a photosensitive polyimide solution that enables high-aspect-ratio fine patterning with 30-micrometer line widths in films up to 200 micrometers thick.   This breakthrough came from applying advanced high-sensitivity negative-tone formulation and proprietary photoresist design technology, which controls curing stress. High-performing and sustainable  STF-2000 retains the inherent advantages of a polyimide structure. These include excellent resistance to heat and chemicals, mechanical strength, insulation, and X-ray durability. At the same time, it enables fine microfabrication with aspect ratios of up to 7.   Sustainability is also in the engineering of STF-2000. Toray formulated STF-2000 without PFAS and adopted an alkaline development process that avoids organic solvents. The new material is free of N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and p...

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share Medella Northwest: We are thrilled to share a groundbreaking case recently performed in collaboration with Oxford Performance Materials (OPM), utilizing their innovative 3D-printed PEKK (poly-ether-ketone-ketone) technology. This case marks an advancement in orthopedic care, showcasing the remarkable benefits of PEKK implants over traditional metal implants. Our commitment to cutting-edge solutions led us to partner with OPM to deliver a patient-specific PEKK implant tailored to address a complex orthopedic challenge. Why PEKK Outshines Metal Implants: Bone-Like Mechanics : Unlike metal implants, which can be overly rigid and cause stress shielding, PEKK’s mechanical properties closely mimic cortical bone. This promotes natural load distribution, reducing the risk of bone resorption and enhancing long-term implant stability. Enhanced Osseointegration: PEKK’s unique surface promotes protein adsorption, facilitating superior bone cell attachment and growth. Th...