polymerguru

In what could be the biggest innovation in motorcycle helmet design since the introduction of the expanded polystyrene foam liner, a UK-based technology partnership has developed a new construction that mimics the human skull’s own protection mechanism. According to the developer of the new “SuperSkin” technology, Dr Ken Phillips, head trauma is the cause of more than 80% of motorcycle accident fatalities. A key factor in these deaths is rotational head injury, serious damage to the brain structure caused by rapid transfer of rotational force to the brain during impact between the helmet shell and surfaces such as the road. Phillips looked to nature’s own construction of the head when trying to come up with a solution. His SuperSkin concept mimics the “skull and skin” structure of the human head, which allows the skin to slip over the surface of the hard skull to absorb rotational energy. “While we cannot prevent road accidents altogether, by creating a helmet that replicates a much st

Owing to the increasing demand of fuel cells, Toho Tenax has developed an improved gas diffusion layer (GDL) using carbon fiber fabric that is meant to be used in fuel cells as an electrode component. The innovation is claimed to perform high-speed roll-to-roll processing. In the absence resins, unlike paper-based GDLs (carbon fiber sheets impregnated with resins), the improved GDLs show better water permeability, lower contact resistance (uniform textile surface obtained by spinning, weaving, and carbonizing), flexibility and strength. The new GDL will be available in 260µm and 320µm thicknesses; the development of 200µm ultra-thin fabrics is underway. This improvement in carbon fiber fabric can enhance performances of mobile devices, stationary power supplies and fuel cell vehicles.

Cereplast, Inc., a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, compostable and sustainable plastics, announced that it has partnered with Sezersan Ambalaj (Sezersan), a subsidiary of Asc Group in Turkey, to produce bio twist films made from Cereplast Compostables® resins. The first-of-its-kind, patented product will serve as wrap packaging for a variety of food products distributed throughout Europe. The Sezersan bio twist film will be manufactured using Cereplast Compostables® 7003 bio resin, designed to provide high strength, toughness and process ability for products. Under the terms of the multi-million dollar agreement, Cereplast will begin monthly shipments of 100 to 150 metric tons of bio resin in December 2010. The new bio twist film has substantial form memory capability (dead-fold behavior) and is heat sealable. The film is also thinner than other twistable product and may be made into opaque or semi-transparent, film-like material. The bio twist film wil

In order to reduce the emission levels and operational costs, the government-owned Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) intends to powered is bus fleet by compressed natural. Consequently, the company recently held meetings with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to determine the proper infrastructure to supply the fluid. "We are keen on shifting to CNG to bring down emission levels of our buses. It would also reduce our fuel expenditure. We had elaborate discussions with IOC, but they said they were not in a position to supply CNG now,'' reported transport official to The Times of India. IOC executives stated they are planning the construction of an LNG terminal at Ennore. "We signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation early this month to set up a Rs 3,000-crore facility,” he added. On behalf of Petroleum Conservation Research Association, V Sivakumar explained: "Delhi government was able to control pollution ther

Partial Hand Solutions has developed prosthetic fingers using thermoplastic polyurethane (PUR) from RTP Company. ‘M-Fingers’ device from Partial Hand has been used as a prototype. The inner structure of the dexterous fingers and multi-position friction thumb is designed using RTP 2300-series glass-filled rigid thermoplastic PUR, which is over-molded with RTP 1200-series thermoplastic PUR elastomer to provide each finger with dexterity. The fingers and thumb have urethane over-molds to provide better grasp and in-molded finger nails for picking up small objects. The rigid PUR material gives strength and dimensional stability to the product. The mechanical fingers are actuated by a Spectra cable that crosses the wrist and is controlled by simple wrist flexion. M-Fingers are normally built using silicone partial hand socket with the appropriate number of fingers and finger sizes to match the sound-side hand. M-Fingers are distributed by Liberating Technologies of Holliston,

LANXESS, a specialty chemicals firm, foresees increase in demand for synthetic rubber in India, a country with a long history in the production and consumption of natural rubber. Driven by the need of rapid modernization, India is currently undergoing a shift towards replacing natural with synthetic rubber in a variety of applications. As one of the world's leaders in manufacturing synthetic rubber and backed by a history of serving the Indian market for over 40 years, LANXESS is set to play an important role in this development. One of the growth drivers for high performance rubber in India is the automotive industry. Triggered by a burgeoning middle class, demand for passenger cars and two-wheelers is rising. The automotive industry is expected to grow by about 12-14% in 2010-2012. In addition, the government has an ambitious project of expanding and strengthening the highway infrastructure of India by an estimated growth rate of 8-9%. Increase in mobility woul

TOKYO, Japan -- NEC Corporation announced the development of a first-of-its-kind durable new biomass-based plastic (bioplastic) that is produced from non-edible plant resources. The bioplastic is created by bonding cellulose *1 , a main component of plant stems, with cardanol *2 , a primary component of cashew nut shells, which achieves a level of durability that is suitable for electronic equipments and boasts a high plant composition ratio of more than 70%. The new bioplastic characteristics are as follows: Composed of non-edible plant resources : As an alternative to petroleum-based components, cellulose is the plastic's major ingredient. The cellulose, which is produced in large amounts by plants, including grass stems, etc., is modified by cardanol, an oil-like material that is extracted from cashew nut shells. Most of these stems and nut shells are abundant resources, which are often discarded byproducts of the agricultural process. High plant component rat