polymerguru

Fish farming plays a key role in providing a sustainable source of protein to the earth's ever-growing population. Increasing international demand for all types of sea food is driving the aquaculture industry to develop more economic and extensive operations. (Aquaculture encompasses not only fish farming but also farming for shrimps, oyster, seaweed and other species.) This places huge demands on equipment, manpower and materials as well as the environment. Greek aquaculture company Andromeda aims to become the leader in its field in the Mediterranean. It is using nets and cages with Dyneema® ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene ( UHMWPE ) fiber to sustain healthy growth and above-average profitability. Greece is a key country in aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Andromeda is one of the country's top five aquaculture companies. Andromeda started using netting made from Dyneema® more than five years ago (2005). Today it has over 80 nets with Dyneema® installe

Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc., has announced that it has been awarded a Phase I SBIR grant, in the amount of $149,426, from the US Department of Energy to develop ultra lightweight hydrogen fuel tanks using carbon nanotube reinforcement. This grant was awarded for a 9-month program with an overall objective to significantly improve the mechanical properties of the carbon fiber/epoxy material used to construct the hydrogen fuel tanks using carbon nanotube reinforcement. The primary goal is to reduce the weight of the tanks by 20 to 30 percent. A weight reduction of this magnitude will not only significantly lower the hydrogen fuel tank costs but also increase the vehicle's fuel efficiency. The International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles reported that sales of composite pressure vessels are expected to reach $250 million by 2013, and upwards of $560 million by the end of the decade; the adoption of nanotechnology enhanced resins in high pressure hydrogen storage

SABIC Innovative Plastics has announced that its versatile, high-performance Ultem* polyetherimide ( PEI ) fiber has found an important new application in high-end work wear and protective clothing. Japan Wool Textile Company, a division of NIKKE Group, is now blending Ultem fiber with wool and other materials to produce yarn, fabrics and garments that offer a unique combination of comfort and protection, including permanent, non-halogenated flame retardance (FR) and excellent ultraviolet (UV) resistance. Unlike traditional aramid materials, Ultem fiber can be easily and cost-effectively colored in a wide range of shades using conventional polyester dyeing processes, enabling Japan Wool Textile Company to enhance the aesthetic appeal of its new line. SABIC Innovative Plastics continues to penetrate and grow new market segments and expand the range of applications for its globally proven Ultem resin technology to give customers innovative new options for product differentia

NJIT Research Professor Mike Jaffe's recent book chapter about sugar-based chemicals is topping the American Chemical Society (ACS) book series' must-read list. "Sugar-Based Chemicals for Environmentally Sustainable Applications" appeared in the most recent ACS Symposium Series and is racking up kudos. Co-authors were Xianhong Feng, a Doctoral Student and Research Professors A. J. East and W. Hammond, all at NJIT. The popularity stems from the topic, an overview of isosorbide and its potential role creating polymers and small molecules. The chapter features new and better ways to replace the dreaded bisphenol A (BPA) in manufacturing processes. In 2009, Jaffe's team was awarded a patent for a chemical derived from sugar. The new material uses a corn byproduct, isosorbide, to create a derivative that can be used to replace bisphenol A (BPA) in epoxy resins. Such resins are used in a number of adhesives and coatings of consumer products, including tho

Converters operating in the healthcare market can utilize Bormed™ HE9601-PH high-density polyethylene ( HDPE ) for high-speed injection-molding applications, such as syringe plungers, caps and closures. This high melt flow rate (MFR=31 which is 2.5-times better than other available options) polymer from Borealis and Borouge gives packaging productivity improvements in medical, pharmaceutical and diagnostic streams. High flow of HDPE also allows carrying the injection molding process, even for complex designs, easily at relatively lower pressure and temperature, thus giving cost and energy saving advantage to the OEMs. Bormed HE9601-PH is characterized by high stiffness, chemical resistance, barrier performance and impermeability to water vapor, thus making it ideal for use in highly demanding medical and healthcare applications. Bormed HE9601-PH conforms to European and US Pharmacopeia and is registered with Drug Master File.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh said the market outlook for single-aisle jetliners is strong and growing. "Customers are demanding our Next-Generation 737 at an unprecedented rate," Albaugh said. "New performance improvements and enhanced passenger comfort features have driven home the value equation for our customers." Albaugh emphasized the popularity of Boeing's new passenger comfort features, noting that since its introduction in May 2010, the new Boeing Sky Interior is specified on more than 80 percent of new 737 orders. 737 Program Vice President and General Manager Beverly Wyse said the goal with this rate increase is to continue meeting customer demand with an innovative airplane that provides strong performance and value. "We have worked very closely with our supply chain and our world-class manufacturing team to ensure we can increase rate in an efficient and responsible fashion," Wyse said. "W

This windshield is quite something. Extending from the hood to the B-pillar, it measures a remarkable 1.5 meters which amounts to more than a third of the vehicle's total length. To give such a large surface sufficient strength, Opel's engineers had to pull out all the development stops a total of eleven patents are now pending. The outcome is nothing less than remarkable. According to the manufacturer, the Panorama GTC is just as strong as the three-door vehicle with a steel roof. One reason for so much light and space is light-stable COLO-FAST® systems from BASF Polyurethanes. Panorama windscreens of this size are simple to realize with WST technology: Driving gains a fascinating new dimension with light-stable COLO-FAST systems from BASF Polyurethanes. For decades in applications around the world, they have proven effective as a glass encapsulation material and are in use with almost all leading manufacturers of glass panes and modules. With COLO-FAST WST (Win