polymerguru

Purac will be presenting biobased solutions for high performance Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) at Fakuma 2012, 16-20 October in Friedrichshafen, Germany [#booth 4207 in Hall B4]. Fakuma 2012 is one of the most important exhibitions for the plastics processing industry worldwide, and will provide the forum for Purac to present its PURALACT® Lactide innovations. These innovations open up new possibilities for producers seeking biobased alternatives to current fossil fuel based engineering plastics. PLA now offers the possibility to replace  PS ,  PP  and  ABS  in those applications where heat resistance is a key requirement. Purac's technology can increase the heat stability of PLA to the range of 80 - 180 degrees Celsius. Purac's solutions for high performance PLA for the injection molding and thermoforming industries unlock bioplastic potential for high temperature applications, such as microwavable food packaging and hot beverage cups, and also for durable applications in a

Amidst current automotive industry concerns about nylon 12 supplies, two new injection molding compounds based on  nylon 6  /12 provide comparable performance in the fuel-line components that comprise the major application for nylon 12, it was announced recently by the Nylon Division of Teknor Apex Company. New Chemlon® 813 CI and 830 GHI fiber-reinforced compounds based on  nylon 6  /12 polymer provide the excellent chemical resistance and low moisture absorption required in fuel line components, according to Jeff Schmidt, Automotive Market Manager. He noted that the compounds are already in commercial use for one such application. The 13% loading of carbon fiber in the Chemlon 813 CI product provides antistatic conductivity often called for in fuel line components. Chemlon 830 GHI compound has a 30% loading of  glass fiber  for enhanced strength and rigidity in applications such as connectors. [Physical properties are outlined in the accompanying table.] While some nyl

' Bioplastics ' that are naturally synthesized by microbes could be made commercially viable by using waste cooking oil as a starting material. This would reduce environmental contamination and also give high-quality plastics suitable for medical implants, according to scientists presenting their work at the Society for General Microbiology's Autumn Conference at the University of Warwick. The Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family of polyesters is synthesized by a wide variety of bacteria as an energy source when their carbon supply is plentiful. Poly 3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is the most commonly produced polymer in the PHA family. Currently, growing bacteria in large fermenters to produce high quantities of this bioplastic is expensive because glucose is used as a starting material. Work by a research team at the University of Wolverhampton suggests that using waste cooking oil as a starting material reduces production costs of the plastic. "Our bioplastic-produci

It's the stuff of dreams that became a reality in a University of Southern Mississippi laboratory. Inspired by his own dream of a technology now considered revolutionary in the world of plastics research, polymer science professor Marek Urban developed a unique type of plastic material that turns red or "bleeds" when damaged. When the damage occurs, or when stressors mount that portend damage to the material, the molecule links that span along chains of chemicals within the material split and release a color simulating bleeding. After exposure to sunlight or change in temperature, the material begins repairing itself in much the same way human skin does. "I dreamed of developing this after thinking about how human skin repairs itself when damaged, and how blood coming from the injury works as a sign of that damage," Urban said. "Sometimes, damage to material may not be visible to the human eye, but with the release of the colors that mimic bleedi

Arkema Inc. announces that Underwriters Laboratory (UL) has granted a final Relative Thermal Index (RTI) rating of 150°C mechanical and 140°C dielectric for its black Kynar® film, used in the construction of photovoltaic backsheet. This RTI rating is among the highest that has been granted by UL. The new, black version of Kynar® film will enable solar panel module makers to source black Kynar®-based backsheets to produce modules which can be more visually appealing and consistent in color to the dark silicon cells. The backsheet provides insulation and protection from electric shock. The Kynar® film typically is the outer layer of the backsheet laminate structure, where  PET  film is used as the primary dielectric layer. However,  PET  weathering performance and hydrolysis resistance is poor. "The primary function of the Kynar® film is to protect the PET such that the backsheet does not degrade over the life of the module," said Ron Partridge, senior business developm

Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (EPP) is riding on a wave of medal-worthy achievements, as it celebrates its part in the success of the 2012 Summer Olympics and in the forthcoming 2014 Royal Commonwealth Games in Scotland. Chosen to design, manufacture and supply the deck pool grating & channel rail system for the three major pools and circular plunge pool at the London 2012 Olympic Park Aquatics Centre, Quadrant has also been awarded the contract for the development and manufacture of the innovative new pool deck grating used at The Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh. The venue will host the diving events for the Glasgow 2014 Royal Commonwealth Games. The grating provides the cover for the front end of the filtration system and substantially increases the return rate of water in all three major competition swimming pools. Unlike the new build completed for the 2012 Summer Olympics, the Royal Commonwealth pools have been refurbished, presenting a differen

Aerospace, automotive, and electronics engineers have been tasked with finding material solutions that can reduce weight, improve functionality, and help consolidate or miniaturize parts in some of the most demanding environments. VICTREX® 90-Series high flow  PEEK  polymers were developed specifically for thin-walled, intricate component applications and offer higher mechanical properties with improvements in modulus, toughness, and coefficient of thermal expansion. Available in unfilled, carbon and glass-filled grades, these specialty polymers help facilitate the replacement of metals, thermosets, and ceramics due to their ability to reduce weight up to 80% and improve reliability due to their inherent thermal and mechanical properties. When Mold Craft, a mold designer that specializes in small, intricate components, was challenged with molding a funnel tip with a 0.038cm (0.015in) wall by 0.945cm (0.372in) long followed by a 0.020cm (0.008in) wall by 0.254cm (0.100in) long, the