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Airbus Military has completed an important set of trials of the A400M new generation airlifter, demonstrating the aircraft’s excellent performance on gravel runways. In tests lasting more than a week at Ablitas in northern Spain, development aircraft MSN2 performed 25 landings during six flights on the same runway. The trials confirmed that despite the harsh conditions, damage to the aircraft exterior from stones and dust was minimal and within expectations, and the runway remained usable after repeated operations. Demonstrations included ground manoeuvring, rejected take-offs, and use of propeller reverse thrust at speeds as low as 70kt (130 km/h) – none of which caused engine or cockpit contamination. Tests were successfully performed with and without the optional nosewheel deflector which can be fitted to protect the aircraft during such operations, underlying the A400M’s ability to operate to and from rough strips close to the scene of military or humanitarian action in addition t

The bioplastic PHAs developed by bio-on can be used to regenerate human tissue, notably to create support structures (scaffolds) for cultured bone cells; structures through which it is possible to regenerate a human bone. This is possible because this material, 100% biodegradable in water, is also extremely bio-compatible, as shown by a study by a team of Italian researchers. The first results of this study are being published in major international specialized scientific journals. "It has been amply demonstrated in writings on the subject that polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are materials well suited to be used in tissue regeneration from cell cultures" "It has been amply demonstrated in writings on the subject that polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are materials well suited to be used in tissue regeneration from cell cultures," explains Paola Fabbri, a researcher at the Enzo Ferrari Department of Engineering at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. "In

Arsenal Capital Partners, among the leading New York-based private equity firms that invests in middle-market specialty industrial and healthcare companies, recently announced the acquisition of International Fiber Corporation ("IFC"), one of the leading suppliers of cellulose-based insoluble fiber products for food and industrial applications globally. Prior to close of this acquisition, IFC was a portfolio company of Swander Pace Capital. Founded in 1917, and headquartered in North Tonawanda, NY, IFC is one of the industry leaders in insoluble fiber products, providing exceptional service and customized product solutions. IFC's fiber is used in food applications for a variety of functions including improving taste and texture, enhancing yield and processability, and numerous health benefits. In industrial applications, IFC's fiber is used to thicken paints, strengthen rubber used in industrial hoses and belts, for filtration as well as to control viscosity in

Europe's current position in producing bio-based polymers is limited to a few polymers. However, new developments and investments are foreseen: the first European industrial-scale PLA plant by 2014, the introduction of future  PET  production facilities by 2015, recent developments in the commercialization of bio-based  PBT  and further advancements in the field of high-value fine chemicals for  PA , PUR and thermosets production. Although Europe shows a strong demand for bio-based polymers, production tends to take place elsewhere, namely in Asia and America. The European Union's relatively weak position in the production of bio-based polymers is largely the consequence of an unfavorable political framework for the industrial material use of biomass. The European market data presents the latest findings of production capacities of bio-based polymers in Europe based on the market study published by the nova-Institute in spring this year and its continuously updated data

Cereplast, Inc.,among the leading manufacturers of proprietary biobased, compostable and sustainable  bioplastics, recently announced that MammaCangura by Bellelli, one among the world leaders in the design and manufacture of child bicycle carriers and trailers, is launching a line of child bicycle carriers made from Cereplast Biopropylene® 101 this fall. MammaCangura is manufacturing two child bicycle carriers made from Cereplast Biopropylene 101: FRECCIA ECO, a front-mounted child bicycle carrier, and MR FOX ECO, a rear-mounted child bicycle carrier. Initially, both carriers will be available for retail sale and purchase by MammaCangura North America at brick and mortar retailers in Canada. FRECCIA ECO Made from a non-toxic bioplastic frame, FRECCIA ECO is lightweight, solid and washable, featuring big-feet-shaped footrests, a secure handlebar for the child to play with, wide ventilation slots on the back and shoulders, a soft, removable and washable seat pad, a three-point l

Casing thickness and weight considerably reduced with a total design freedom to achieve sleek and stylish forms Light enough to be taken anywhere, razor-thin and stylish, powerful and long-lasting: this is what defines a new generation of laptops – the “ultra- notebooks”. They address the needs of today’s technology-savvy people on the move. To help producers meet these demands even better, Bayer MaterialScience is launching a new material solution for the housings: reinforced polycarbonates that offer lightness, durability, and total design freedom, and allow fast and efficient mass production. “We are committed to providing solutions to the next trend of mobile computing,” says Steffan Huber, responsible for industrial marketing of information technology and appliances at Bayer MaterialScience’s Polycarbonates business unit. “These requirements call for a more sophisticated hardware made from higher performance materials.” The company’s solution based on reinforced polycarbonates

Newlight Technologies inventor and manufacturer of AirCarbon™, announced that AirCarbon has been awarded a R&D 100 Award. The prestigious and influential R&D 100 Awards—also known as the "Oscars of Innovation"—are selected by a panel of independent industry experts and R&D Magazine editors, and recognize the most technologically significant innovations of the year.  Now in its 51st year, past R&D 100 Award winners include the fax machine (1975), liquid crystal display technology (1980), the Nicoderm anti-smoking patch (1992), the Taxol anticancer drug (1993), and HDTV (1998). A full list of the 2013 award recipients will be showcased in the September-October issue of R&D Magazine, and the award will be presented to Newlight at the R&D 100 Awards banquet on November 9 in Orlando. Founded in 2003, Newlight Technologies has invented, patented, and commercialized AirCarbon™, a paradigm-shifting material made by pulling carbon, such as methane and carbon d