polymerguru

TUBALL graphene nanotubes, also known as single wall carbon nanotubes, are extremely thin single-layer rolled-up sheets of graphene more than 5 µm in length and with a diameter of 1.6 nm. They have a number of exceptional characteristics, such as superior electrical conductivity and strength, high temperature resistance and flexibility, and they translate these properties by enhancing the characteristics of polymers at very low working dosages. With its unique facility for industrial-scale production of low-cost graphene nanotubes, OCSiAl has transformed these nanotubes from being an interesting laboratory material into a highly competitive industrial technology. Together with its partners, the company has achieved a number of exciting results in applying graphene nanotubes in key thermoplastic compounds, such as polyethylene, ABS plastics, PVC plastisols, polyamide and polycarbonate. Among the products containing TUBALL nanotubes that have already been successfully

After a decade of dragging its feet, the South Korean government has come up with a set of measures to nurture an ecosystem for hydrogen vehicles, seeking a transition from fossil fuels to zero emission energy.For more than a decade, the state drive for a hydrogen economy has been sidelined, due to policy inconsistencies through different administrations and a global preference for batteries over fuel cells. Amid problems of energy intermittency being addressed over renewables, however, interest in the potential role of hydrogen in South Korea’s de-carbonization has grown.  In June, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy announced a 2.6 trillion won plan to supply 16,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles and build 310 hydrogen refilling stations across the country. Under the five-year plan, businesses are expected to get state support for the development of fuel cell stacks and fuel cell storage containers, as well as tax breaks for hydrogen vehicle drivers.  The ann

MIT researchers have designed a polymer material that can change its structure in response to light, converting from a rigid substance to a softer one that can heal itself when damaged. Ability to Heal After Being Damaged: The material consists of polymers attached to a light-sensitive molecule that can be used to alter the bonds formed within the material. Such materials could be used to coat objects such as cars or satellites, giving them the ability to heal after being damaged, though such applications are still far in the future, Johnson says. “You can switch the material states back and forth, and in each of those states, the material acts as though it were a completely different material, even though it’s made of all the same components,”  says Jeremiah Johnson, an associate professor of chemistry at MIT, a member of MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and the Program in Polymers and Soft Matter, and the leader of the research team. The lead author of the

The demand of the automotive industry for highly effective sensors for the expansion of electric mobility and autonomous driving is increasing. So BASF has further developed its range of hydrolysis-resistant thermoplastic polyesters. Expanded Range of Ultradur® HR The expanded range of Ultradur® HR (HR= hydrolysis resistant) comprises Ultradur® B4330 G6 HR High Speed, a particularly flowable and laser markable grade with 30% glass-fiber reinforcement, Ultradur® B4330 G10 HR, a highly reinforced grade with 50% glass fibers as well as Ultradur® B4331 G6 HR, the next generation with optimized processing characteristics. Ultradur® B4331 G6 HR is available from now on as uncolored grade, in a black laser markable version, and in orange for components in electric cars. Highly Resistant PBT Materials With its Ultradur® HR grades, BASF offers highly resistant PBT materials (PBT= polybutylene terephthalate) which are especially suitable for use in challenging env

INEOS Styrolution has announced that two of its Luran styrene acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN) grades, Luran SAN C 552495 and Luran SAN C NR, are in compliance with GB 4806.6-2016 (Chinese National Food Safety Standard on Food-Contact Use of Plastic Resins), the additives used are cleared under GB 9685-2016 (Chinese National Food Safety Standard on Use of Additives in Food Contact Materials and Articles). These grades are also compliant with USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union (EU) food contact regulations. SAN Plastic Compliant with Food Contact Regulations Key Points Material of Choice for Processing, Design & Safety The Luran product line from INEOS Styrolution provides outstanding surface quality, excellent transparency and food contact compliance, enabling the creation of products that are aesthetically pleasant, durable and safe for daily household use.  Luran SAN C 552495 and Luran SAN C NR exhibit well-balanced property

Avantium had announced that it will officially open a pilot biorefinery in Delfzijl, Netherlands next month. Opening ceremonies took place in Amsterdam on 10 July and in Delfzijl will take place on 13 July. Avantium’s Novel Technologies: Avantium develops novel technologies that uses renewable carbon sources instead of fossil resources, such as DAWN Technology. It aims to make the most efficient use of biomass and eliminating waste streams. All biomass constituents are separated into a range of products and the goal is to get the greatest possible value out of these products. This is called cascading.  DAWN Technology is an innovative process that converts plant-based non-food feedstock to high purity industrial sugars and lignin. The industrial sugars are used in chemistry and fermentation processes to produce a broad range of durable materials, while lignin is used in energy generation.  Dawn Technology’s Products: The DAWN Technology biorefinery produces thr

This UN-RIVALED course attended by 500+ participants is designed to help those involved in the following functions: • Technical Service / Trouble Shooting in Polymer Industry • R&D & Processing-Polymers • Analytical Services Below we present some examples: • EXAMPLE #1of 50+: During occasional longer breaks, the extruder froze resulting in lengthy tear-downs & cleaning, thus adversely affecting the productivity. "Melt-Polycondensation" was established as the root-cause. Rather than changing the “near Impossible” manufacturing process for the problem-polymer, a change in lubricant system with an unexpected catalytic effect, solved the problem. The Case-History leading to $10M+ in preserved business will be discussed including technical fundamentals & product development. • EXAMPLE #2 of 50+: Fine particle CALCIUM CARBONATE is a popular filler for polyolefins and PVC and it has to be coated with stearic acid (SA). More than a monolayer coating can lead to extr