polymerguru

  Sukano h as developed Antiviral Masterbatches for PET and PA fibers that have a strong antiviral effect on the plastic parts, while also potentially helping to reduce waste and improve the sustainability credentials of the final articles produced. Antiviral Effect Maintained Even After Washing Sukano’s Antiviral Masterbatches work by directly integrating an antiviral additive into the polymer, using proprietary technologies. The power of this technology is that the antiviral effect not only remains stable during the usage of the product, but that it is maintained after washing. This is because the additive is consistently present on the surface of the product, without being released into the environment. Sukano conducted tests at an external laboratory specialized in microbiological testing and in accordance with ISO 18184:2019 (fabrics) and ISO 21702:2019 (plastics inject molded parts and films) to independently confirm the effectiveness of its antiviral effect on the plastic parts.

  VTT and its partners will explore in their two-year MoPo project how recycling of   polystyrene   could be substantially increased by reshaping its collection and handling. The goal is to convert waste into pure polystyrene or styrene monomers used in other plastics and chemicals. Technically and Economically Feasible Solution In the new MoPo project the target is to offer a technically and economically feasible solution to the recycling of polystyrene waste in Europe. VTT will explore the state of polystyrene production, consumption and recycling in Finland and in selected European countries. A logistics model for collecting polystyrene waste and methods for its mechanical and chemical recycling will be developed. Polystyrene is typically used in its hard form and as a foam known as  Expandable Polystyrene (EPS)  when insulating or damping properties are needed. Both types can be mechanically recycled, which means they can be molded into new polystyrene products by melting the mater

  Scientists from South Ural State University in collaboration with colleagues from Belarus, India and China have created a composite material for nanoelectronics. The material can be used as a dielectric (insulating substance) in polymer capacitors. These devices store energy and may be used in the electronics of the future: They last longer, weigh less, have high strength and charge speed. Unique Material for Nanoelectronics The material created by scientists can improve the capacitors properties. Senior Researcher at the Nanotechnology Research and Education Center Aleksey Trukhanov says, “ the composite was created on the basis of encapsulated nanostructures consisting of dielectric nanosized magnesium oxide (MgO) with a ferroelectric nanosized shell of barium titanate (BaTiO3). The addition of just three weight percent of these components in the polymer matrix increases the discharge current density by 187% thus demonstrating outstanding energy storage performance .” Such research

  A viscous biopaste that is easy to process, solidifies quickly and is suitable for producing even complex structures using the   3D printing process   has been developed by a research team headed by Prof. Dr. Marie-Pierre Laborie from the Chair of Forest Biomaterials at the University of Freiburg. The wood-based   biodegradable synthetic   could potentially be used in lightweight construction, amongst other things. Alternative Way to Use Lignin Lignin strengthens the cell walls of plants and causes them to turn woody (lignify) – a mechanism that helps plants to protect themselves against wind or pests. It is a waste product from paper manufacture and largely incinerated to produce bioenergy. “ This is why we’re researching into alternative possibilities for making better use of this raw material in future ,” says Laborie. As a result, the team started to reexamine a combination of materials which was already investigated in the 1980s by an American research team. In this system, liqu

  Boom Supersonic   (Denver, Colo., U.S.) an aerospace company building the world's fastest civil aircraft, and leading industrial technology company,   Rolls-Royce  (London, U.K.), announced on July 30 an engagement agreement to explore the pairing of a Rolls-Royce propulsion system with Boom's composite-intensive flagship supersonic passenger aircraft,   Overture . Boom’s XB-1, the world’s first independently-developed supersonic jet, makes extensive use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites, as detailed in its blogs, “ The big 3 components of supersonic aircraft ” and “ Going the distance: Materials made for supersonic ”. Boom says the goal of the new agreement is to work together to identify the propulsion system that would complement Boom's  Overture  airframe and will involve teams from both companies collaborating in engine-airframe matching activities for the aircraft. The teams will also examine certain key aspects of the propulsion system including

Hexagon has been granted USD 2.6 million (approx. NOK 24 million) in initial funding by the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) to research how carbon fiber and composite structure can be optimized to reduce hydrogen and natural gas storage tank costs. Hexagon’s research project was chosen following a competitive selection process and the DOE has announced funding opportunities for a total of 18 projects that support  H2@Scale ’s vision for affordable hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and use. H2@Scale  is a DOE initiative that supports innovations to produce, store and utilize hydrogen across multiple sectors.  Rick Rashilla, SVP Research & Development in Hexagon, says We are excited to be selected for funding by the DOE. The funding will enable our team to deep dive into the details of how we can reduce tank costs without compromising on safety. This is an important step towards a large-scale acceptance of zero and low emissions vehicles. We look forward to working with our

China releases its draft national standard for Type 4 Hydrogen Composite Cylinders, 35 MPa and 70 MPa. "Fully-wrapped carbon fiber cylinder with a plastic liner for the on-board storage of compressed hydrogen as a fuel for land vehicles." China's hydrogen fuel cell industry is moving forward full speed ahead. This standard is based on ISO 19881-2018 with some key improvements for safety. The ISO standards for on-board fuel containers, CNG and hydrogen, are largely self-certified by the cylinder manufacturer with minimal involvement of independent inspection agencies. The ISO standards in general do not address periodic retesting and reinspection. The China standard, on the other hand, adds controls for safety. Most of the factory processes must be automated to prevent human workers from making changes. Regular inspections and periodic requalification are addressed. And Inspection Agencies are involved at the time of qualification testing and for production and shipping of