Automotive & Transportation

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) present a promising solution for diverting waste generated by the pulp and paper industry from landfills.

Sustainability certifications like The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS can enhance brand reputation and open up new markets.

Corporate solutions are crucial in driving the development of innovative technologies and practices that address key challenges in recycling.

Microencapsulation enhances the performance of additives in a variety of plastics applications. This technology is invaluable for incorporating additives that possess explosive properties, are challenging to handle, exhibit high reactivity, or are PCMs. 

Abdul Baghirov pioneers a transformative method to integrate hair fibers into Kevlar aerogels. It offers enhanced filtration efficiency and sustainable solutions to combat environmental challenges due to human hair waste.

The University of Maine has unveiled a polymer 3D printer four times larger than the world’s biggest –– which is also on its campus. UMaine researchers foresee using it to print houses, boats, and infrastructure and to develop military vehicles.

PEEK glass fiber composite crystallization undergoes a critical transformation when subjected to conditions of high undercooling and intense shear.

The future of material research is increasingly changing toward digitization, which promises advantages but requires significant work and adaptability. While initial trends emerge, development varies between material classes due to variations in synthesis, production, analysis, and modeling techniques.

Non-planar 3D printing, also known as curved layer 3D printing or non-planar slicing, marks a significant evolution in the field of additive manufacturing.

Four-dimensional (4D) printing, an extension of 3D printing, incorporates the dimension of time into the fabrication process, enabling the creation of structures that can change shape in response to external stimuli.

Plastics have evolved beyond their ubiquitous presence in everyday products to become intelligent. The fusion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is launching the era of “smart plastics.” These materials aim to revolutionize the functionality and efficiency of plastics in healthcare, automotive, and consumer products.

New resins lacking thermal measurements may face challenges in meeting regulatory standards and entering the market. However, the use of AI can streamline the introduction of these resins by potentially halving the time needed for testing and regulatory approvals.