March 22, 2024NAFION: Production, Advantages, and Future ChallengesNAFION, a remarkable polymer crafted by the Chemours Company, earns widespread acclaim for its exceptional properties and versatile applications across various industries. Read more
March 22, 2024Fluoropolymers: Waste Management and Sustainable Disposal?While certain PFASs are notorious for their toxicity, persistence, and environmental mobility, Fluoropolymers emerge because of their durability, safety, water insolubility, and bio-inertia. These high-performance polymers are revolutionizing industries with their attributes. Read more
March 19, 2024Laser Printed Polymers: 3D Printing without SolventsResearchers at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University in Sweden have unlocked a game-changing potential in 3D printing technology. By hacking into a 3D printer, they’ve transformed it into a versatile tool akin to a laser printer, capable of printing various polymers without the need for solvents, chemicals, or stringent clean room conditions. Read more
March 16, 2024Greenland Minerals as Potential Flame RetardantsPyroSpar, a derivative of the mineral anorthosite, is emerging as a novel element in the non-halogenated flame retardant’s domain. As industries shift toward eco-friendly alternatives, its distinctive attributes propose a novel approach to augmenting fire resistance, emphasizing sustainability. Read more
March 14, 2024Energy Management Systems – Assessing PerformanceIn most plastics processing electricity is the main energy source. Electricity use is not, as is sometimes thought, fixed and uncontrollable, it is variable and controllable. For most sites, the electricity use will be directly related to the production volume in a given time period. Read more
March 11, 2024Closed-loop Laptop Project Promotes CircularityDell Technologies partners with materials firm Covestro to expand the possibilities of laptop recycling, to include designing for disassembly and increasing the amount of recoverable resin from each device. Together they are targeting a more circular solution. Read more
March 8, 2024TERRA is Tackling the Plague of E-wasteTERRA, The Electronics Reuse & Recycling Alliance, has created a network of certified electronic waste (e-waste) recyclers, and is working to recover and reclaim the valuable materials contained in those discarded products. Read more
February 29, 2024The Art of the Small: Strategies for Success in Micro MoldingMicro molding, a specialized manufacturing process, produces small and high-precision components with micron tolerances. The constant demand for miniaturization and higher complexity geometries for medical and electronic devices drives the continuous evolution of this technology. Read more
February 28, 2024Rheometer: 5 Keys for Optimal SelectionIn the extensive world of materials science and industrial processes, selecting the right rheometer for our specific applications often feels like navigating a complex puzzle. Each piece must fit precisely to unlock the full potential of material characterization, R&D, and process optimization. Read more
February 27, 2024What is Ecomodulation? Boosting Extended Producer ResponsibilityEcomodulation is a policy approach aimed at encouraging ecodesign and reducing the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle. Modulating fees or taxes based on a product’s environmental footprint incentivizes manufacturers to adopt greener practices. This concept is increasingly relevant as societies strive to tackle climate change and reduce waste. Read more
February 26, 2024Anticipating Change: The Move to Siloxane-Free PPAsSiloxanes, a group of silicon-based compounds known for their versatility and resilience, are integral to enhancing the performance of plastics. However, their potential health risks have sparked a debate in the EU on the necessity of imposing restrictions on their use. Read more
February 26, 202432nd IKV Colloquium, The Five Cutting-Edge TopicsIKV has consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and driven progress in the dynamic field of plastics. Read more