April 9, 2024Advancements in 3D Printed Hybrid Composite StructuresThe need to lower the steep costs of traditional manufacturing, involving expensive tooling and molds, makes advancing composite manufacturing a key research focus. Read more
April 5, 2024Boosting Exoskeleton Performance and ComfortThese wearable robotic devices offer enhanced strength, mobility, and support, empowering users with newfound capabilities. However, the advancement of exoskeletons hinges not only on technological innovation but also on the materials that form their foundation. From lightweight alloys to flexible composites, materials play a central role in shaping the functionality, comfort, and durability of these devices. Read more
April 3, 2024Is It Safe To Incinerate Fluoropolymers?The pilot-scale fluoropolymer incineration study conducted by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) represents a significant stride in understanding the environmental impact of fluoropolymer disposal. Read more
March 30, 2024Synergists: Boosting Flame Retardant EffectivenessIn the quest for safer and more eco-friendly fire safety solutions, synergists emerge as a solution to enhance non-halogenated FR effectiveness. Read more
March 28, 2024Recap: Highlights from The National Week of Flame Retardants 2024The National Week of Flame Retardants 2024, hosted by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), marked the ongoing advancement of fire safety technologies and materials engineering. Gathering industry experts, researchers, and practitioners, the event showcased the latest innovations, research findings, and trends in flame retardants. Read more
March 23, 2024IKV Boosts the Plastics BranchThe IKV Colloquium demonstrated the plastics industry’s resilience in addressing current challenges. On February 28th-29th, 2024, RWTH Aachen University’s IKV organized an event fostering industry-academia exchanges. 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 18, 2024Mastering Clamping Force CalculationClamping force calculation is essential for injection molding projects to avoid expensive corrections later. Read more
March 15, 2024Next-Gen Smart Skin: Force, Humidity, and Temperature Sensing PropertiesEU-supported SmartCore project creates nanorods with a core-shell structure comprised of a multi-stimuli-responsive smart polymer and a piezoelectric ZnO shell. An array of these stimuli-responsive nanorods on a surface constitutes smart skin. These combine force, humidity, and temperature sensing (F-H-T) with high spatial resolution. 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