Sports & Recreation

Companies worldwide are gathering efforts to develop flame retardant systems based on renewable sources providing an eco-friendly alternative to halogenated flame retardants. Additives with flame-retardant properties, such as phosphorus-based compounds, can chemically modify carbon sources like cellulose, chitosan, and lignin. This results in the successful design of intumescent flame retardants for use in many applications.

A young couple in Italy has married advanced polymer technology with an ancient Japanese art form to develop a new type of highly portable solar panel. Inspired by origami, startup firm Levante Srl is using recycled carbon fiber to create a lightweight folding panel.

Traditional fiberglass casts, though an improvement over plaster ones, have their drawbacks. They aren’t waterproof, leading to water absorption and unpleasant odors. Moreover, wearers still need to protect the cotton padding beneath from getting wet. Recognizing these issues, the Cast21 team set out to create a patient-friendly solution.

Aquapak Polymers Ltd, a trailblazer in polymer-based material technologies, recently conducted a comprehensive study involving board directors and senior executives from prominent fashion brands in the UK, US, and Australia. This research provides valuable insights into the industry’s commitment to circular economy initiatives and sustainability leadership.

PUMA launches RE: FIBRE program which aims to include materials from a fiber-to-fiber recycling process instead of using recycled PET from other applications. The RE: FIBRE process utilizes textile waste as its main material source.

Stratasys partners with the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) to introduce a High-Standard FDM Process Certification. The global 3D printing market in terms of revenue was estimated at USD 15 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 34.5 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 18.1%. This makes it an appealing market for young professionals, although certifications may be necessary.

Hitachi High-Tech developed an AI tool that enabled them to reduce their research on biodegradable additives from 120 days to two days. Researchers have used AI in the development of new materials and additives for the production of plastics. Some companies are looking for alternatives to suit their customers’ needs.

In an era dominated by Industry 4.0, where optimization and sustainability are paramount, companies are turning to cutting-edge technologies to enhance their product offerings. Among these technologies, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative force, addressing the needs of rapid prototyping and end-use part production.

AI has become an important tool for the development of new materials, enabling R&D scientists to develop new materials with improved properties and functionalities. Data analysis and prediction A significant form of AI’s contribution is data analysis. By sorting through…

Today’s flame-retardant technologies rely strongly on PFAS, but regulations around the globe are pushing the industry to find alternatives that aim to balance fire safety with environmental and health considerations.

The plastics industry mainly uses PFAS as polymerization aids and this would be the main cause of PFAS emissions related to the life cycle of fluoropolymers.

The use of “forever chemicals” in the European Union would be largely banned under a proposal issued by the European Chemicals Agency. At the same time, more US states continue to ban PFAS-containing products without a clear roadmap for the plastic industry.