Polyolefins

As scientists, we must look for the truth, but sometimes this truth can be interpreted differently depending on how our investigation scope was developed. I think this is the case of the recent study that found hundreds of thousands of nanoplastics in bottled water.

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.

Honda has revamped one of its decades-old folding scooter concepts, but completely updated it to be electric, zero-emission, compact, easy to carry, and fun to ride. Introducing the Hondo Motocompacto, which won a “Best of Innovation” honor at CES 2024.

In a groundbreaking endeavor, mechanically recyclable thermoplastic materials were harnessed to craft lightweight and highly efficient aerogel filter media for air filtration. Leveraging the fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing technique, this project focuses on creating an all-polyolefin composite filter media.

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.

Jedsy AG, a Swiss startup, has developed a lightweight, autonomous drone designed specifically to speed delivery of laboratory samples and medical supplies to where they are needed.

Experts recognize reusability models in packaging as a solution to minimize waste. McKinsey & Company’s use-case scenarios indicate that there are still challenges to resolve before realizing and scaling up the benefits.

B.I.G. Yarns has successfully completed initial industrial production runs of virgin polyester BCF yarns, strategically expanding its support for high-end automotive interiors. This addition complements the existing line of polyamide PA6 superior yarns and aims to meet the increasing demand for sustainable materials in the automotive industry.

The robustness of materials under cyclic loading is a critical factor often overshadowed by their tensile strength. Plastics, by nature, exhibit lower fatigue strength than their measured tensile strength, emphasizing the need for meticulous fatigue testing in material selection processes.

3D printing specialist Formlabs on Jan. 9 launched two materials and a new accessory for some of its printers that it says will enable increased production with less hassle, lower resin costs, and reduced waste. The products include a resin pumping system, a polypropylene powder and a new dental resin.

In the face of escalating concerns over food loss, waste, and the imperative need for robust antimicrobial technologies exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, a groundbreaking study introduces polymer-based antibacterial films. This innovative approach seeks to merge antibacterial efficacy with durability, offering a multifaceted solution to contemporary challenges.

The additive aids biodegradability by changing the polymer structure, converting it into a wax-like material after being exposed to light, water, moisture, and microbes.