Thermoplastics

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.

The emergence of hydrogel and aerogel-based flame-retardant polymeric materials marks new and innovative options in fire safety and protection. Henri Vahabi and his team’s review article for the SPE Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology thoroughly explores this cutting-edge concept, revealing its makeup, capabilities, and potential future developments of these innovative materials.

Perstorp Group today introduced a more sustainable, phthalate-free grade of PVC plasticizer called Pevalen Pro 100 that features 100 percent renewable carbon content based on mass balance.

EssilorLuxottica has developed a pair of glasses that seamlessly incorporates open-ear hearing technology designed to aid consumers with mild to moderate hearing loss. The firm partnered on the project with its latest acquisition, Israeli startup Nuance Audio.

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.

Dutch startup Squad Mobility BV displayed at CES 2024 what it calls “the world’s first solar buggy” –– a compact, affordable, plastic-bodied solar car that charges itself through an integrated solar panel on the roof.

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 first two articles in this series dwelt with the history of product design and the creative process that culminated in hypothetical new injection molded product sketches. The next challenge is to reduce the concept sketches to detailed piece-part drawings or CAD data bases. However, before starting that time consuming process it is highly desirable to determine whether or not the parts of the new product are moldable and what the molds and molded parts will cost.

PVC stands tall among commercial plastics, but its thermal instability at processing temperatures poses challenges. To fortify PVC products against high temperatures, conventional heat stabilizers are often employed, yet they come with toxic baggage harmful to both humans and the environment.

Polymeric materials are the backbone of various industries, ranging from packaging and electronics to automotive and aerospace. The melt flow behavior of thermoplastic polymers, crucial for processes like extrusion, injection molding, and more, is significantly influenced by their molecular architecture. Plastics engineers aiming to tailor polymeric materials to specific physical properties and ensure top-notch manufacturing processes need to master the art of rheology.

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…

Companies that produce Fluoropolymers may try to switch to PFAS-free solutions or ask for an exemption, which could be temporary.