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Imagine a future where organs or tissues can be 3D printed directly inside the human body. This once far-fetched idea is now on the horizon, thanks to a pioneering 3D printing process developed by researchers at Duke University and Harvard Medical School.

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.

The marriage of nano- and microscale 3D printing has ushered in a new era of design freedom and efficiency, propelling groundbreaking innovations in micro-optics and micromechanics. These advancements not only drive new developments but also set the stage for technological progress, leading to the increased commercialization of 3D printing techniques tailored for micro- and nano-objects. At the forefront of this transformative wave is the crucial process of two-photon polymerization (2PP).

The intricate mechanical properties of three-dimensional (3D) braided composites hold both mystery and promise. Particularly, understanding the nuanced multi-scale damage mechanisms in 3D four-directional (3D4d) braided composite shafts has been a challenge—until now.

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…

A groundbreaking flame retardant has emerged to redefine the performance of epoxy composites. Meet tris[4-(2,5-dioxopyrrol-1-yl)phenyl] phosphite (TDPPI), a phosphorus-based maleimide boasting unparalleled attributes such as moderate transparency, enhanced thermal stability, and improved mechanical strength.

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.

SPE recently announced newly elected Board of Directors members as well as a newly appointed president. Conor Carlin will assume the position of SPE President starting on January 1st, 2024. The president’s term will run from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024. Scott Eastman, Senior Manager R&D – DeWal, Rogers Corporation, will serve as SPE’s President-Elect from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024, when he will start his term as SPE president starting on January 1, 2025.

In the realm of plastics engineering, additive manufacturing stands as a game-changer, slashing lead times and enabling the creation of intricate, custom parts through techniques like fused filament fabrication (FFF). While hailed for its prowess, challenges persist in achieving consistent isotropic bulk properties and ensuring reliability in the printed components.

Every site needs a policy statement to set the scene for the site actions and to make the commitment formal. The Sustainability Management Policy should be one of the fundamental site policies alongside policies such as health and safety, quality, environmental, energy, other operational policies, e.g., anti-slavery. 

If the plastics industry wants to continue to be a part of that stream of commerce it is important for all engineers to know how to design high quality plastic parts and product that can be efficiently produced.