ANALYSIS: - Printed electronics gets more ambitious.
MATERIALS: - POM with a 100% improved weld-line strength; - Masterbatches for laser marking; - PU is flame-retardant without need for halogens; - Chemical-resistant acrylic; - Rugged PA certified for hot water use; - Lubricants to aid PVC extrusion; - PU sandwich for load beds; - Gamma radiation-stabilized polyarylamide; - Low temperature PA 66 with good flexural strength.
APPLICATIONS: - ABS for decorative chrome plating; - TPE clamp that won’t come unstuck; - Robust and lightweight fire helmet; - FRP intercooler caps; - PU coatings for catheters reduce friction related pain; - Packaging machine has robust PU skin; - Large diameter PE pipes to reach from Asia to Europe.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: - Sugar beet filler could cut cost of bioplastics; - Starch blend thermoplastics; - Flame retardant gets okay from Europe; - Playtex gives away bisphenol A-free baby bottles.
PROCESSING: - Low-throughput PU mixing and metering; - High productivity in multi-component moulding; - Multi-stage ejector units.
COMPANY NEWS: - Bayer, Clariant nanotube agreement; - Borouge announces polyolefin expansion; - Cereplast opens European headquarters.
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE: - Polymer changes colour and shape repeatedly.
