Additives

Postprocessing

Advances in Materials, IML and Tooling Highlight Rotomolders' Meeting

Several new resins and additives that raise part performance and improve processability were launched at the recent 32nd Annual Fall Meeting of the Association of Rotational Molders (ARM) in Detroit.

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Additives

Hot-Fill Packaging: OPP and 'Panel-Less' PET Bottles Grab the Spotlight

Improved clarity and cost competitiveness, added to its inherent heat resistance, are reviving OPP’s prospects in hot-fill barrier containers. But hot-fill PET containers are raising the bar with higher productivity and ‘panel-less’ bottle designs.

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nanocomposites

Foamed PLA Shows Promise In Biodegradable Meat Trays

Foamed food trays made of polylactic acid (PLA) resin, the corn-based biopolymer, have a commercial toehold in Europe and are undergoing market tests here.

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Additives

Carbon Nanotubes Improve In Properties, Purity and Price

ew suppliers and manufacturing technologies continue to emerge in the burgeoning field of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Recent news includes North American availability of CNFs from Austria’s Electrovac Group.

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nanocomposites

New Starch-Based Bioplastics Arrive

Two new families of starch-based bioplastics are coming to the U.S. market.

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Multiscrew

New Resins and Modifiers for Extruded Profiles

Among new developments discussed at the Profiles 2007 conference in Charlotte, N.C., were high-melt-strength polyolefin elastomers for use as ingredients in TPO compounds that can compete with TPVs and flexible PVC.

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polyolefins

New Additives and Colorants To Debut at K 2007

The world’s largest plastics show next month in Dusseldorf will highlight an unusual mix of new polymer additives, including some based on novel chemistries that reportedly set new levels of performance.

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Postindustrial

Recycling E-Plastics New Material Stream Brings Its Own Set of Problems

Brominated flame retardants restrict its use. Most now goes to China, but new recycling processes promise to ‘clean up’ e-waste.

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Additives

Carbon Nanotubes Lots of Potential--If the Price is Right

With capacity scale-ups driving prices down, the pace has picked up for commerical applications that boost electrical and thermal conductivity, structural strength, and thermal stability.

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Hot Runners

Metallic-Pigmented TPO Debuts in Auto Exterior Trim

A molded-in-color, high-gloss, metallic-pigmented TPO wheel flare is making its commercial appearance next month with the launch of the 2008 F-250 Super Duty pick-up truck from the Ford Motor Co.

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Process Cooling