Biopolymers

Biopolymers 1 Dec 2007

Injection Molding Wood-Plastic Composites

Injection molders are just becoming acquainted with this new class of molding materials. It pays to learn some basic processing guidelines before jumping in.

nanocomposites 1 Mar 2007

Biopolymers Strive to Meet Price/Performance Challenge

High expectations for biopolymers— an emerging class of materials derived at least in part from biological activity—are being tempered by the realities of the marketplace.

Sheet Extrusion 1 Sep 2006

Novel Vacuum Calibrators Raise Sheet Output and Quality

Flat vacuum-calibrator plates, typically used to extrude hollow profile sheet, are showing up in new forms and new uses.

Biopolymers 1 Sep 2005

Wood-Plastic Composites: Weathering Quality Issues

Exterior wood-fiber composites like decks and rails haven't lived up to some of the early claims of long, maintenance-free life.

Biopolymers 1 Feb 2005

K 2004 Wrap-Up on Additives: Problem-Solving Additives Tackle New and Old Challenges

The latest K show was rich in additives that can ease processing and end-use problems of thermoplastics and thermosets.

Biopolymers 1 Aug 2004

Beyond Decking: Wood Composites Branch Out

Extruded decking still drives the embryonic wood-filled plastics market. But injection and compression molded wood composites are coming on strong, and extruded profiles are moving toward more complex millwork shapes.

Biopolymers 1 Jul 2004

Wood-Filled Plastics: They Need the Right Additives for Strength, Good Looks, and Long Life

Wood-plastic composites, or WPCs, are already a 1.3-billion-lb market and are growing at 20% annually.

Engineering Resins 1 Apr 2004

They've Been Working on the Railroad

Composite RR ties could finally be on their way to becoming the next big thing in plastic lumber. They are attracting interest from makers of marine pilings, another category of structural wood replacements.

Multiscrew 24 Mar 2004

Purified Cellulose Fibers Show Promise In Reinforced Thermoplastics

Purified cellulose fibers could be the next lightweight reinforcements for thermoplastics.

23 Mar 2004

NPE Newsfinder: Compounding and Mixing

For the second straight NPE show, the focus in compounding is on twin-screw machines that deliver more speed and torque—thus more output—than ever before. No fewer than six suppliers of twin-screw compounders are showing such machines. There’s something to see in in-line systems as well. And there’s plenty of news in PVC mixers and pelletizing equipment, too.