Plastics Materials

Materials used in plastics processing include plastics, thermoplastics or polymers, materials are the stuff of which molded and extruded parts are made. Broad subcategories include commodity materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC; and engineering materials such as nylon, acetal and ABS for applications requiring higher performance.

July 2025: Prices for Volume Resins Flat to Down Heading to Third Quarter
Engineering Resins

July 2025: Prices for Volume Resins Flat to Down Heading to Third Quarter

Apparent stabilization was driven by supply-and-demand dynamics, but the uncertainty of tariffs and the hurricane season are looming.

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ESSENTIAL READING

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sustainability

How to Optimize Injection Molding of PHA and PHA/PLA Blends

Here are processing guidelines aimed at both getting the PHA resin into the process without degrading it, and reducing residence time at melt temperatures.

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best practices

The Effects of Time on Polymers

Last month we briefly discussed the influence of temperature on the mechanical properties of polymers and reviewed some of the structural considerations that govern these effects.

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best practices

The Effects of Stress on Polymers

Previously we have discussed the effects of temperature and time on the long-term behavior of polymers. Now let's take a look at stress.

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Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials, Part 26: High-Performance Thermoplastics

The majority of the polymers that today we rely on for outstanding performance — such as polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylsulfone and PPS — were introduced in the period between 1965 and 1985. Here’s how they entered your toolbox of engineering of materials.    

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Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials, Part 25: Silicones

The long road to the development of silicone resulted in a chemistry that is remarkably versatile.  

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processing tips

The Importance of Melt & Mold Temperature

Molders should realize how significantly process conditions can influence the final properties of the part.

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Latest Materials News And Updates

Materials

Neste RE Adds Co-Processed Feedstock

Feedstock for polymers and chemicals will be derived from renewable materials along with crude oil.

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PVC

‘Super’ Small Color Masterbatch Pellets for PVC

Delta Tecnic’s new SSP is manufactured using an advanced process distinct from traditional cryopellet production.

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Elastomers

Expanded Line of ‘Super’ Soft TPEs for Medical Devices

Kraiburg TPE has expanded its Thermolast M series of TPE compounds by additional hardness degrees.

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sustainability

CJ Biomaterials Hires Leah Ford as Director of Marketing

Ford has background in biopolymer technology having worked for PLA bioplastics supplier NatureWorks.

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Materials

Dow Revoloop Resins for Cable Jacketing With Postconsumer Content

Announced resins will incorporate recycled material.

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polyolefins

ExxonMobil Launches New Materials Portfolio Brand

The Signature Polymers brand, which includes all polyolefins, is focused on delivering best-in-class service and partnership.

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Featured Posts

resin pricing

Prices Generally Trending Upward for the Five Commodity Resins

Scheduled and unscheduled production disruptions, and projected higher feedstock costs could be key factors.

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Materials

Applying AI to Manage, Synchronize Material Data and Power Material Development

Global masterbatch and compound producer Kafrit Group worked with MaterialsZone to apply AI to its raw materials management and product development.

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resin pricing

Prices Drop for All Five Commodity Resins

While PE price reductions were not as apparent, they too were following the year-end price trajectory of PP, PS, PVC and PET.

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Materials

Polymer Science for Those Who Work With Plastic — Part 1: The Repeat Unit

What are the basic building blocks of plastics and how do they affect the processing of that material and its potential applications in the real world? Meet the repeat unit.

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resin pricing

Prices Up for PE, ABS, PC, Nylons 6 and 66; Down for PP, PET and Flat for PS and PVC

Second quarter started with price hikes in PE and the four volume engineering resins, but relatively stable pricing was largely expected by the quarter’s end.

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Part 3: The World of Molding Thermosets

Thermosets were the prevalent material in the early history of plastics, but were soon overtaken by thermoplastics in injection molding applications.

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Plastics Size Reduction
Process Cooling

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