Stronger, lighter, more durable – DSM showcases bright composite innovations at JEC World 2018

Royal DSM, a global science-based company active in health, nutrition, and materials, will demonstrate its composite innovations and share its vision and in-depth knowledge of high-performance composites at JEC World 2018 (Paris, March 6-8). The innovations include Carbon with Dyneema® and Dyneema® flexible composites, along with a range of thermoplastic unidirectional (UD) tapes and materials […]

This 31-year-old from Bengaluru is redefining cutlery in a plastic-filled world

Samanvi Bhograj started a manufacturing unit that makes 100 percent biodegradable and compostable tableware products using plant fiber. Plastic has become integral parts of our lives. It has seeped into every little shelf on the corner and has made our lives completely dependent on it. Right from the cradle to the grave most of the products in […]

Borealis to build dedicated automotive compounding plant in North Carolina

Borealis (Vienna) reports that it will build a dedicated automotive polypropylene (PP) compounding plant in Taylorsville, NC, a decision that, the company said, demonstrates the continuing commitment of Borealis to the global automotive industry. Together with Borouge (Abu Dhabi), a joint venture between Borealis and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the company is […]

Toward a broader view of the New Plastics Economy

American Chemistry Council (Washington, DC) assesses the New Plastics Economy initiative and finds there’s an emphasis on recycling at the expense of packaging functionality and other aspects of sustainability. America’s plastics makers welcome efforts to promote innovation and advance the sustainability of plastics, such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s recent report, The New Plastics Economy—Catalysing […]

Large-scale carbon-fiber adoption in automotive unlikely before 2025

According to an editorial in the May 22 issue of IHS Automotive SupplierInsight , the future of the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) market looks promising, with opportunities in diverse applications such as body in white (BIW) chassis systems, powertrain systems, exteriors and interiors. Carbon fibers are organic materials that have been heat-treated at temperatures of 1,000° to 3,000° […]

Growing use of polymer composites results in increasing global demand for nanomaterials

The growing use of polymer composites has resulted in increasing demand for nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene and nanocellulose, as companies seek alternatives to carbon fibre and petroleum-based packaging, as per Research and Markets. The need for continuous improvement in material performance is significant for engineering applications, with research focusing on new advanced materials […]

Chinaplas: Polyamide continues to push performance envelope in high-temperature auto environments

Chasing enhanced fuel economies, global automakers are increasingly turning to compact, turbocharged internal combustion engines that require the handling of hot compressed gas. Polyamide has been the material of choice in turbo charge air coolers for some time, and automakers are proposing increasingly stringent performance requirements in their quest for better engine performance and enhanced […]