nanocomposites

Multiscrew 1 Aug 2004

'Super-TPVs': The New Challenge to Rubber

Recent commercialization of a cluster of novel thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) families is promising to boost demand for thermoplastic elastomers in new and challenging industrial and consumer product segments.

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.

Multiscrew 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 9 Jun 2004

New Robotics From JEC 2004 Speed Up Composite Molding Process

Modifications to the common core pin can be a simple solution, but don’t expect all resins to behave the same. Gas assist is also worth a try.

polyolefins 1 Jun 2004

Belt Polishing of Clear PP Film Proves Itself in Production

An unusual cast-film process that drops a melt curtain of polypropylene between a flexible steel polishing belt and a chill roll has now proven successful in high-volume commercial production.

Engineering Resins 1 Jun 2004

Lava-Based Fibers Reinforce Composites

Reinforcing fibers spun from basalt lava rock were one of the more unusual developments exhibited at the JEC Composites Show in Paris in April.

nanocomposites 1 Jun 2004

Plastic-Metal Hybrids Are Now Blow Molded

Bayer Polymers has developed a blow molding technology that is putting new bounce into shock-absorbent seating for motorcycles, snowmobiles, tractors and off-road vehicles.

sustainability 1 Jun 2004

Thermoplastic Polyesters: It's Time to Know Them Better

There’s more to TP polyesters than you think. You may know PET, PBT, and PETG—but what about PCT, PCTG, PCTA, and PTT? If you’re not sure what they are, how their properties compare, and who sells them, we have the answers—and lots of new developments to report.

1 May 2004

New Resins for Rotomolding

Several new commercial or experimental materials offer rotational molders higher stiffness, toughness, and processability in applications from toys to large storage tanks.

1 May 2004