nanocomposites
K-Dow Joint Venture Now in Place
The new 50:50 joint venture between Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., and Petrochemical Industries Co. (PIC), sub. of Kuwait Petroleum Corp., was officially launched Jan. 1.
Read MoreOrganic Biocide for Long-Lasting WPC Composites
WEB EXCLUSIVE A new organic biocide is said to significantly increase the lifespan of wood plastic composites (WPCs), by ‘dramatically’ reducing the adverse effects of mold or microorganisms that cause discoloration.
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Automotive Plastics Adding More Value in Tough Times
The dramatic global downshifting in automotive manufacturing hasn’t put the brakes on plastics innovation, if recently announced developments are any indication.
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Metallocene PP Copolymers With ‘Breakthrough’ Clarity
WEB EXCLUSIVE A novel family of metallocene-based PP copolymers reportedly offers the ultra-high clarity of amorphous engineering resins such as PC and PETG, along with good physical properties and processing advantages.
Read MoreHDPE for Auto Fuel Tanks
WEB EXCLUSIVE A patented family of HDPE resins boasts improved resistance to bio-diesel fuels and is poised for use by makers of automotive plastic fuel tanks.
Read MoreSABIC Starts Up World’s Largest PP Train
What’s said to be the world’s largest single PP train has a nameplate capacity of 1.1 billion lb/yr of homopolymers and random copolymers.
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PLA Biopolymers: New Copolymers, Expandable Beads, Engineering Alloys and More
Up to now, the number-one biopolymer in commercial use, polylactic acid or PLA, has been available mainly from one supplier and in a limited range of varieties. But there appear to be a number of new sources waiting in the wings, who are preparing a profusion of new PLA variants—copolymers, alloys, “engineering” PLA and even “do-it-yourself” PLA.
Read MoreWellman to Sell Its Engineering Resins
Wellman, Inc., Fort Mill, S.C., has signed a letter of intent to sell its Engineering Resins Div. and its entire Johnsonville, S.C., manufacturing facility to an investor group of three private-equity firms.
Read MoreFirst Biobased PP Developed in Brazil
Already the first to develop bio-sourced LLDPE and HDPE, Brazil’s Braskem (U.S. office in Wilmington, Del.), has produced the first samples of polypropylene from 100% renewable raw material.
Read MoreSPI Starts Bioplastics Special Interest Group
Last month, the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), Washington, D.C., launched the Bioplastics Council to provide a forum for resin and additive suppliers, processors, and equipment makers to promote the development of bioplastics.
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