ARTICLES
- Strong, durable materials are hard to recycle. This has changed with the discovery of a never-before-seen family of polymers that’s super strong, self-healing, lightweight, and easy to recycle. This new class of polymer can revolutionize manufacturing in the aerospace, semiconductors, automobile and micro-electronics industries Another team has drawn upon years of expertise in semiconductor technology and material discovery for the creation of "ninja polymers" - sticky nanostructures that move quickly to target infected cells in the body, destroy the harmful content inside without damaging healthy cells in the area, and then disappear by biodegrading. Read more in First new polymers discovered in 20 years, Ninja polymers safely destroy bacteria
- Demand for plastics processing equipment around the world is picking up, with injection molding equipment expected to account for almost 40% sales in 2017. Significant demand will come from the packaging industry, followed by consumer products and construction. Much of this growth will come from countries that are continuing to experience rapid industrialization, including China and India. India will be the fastest-growing country, expanding at 12% pa. China will continue to lead global demand in 2017. The injection molding machine market will see annual output grow by around 2.5% yoy- buoyed by increasing exports. Read more in Plastic injection molding machine industry in 2013- the global and Chinese scenario
- A development incorporates bioactive mineral crystals in its polymer matrix, making it possible to produce clothes that promote a high level of interaction between the fabric and skin, improving blood microcirculation and cellular metabolism. Another polymer targeting the textile market improves skin feel, higher moisture absorbance, improved dye absorbance and 47% renewable carbon has been produced in a proprietary continuous-flow process from plant sugars. A bio-derived spandex wherein approximately 70% by weight comes from a renewable source made from dextrose derived from corn. An elastomeric fiber offers significantly higher tenacity and strength, enabling customers to run their equipment at higher speeds without worrying about rupture of filaments, which is a common phenomenon with low quality products. Read more in Polymer development aid textiles: smart fiber, renewable polymer, bio-derived spandex, fiber with higher tenacity
- Anti microbial plastics are finding increasing usage in a growing spectrum of industries such as medical devices, packaging products, sports and recreation equipment, food processing machinery, business machines, consumer appliances, general household goods, etc. Growth has been driven by new trends like more stringent requirements, government and environmental regulations, customer requirements including aesthetics, unpleasant odor suppression, etc. Consumer awareness regarding the importance of antimicrobials in plastics is growing owing to the widespread epidemic outbreaks of life threatening diseases such as H1N1 in 2009 and increasing cases of nosocomial infections in recent times. The Healthcare/Medical sector has emerged as the leader in consumption of antimicrobial plastics. Read more in Healthcare/Medical Sector to lead antimicrobial plastics market growth
- Polymer nanocomposites will witness sturdy gains driven by the growing focus of auto majors on reducing fuel consumption through reduction in vehicle weight, enhancement of engine efficiency and reduction in vehicular emissions. Future application areas could span door inners, body panels, head lamp covers, engine covers, windows, etc. The global market for nanocomposites is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24% till 2019. To know more about growing applications, global market trends, growth sectors, etc, read Nanocomposite consumption expected to reach 584,984 MT by 2019
- China is expected to see ethylene equivalent self-sufficiency peak at around 50% in 2018, before declining below 45% by 2030. Imports of ethylene equivalent is forecast to double by 2030 to over 40 mt, due to hesitance by state run petrochem majors in investing in ethylene capacity amid growing environmental concerns, and reluctance to switch to shale gas. US will more than double its exports of ethylene equivalent from now to 2030. By then, it will have increased exports of ethylene in just the major derivatives to around 17 million tons. Read more in Decline in China's ethylene self sufficiency projected after peaking in 2018
