ARTICLES
There has been a paradigm shift in the quality of human life in the last century, in terms of longevity and fighting diseases. Advancement in medical technology has made this possible, wherein materials have played a critical role by virtue of innovation and new developments. Many modern medical devices and modern medical practices would be impossible without Plastics. Plastics have reduced contamination, relieved pain and cut medical costs. The present paper discusses the role of plastics-the material of present and future, in medical applications. Read more in Plastics in Medicare: Expanding Horizons and Opportunities in India
In 2010, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Japan and USA represented over 80% of global demand for photovoltaics. Markets of China, India, South Korea and Australia with the long established Japanese market, contributed 12% of world PV demand in 2009. PV growth in Japan was stimulated by new Government initiatives, and was driven in Australia by residential markets. China saw 552% yoy growth, while in India, PV market grew 22% yoy, reaching 44 MW in 2009. Read more in Markets of Asia Pacific poised to contribute significantly to global photovoltaics growth on policy improvements
Stable growth and continuous development of global economy, and science & technology during the past couple of decades has raised rigorous requirement for the performance of materials. Continuous developments in engineering plastics are being witnessed as conventional materials lack ability to cater to current applications. Engineered plastics represent one of the most ubiquitous raw materials used in a wide gamut of industries ranging from construction, automotives, industrial manufacturing equipment, to mechanical engineering. Restoration of health to most end-use markets, especially the automotive sector as a result of government stimulus packages will aid in the market’s recovery. Read more in Global Engineered Plastics market to exceed 20 mln tons by 2015- Europe, Asia major players
Polymeric Processing Aids improve the flow behaviour, energy efficiency, end product quality, and productivity, contributing to cost saving, energy saving and waste reduction. PPAs thus improve quality of end product free from surface defects and reduce energy requirements of polymer processing. Conventional PPAs have been used for a very long time, including among others Polyethylene waxes, Modified polyethylenes, Polypropylenes, Metallocene polyolefins. Read more in Polymeric processing aid performs better than conventional waxes
Lightweight photovoltaic modules based on plastics lead to upto 60% weight reduction when compared to a glass-glass module same size. This opens up several new possibilities for the integration of solar modules. Several other developments have been witnessed for photovoltaic module manufacturers. Film products provide PV module manufacturers with enhanced performance, durability and a reduction in total systems cost. Using films, module manufacturers can significantly increase production efficiencies and achieve total system cost reductions, moving closer to grid parity. Inherently durable, fluorpolymers provide excellent life-cycle performance and efficiency. Read more in Lightweight Photovoltaic Modules based on plastic leads to weight reduction
Due to ageing refineries, the Oapec nations are struggling to cope with the rising local consumption. Arab countries will need to make massive investments in an overhaul of their ageing refining industry incapable of meeting the steady rise in local consumption. Upcoming new projects in the region are slated to add over 5 bln bpd to existing Arab refining output capacity within the next five years. To know about the inefficiencies that plague the refineries, the steps to be taken and changes to be made to enhance production in the regions, read Capacity expansions and modernization of refineries mandatory in Arab nations
Nuclear power plants are the most rigorous and extreme environment for pipes. Carbon steel pipes have so far been used in transportation and distribution of water in nuclear power plants. Cost constraint has compelled the nuclear power plants to look for an alternate pipe material, resorting to HDPE pipe system. The driving force for this shift from carbon steel to HDPE pipe is lower cost, easy installation and longer service life. Read more in HDPE class 3 pipe system used in most demanding environment of nuclear power plant
PVC offers a balance between low cost and good engineering properties. PVC can be modified with plasticizers to give flexible formulations. Phthalate does not covalently bonded to PVC matrix, and therefore can migrate out from PVC matrix into food and other products. Researchers have synthesized modified a phthalate product that can arrest its migration from PVC matrix. Read more in Phthalate modified to prevent migration from PVC matrix is more environmentally safe
PRICE TRENDS for the week
NAPHTHA
Naphtha prices have risen to US$1000/MT in Asia in the week of March 28, 2011. Despite loss of demand from Japan, naphtha market in Europe remains tight as falling demand from Japan is outweighed...
ETHYLENE
Naphtha prices have risen to US$1000/MT in Asia in the week of March 28, 2011. Despite loss of demand from Japan, naphtha market in Europe remains tight as falling demand from Japan is outweighed by strong demand...
PROPYLENE
Propylene prices have spiked past US$1550/MT FOB Korea in the week of March 28, 2011, on supply constraints. Supply from Japan is likely to remain tight despite the restart...
Read More in Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended March 28, 2011
NAPHTHA
Naphtha prices have risen to US$1000/MT in Asia in the week of March 28, 2011. Despite loss of demand from Japan, naphtha market in Europe remains tight as falling demand from Japan is outweighed...
ETHYLENE
Naphtha prices have risen to US$1000/MT in Asia in the week of March 28, 2011. Despite loss of demand from Japan, naphtha market in Europe remains tight as falling demand from Japan is outweighed by strong demand...
PROPYLENE
Propylene prices have spiked past US$1550/MT FOB Korea in the week of March 28, 2011, on supply constraints. Supply from Japan is likely to remain tight despite the restart...
Read More in Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended March 28, 2011
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