
ARTICLES
India's agricultural productivity still ranks far below the best in the world. Foodgrain production in 2007-08 was barely enough to cater to a population of 1.1 bln. Boosting farm output is an urgent need as India will never be free from swings in international prices in a globalised world. Within India, different states have different productivity due to various reasons. Agriculture in Gujarat has picked up dramatically after 2000, recording average annual growth rate of 9.6% in its agricultural state domestic product (SDP) during 2000-01 to 2006-07. This is in sharp contrast to the mediocre growth rate of 2.9% per year in the national GDP from agriculture and allied sectors. The plastics industry has several lessons to learn from this. Read more in Indian Agriculture: Challenges & Opportunities for Indian Plastics Industry
Several ingredients are essential in a PVC formulation including Primary Plasticiser, Secondary Plasticiser, Stabilisers, Lubricants, Fillers, Pigments, and Special Additives. To know how the different grades of PVC are formulated, read Essential Compounding Chemicals used with PVC Resin
Despite a major recovery, turbulent times are foreseen for the global polyolefins industry. Concerns persist over the fragile state of the economic recovery in USA and West Europe, withdrawal of government backed subsidies; the current political instability in North Africa and the Middle East that is placing further pressure on polyolefin market as crude oil prices soar. Today’s polyolefins market is a tale of two worlds - the developed and developing - as the United States and Western Europe struggle to maintain a modest recovery amidst the booming developing economies in Asia, particularly China and India. Read more in Modest recovery in developed economies amidst boom in polyolefins in developing economies of Asia
Researchers have developed a sensor film that can be integrated into the package, and if the food has spoiled, it changes color. In one study, the sensor film is integrated into the inside of the packaging, where it responds to biogenic amines. If amines are released into the air within the packaging, the indicator dye on the sensor film reacts with them and changes its color. In another research, an intelligent film is used together with modified atmosphere packing. The latter is a process that prolongs the life of food by replacing the air inside its packaging with nitrogen carbon dioxide. Read more in Sensor film integrated into the package, takes over the role of quality control
Carbon nanotube (CNT) is increasingly finding numerous applications even in medical and biological markets. CNT may be harmful if it is kept for a longer time in the human body. Concerns are highly relevant as an increasing number of products containing CNTs are being introduced, and chances of free CNTs getting released into the body during their life cycle has increased mostly during production or disposal. Researchers have demonstrated a novel, optical tweezers based approach to scavenge CNTs from biological fluids such as blood. Read more in Novel method using low power infrared laser can help in disposal of CNT from human body
Plastic provides lightweight, versatile designs in electrical, electronic, and lighting applications, enhancing new styling opportunities. Globally, plastics are rapidly replacing metal as a preferred material for making vehicle components. The increased use of plastics for weight reduction is a global trend. If 10% weight is reduced, 25 kg of CO2 emission will be reduced in the lifetime of a car. Global automotive plastics market is projected to cross 12.7 mln tons by 2015. To know the largest market for automotive plastics, the fastest growing automotive plastics market, the growth rate, the largest product segment, the largest market within the segment, etc, read Significant growth of automotive plastics driven by benefits of plastics over metal and glass
The Gulf Region's current petrochemical production represents about 16% of the total 700 mln tons worldwide petrochemicals output. By 2015, there are estimated to contribute about 20% of the global output. Annual petrochemicals production here is estimated to spike 155 mln tpa by 2015, requiring potential investments to the tune of US$55 bln in the next five years. The region enjoys enjoys several advantages such as geographical proximity to cheap and abundant feedstock as well as proximity to the fast growing Asian markets. However, several challenges by way of technology and shortages of local skills is being faced. Read more in Petrochemicals industry in the Gulf to get US$55 bln infusion
Applications in the healthcare industry and medical devices have some unique, demanding requirements for thermoplastic materials. While polymers have been used in the healthcare industry for decades, benefits of using specialty compounds in medical applications are unfolding now. Unique technologies relating to anti-static, wear resistant, and elastomeric compounds that have been useful in other industries are finding their way into medical devices. For an overview of the material selection process for a specialty compounder with specific emphasis on the unique requirements for medical applications, read Selection of Materials for Medical Applications
PRICE TRENDS for the week
NAPHTHA
Naphtha prices have spiked past US$1050/MT in Asia in the week of April 10, 2011. CFR Japan naphtha ended the week at US$1055/MT...
ETHYLENE
Despite rising crude and naphtha, ethylene prices have steadied at US$1325/MT FOB Korea, in the week of April 10, 2011, amid lackluster trading...
PROPYLENE
Propylene prices have dipped to US$1540/MT in Asia in the week of April 10, 2011 on slow demand from China. Over the past weeks, spot propylene prices...
Read More in Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended April 10, 2011
NAPHTHA

Naphtha prices have spiked past US$1050/MT in Asia in the week of April 10, 2011. CFR Japan naphtha ended the week at US$1055/MT...
ETHYLENE

Despite rising crude and naphtha, ethylene prices have steadied at US$1325/MT FOB Korea, in the week of April 10, 2011, amid lackluster trading...
PROPYLENE

Propylene prices have dipped to US$1540/MT in Asia in the week of April 10, 2011 on slow demand from China. Over the past weeks, spot propylene prices...
Read More in Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended April 10, 2011


