ARTICLES
Global masterbatch market is forecast to grow at a robust pace for the next 5-6 years. To know about the factors that will influence market growth in the medium to long-term period, the end-user industries and the growing diverse end-use markets, key growth driving forces, future growth and the key drivers of this growth, impact of economic recession on demand, the growing markets, etc, read Global masterbatch market to reach US$8.25 billion by 2017
A growing ageing population in developed economies, ongoing advances in new surgical procedures and developments in implant materials has propelled the global medical implant market. Biocompatibility, autoclavability, chemical resistance, transparency and the ability to produce complex shapes make plastics an ideal choice for medical applications. Besides, the demand for plastics in medical devices is also propelled by its ability to produce low-weight medical devices. To know about some of the new technology and material developments, read New material developments bolster Permanent Implant Market
Degradation resistant polymers such as PTFE, PEEK, PMMA, polyethylene and silicones have long been the preferred materials for use in implantable medical devices. These polymers have been successful as implantable platforms as in urinary, cardiac, ocular, orthopaedic, respiratory medical devices. However, their use is frequently associated with clinical problems including microbial biofilm formation and medical device related infection, encrustation, poor biocompatility and low lubricity. To address these problems, polymers with advanced physicochemical properties have been developed. To read key developments in this rapidly changing area of biomaterial science, read Polymers for Implantable Medical Devices
Bioplastic capacity is predicted to surpass the one million ton mark in 2011. Essential to this rapid growth is rapid expansion of bioplastics into an ever-increasing number of applications. Growth is being propelled by robust demand for durable biobased bioplastics particularly from the packaging market, large scale acceptance by several large brand producers such as Danone and Coca-Cola. Though Europe is the world’s largest market for bioplastics and leader in research and development, production facilities are growing most markedly in Asia and South America. Read more in Bioplastic capacity to surpass one mln ton in 2011, global capacity to more than double till 2015
Until recently many bioplastics found application in highly undemanding applications because of their poor mechanical properties. However, recently introduced materials and additives are leading to development of a new generation of bioplastics that can find application in much more demanding end-use environments. Also, uptil now, companies developing products from biopolymers could use all-natural masterbatches with its limited, expensive and not very process- or light-stable range of colors and additives. Or, they could use conventional pigments and compromise on the environmental friendliness of their product. New alternatives are now available. Read in Range of biodegradable, biobased, natural fibre reinforced compounds broaden bioplastics applications
A new method of attaching nanowire electronics to the surface of virtually any object, regardless of its shape or what material it is made has been developed. The method could be used in making everything from wearable electronics and flexible computer displays to high-efficiency solar cells and ultrasensitive biosensors. Read more in Flexible nanowire electronics that can attach to any material
Promising but still experimental nanocomposite fire retardants have demonstrated that the more widely and uniformly dispersed nanoscale plates of clay are in a polymer, the more fire protection the nanocomposite material provides. In another development, a novel carbon nanofiber-filled coatings outperformed conventional flame retardants used in the polyurethane foam of upholstered furniture & mattresses gram for gram by at least 160% and perhaps by as much as 1,130%. Read details in Clay nanofiller with space improves fire retardancy, carbon nanofiber coatings increase flame retardancy
Several developments in medical technology save lives and improve the quality of life. Several medical breakthroughs have been possible by the use of polymers. Some of these are detailed in this article. Tests have been conducted on a new liquid polymer that will help surgeons rebuild the delicate soft structures of the human face after disfigurement. A cancerous windpipe was removed and replaced by the world's first artificial trachea, made of the patient’s own stem cells grown on a man-made plastic matrix. Rejection is unlikely because the new trachea was made of a special plastic polymer and the patient's own cells. Researchers have developed a polymer gel that mimics the vibrations of human vocal cords, and could help millions of people with voice disorder. Read more Liquid biomaterial rebuilds face without surgery, first permanent artificial organ, polymer gel repairs vocal
A 32 feet wide, 8 span, 540 foot long Knickerbocker, the largest composite bridge in the world.
Read more in The largest composite bridge in the world, first bridge span with 100% recycled composites outside USA
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