| ARTICLES |
Demand for petrochemicals fell by 30-40% between July 2008 and January 2009, Amid this demand slowdown, Asia Pacific and Middle East regions are projected to add an additional 41 mln tons of ethylene capacity by 2015. With a significant cost-advantaged feedstock base, ethylene production in the Middle East will rank as the most competitive in the world, keeping them in a strong position compared with their European and US counterparts. Read more in Ethylene makers in Middle East enjoy advantages in times of lower pricing amid the economic slowdown |
Demand for thermoplastics in Europe slumped in 2008 by 8% compared with 2007. Declines were most evident in the UK and Spain whereas German demand was least affected by the downturn on persistent demand from the East and lower levels of consumer debt. Central and East Europe experienced the slowdown much later. With GDP forecast to contract by 4% for the EU27 in 2009, an upturn in polymer demand growth is not expected shortly. Read in Significant up turns for thermoplastics in Europe in 2010-2013, if economic growth sets off in 2010 |
The Extruder Processing Zone (EPZ) is the heart of a Co-rotating Twin-Screw Extruder that helps to achieve the desired performance.Depending on the nature of work being carried out, EPZ is divided into several zones. Proper configuration with the right choice of elements and barrels optimizes the performance of each zone. Conveying screws, Kneading Blocks and other Mixing Elements are the working members in each zone. Making the right selection among numerous elements and configuring them in the right order needs understanding of the functional characteristics of each element. Read more in Extruder Processing Zone (EPZ) is the heart of a Co-rotating Twin-Screw Extruder |
Demand for lawn, garden and agricultural packaging in USA is forecast to grow 1.8% pa through 2013. This indicates a deceleration from the sharp increases of the 2003-2008 period as raw material prices moderate. To know the factors that will contribute to the gains, the growing application areas, factors that will affect demand growth, the growth sectors, newer products, etc, read Demand for lawn, garden, agricultural packaging to grow to US$1.7 bln in 2013 in USA |
The use of plastic films in agriculture extends the growing season and raises yield at an important time when world population continues to grow, while the area being farmed is static. Demand for plastics film in agricultural application reached levels of 3.6 mln tons in 2008, with Asia having the largest share of the market at 60%. Read more in Barrier films find increasing application in agriculture |
Single-layer flexible film can be easily recycled at the end of its useful life. However, multilayer packaging is very difficult to recycle because it contains many different polymers. Hence conventional end-of-life options have been limited to burning in an incinerator or ending up in a landfill. Read about a new technology that will recycle mixed, dirty plastic and rubber waste without sorting in A new technology being developed for recycling of multilayer films |
Demand to create smaller, lighter parts has made thin-wall molding one of the most sought after capabilities for an injection molder. Thin-wall parts find application in portable electronics parts, automotive components, etc. Adopting a high-flow resin grade in any old machine does not ensure success molding of a component with a high flow- length-to-wall-thickness. Several vital factors need to be considered including strength of the material, tooling of robust design, venting length , etc. Read in Successful molding of component with a high flow- length-to-wall-thickness to produce thin wall injection molded parts |
Surface finish of thermoplastic composites vary and depend upon polymers. Aesthetics and function of a reinforced thermoplastic part are affected by surface finish variables. Processing techniques as well as additives to be used in thermoplastic composites will affect the surface finish. It is possible to predict the influence of materials selection and processing conditions on the surface finish of molded thermoplastics composites by examining a set of amorphous and crystalline polymers as per a recent study Read in Surface finish of thermoplastic composites is dependant on base polymer and processing conditions
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New technologies have been developed for thin wall moulding with in line labels. The processes are superior to injection molding and thermoforming by way of excellent surface finish and greater rigidity, same rigidity and resistance to breakage, and also maintains a perfect outer surface for printing. Lower label thickness have a favourable impact on weight and optimize transport and other costs. Read more in New technologies for inline moulding provide economic benefits |
PRICE TRENDS
NAPHTHA 
Naphtha prices in Asia have plunged by over 50 dollars to US$585/MT levels in the week of September 28, 2009. This fall has been in line with falling crude...
ETHYLENE
Ethylene prices have plunged to US$865/MT FOB Korea in the week of September 28, 2009 on lackluster demand from derivative PE and PVC makers....
PROPYLENE
FOB Korea prices dipped to US$945/MT in the week of September 28, 2009 due to reluctant buying in China in the pre-holiday season...
Read More in Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended September 28, 2009 |
