Consumption of major thermoplastics was at 183 mln tons globally. Combined global demand for PE, PP and PVC was estimated at 148 mln tons during 2007, growing at 5.5%. Polyethylene continues to be the largest consumed commodity plastic. PP demand in the period grew at a healthy rate of 5.8%, keeping operating rates relatively high at 90%. Global PVC demand grew by more than 5% in 2007 to around 35.3 mln tons. To know about growing applications, capacity additions, growth regions, etc, Read in
Global Thermoplastics Scenario in 2007-08
As recent developments in the manufacture of WPC compounds have significantly improved the quality, consistency, and capability of Wood plastic composite, they are now finding application in the field of injection molding. In fact, the latest generation of WPCs can be run smoothly through traditional injection molding equipment with minimal adjustments to process settings and no physical hardware modifications. Read in Injection molding opens up new applications of wood plastic composites
With environment-friendly ‘green' products becoming the norm of the day, research and development of biopolymers in addition to their versatile applications in durables and automotive parts, invokes high expectations from the industry as well as the consumers. The application of PLA and other biopolymers in the automotives sector, specially interiors, requires the products to meet the quality standards of high degree of strength, low degree of damage from sunlight, resistance to abrasion, high durability and high resistance to fire. Read in Biopolymers in automotive interiors : a step towards sustainability
New cost-effective technologies are designed to make aluminum an attractive alternative to tool steels in plastics molding processes. A plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process that raises the durability and release properties of aluminum to the level of steel has been developed. The technology transforms the mold surface into an extremely hard crystalline ceramic oxide, creating a harder surface than steel or hard anodized aluminum and protects the mold from chemical attack when the plastic is heated. Read in
Coating gives aluminum molds Cost/Performance edge over steel
Research has been conducted on a new type of polymer that displays chemo responsive mechanic adaptability - meaning the polymer can change from hard to soft plastic and vice versa in seconds when exposed to liquid by mimicking biology. The materials have been designed to change from the hard plastic of a CD case to a soft rubber when brought in contact with water. The new materials are tailored to respond specifically to water and to exhibit minimal swelling, so they don't soak up water like a sponge. Read in Chemo responsive polymers change from hard to soft and vice versa when exposed to a liquid
There are many considerations facing patients and surgeons when choosing implants for hip replacement . The decision of hip replacement depends on factors such as patients' age, general health, quality of bone and level of activity. Eventually, bearing surfaces may wear out and need replacement. Cross-linked polyethylene hip replacement surface holds up better to wear over 6 years compared with conventional polyethylene. Read in Cross-Linked PE better than conventional Polyethylene for hip replacement
