Increased consumer spending power of India’s evolving middle class is fuelling the demand growth for foam products. India has a population of over one billion people, of which it is estimated less than 10% sleeps on a foam-based mattress. Hence there exists a good growth potential growth for PU foam in India. To know about the other polyurethane applications, growth sectors, government regulations, geographical spread, etc of the industry, read . Read more in Indian Polyurethane industry is expected to grow at 15% in 2007-2012
The European plastics caps and closures market amounted to 217 billion units in 2007, representing a value of €215 bln. Total production of plastics caps and closures has grown at a rate of around 6% pa over the past three years. However, production of one-piece closures has expanded at a rate of 9% pa over the same period and this style now accounts for 64% of the standard beverage closure market. Read more in One piece closure has a good growth potential in Europe
The potentially revolutionary character of printed electronics lies not in their low cost, ease of manufacturing or small size and light weight, but in their ability to facilitate applications that are not feasible or uneconomical with conventional silicon-based electronics. One of the recent new developments in printed electronics technology is innovations in invisible printed circuit. Read more in Invisible electronics have a huge growth potential
Determining the optimum barrel-temperature profile is a vital task in extrusion. Similar barrel-temperature profiles may not work on two extruders of the same type, even if the extruders process the same plastic, use the same screw and die design, and run at the same rpm. To achieve optimum output on extruder, barrel temperatures should be properly selected. Read more in Dynamic method for arriving at the correct barrel temperatures is the best method
A new fluoroelastomer grade helps automotive parts manufacturers meet unique regulatory and design requirements. It provides a combination of performance advantages, such as low processing temperature, ability to bond to elastomers and hydrocarbon-based plastics, flexibility and optical clarity. It finds application in the chemical processing industry, semiconductor manufacturing, solar energy, polymer optical fiber, and architectural/protective coatings. Read more in A fluoropolymer with better hydrocarbon resistance to meet new US regulations for automotive emissions
Ethylene capacity in the Middle East and China alone will account for almost 15% of worldwide installed capacity in 2008. The imminent increase in Middle East capacity has been delayed due to several factors including delays in equipment delivery, resource constraints, and the recent deterioration in markets due to the global economic meltdown. However, the capacities will come onstream shortly, particularly upsetting liquids-based producers who be forced to shutdown, or into bankruptcy and in some cases to government rescue. Read more in PE producers using naphtha will face extreme pressure on margins from ethane based crackers
