China has emerged as the main manufacturing and export hub for low value plastic products due to low cost manpower and significant government support. Rapid increase in downstream processing capacity primarily geared towards export markets, will be the main driver of global polyethylene and polypropylene demand. Over 30% of China's demand for PP and over 40% of PE demand is dependent on imports, hence China will continue to remain the largest importer globally. Global PVC demand is estimated to increase by an average of 2% pa, despite the precarious financial crisis. Read more in China to be principal driver for global Polyethylene And Polypropylene demand to 2020, PVC to continue growing

Biodegradable plastics, that had until now found application in packaging, are slowly capturing newer markets, particularly medical sector. The reason for their increasing use is the performance and outcome advantages over alternative treatments and constant improvement and innovation of devices. Biomaterials are used in orthopedics, a range of surgical applications, cardiovascular, ophthalmic, sutures, burn and wound dressings, drug delivery systems, cochlear implants, etc. Read in New applications of biodegradable plastics in medical sector gain acceptance

A new technology developed by leading machinery manufacturer has opened up new dimensions in pipe extrusion, offering the option to either double pipe output or halve downstream cooling length. These lines lend themselves to the production of smooth mono-layer and multi-layer PE or PP pipes with diameters ranging from 110 to 2000 mm. They are also suitable for the production of corrugated pipes. Total investment cost is highly competitive compared to conventional extrusion equipment. Read in Output of PE pipe can be increased significantly by air/water cooling

REACH, RoHS, WEEE regulations concerning specific applications such as food contact and voluntary bans reduce the suitable fire retardancy formulations. This leads to HFFR solutions based on metal hydroxides, mainly ATH and MDH. Read in Synergistic effect of ATH and magnesium hydroxide reduce dosage and cost

Just when the multi-year conversion to urethane foam blowing agents with zero ozone depletion potential seemed almost complete, amplified concern over climate change is spurring the industry to adopt another new generation of blowing agents said to have lower global warming potential. Concern for the environment has also cultivated rapidly growing interest in natural-oil polyols (NOPs). Read Polyurethanes face new challenges to reduce potential global warming blowing agents

The MuCell Injection Molding Process involves the highly controlled use of gas in its SCF to make less than 3mm foamed parts. The process has been implemented successfully with acetal, LCPs, polyamide, PA6 and PA6/6, PC, PC/ABS, PEs, PEIs, PP, high-temperature sulfones, TPEs and TPUs. Industries such as automotive, medical devices, consumer goods, electronics, food services, consumer structural parts, etc, are currently benefiting from the technology. Read more in Mucell injection molding process involves controlled use of gas at SCF

A tool has been developed that will revolutionize cancer detection and treatment. By using a “chemical nose” array of nanoparticles and polymers, researchers have developed a fundamentally new, more effective way to differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells and also between metastatic and non-metastatic cancer cells. Read in Chemical Nose of nanoparticles and polymers sniffs out cancer

Used and unwanted plastic that chokes landfills or is abandoned, burned or buried create a problem of disposal. These include dirty agricultural film, greenhouse covers, prepackaged food containers and lids, plastic bags, agricultural waste, etc. Several new developments have been unveiled that provide an economical and environmentally responsible alternative to current methods of recycling and disposal of plastic waste, and convert the waste to useful materials. Read in Technology developments to convert plastic waste to armored panels, crude oil