The global olefins business is enjoying a period of unprecedented high capacity utilization rates, which are expected to
continue through 2008 before the market moves towards oversupply in 2009-10. By 2011
several large scale projects that have been delayed will be completed, coinciding with a cyclical downturn in demand growth,
leading to a trough in operating rates and profitability. Due to the apparent severity of the upcoming trough and mounting
project costs, the olefin projects in Asia are likely to be delayed in preference to developments in the Middle East. Read more in
Global olefins expected to grow well until 2009
Global demand for HDPE in 2005 was 28.2 mln tons and 31 mln tons in 2006. HDPE global capacity in 2006 was about 32 mln tpa, with 5.5% growth in capacities projected in the next 5 years. To meet this speculative demand growth, capacity additions will be required to address the supply/demand issues. HDPE production capacity profile will change significantly over the forecast period. Read more in Stronger growth of HDPE projected in Asia and Middle East
Just like metal, polymer composites can be subject to tiny surface cracks. Majority of failures in any
engineered structure are due to fatigue-induced micro cracks that spread to dangerous proportions and
eventually jeopardize the structure’s integrity. The aerospace industry in USA has introduced yet another
use for carbon nanotubes. The innovative idea uses nanotubes to build a self-healing layer into composite
structures such as aircraft wings. Read more in
Carbon nano tubes in epoxy promote self healing and prevent micro cracks in plastic composites
Hybrid polymers are blends of plant starch and up to
50% conventional thermoplastics. Hybrids overcome what has been a limitation of most biobased materials so far, limited
heat resistance in use and heat stability in processing. These hybrids are different as they are not biodegradable, but
increase use of renewable resources. Read more in
New developments in starch-based bioplastics
Recovery of plastics, including mechanical recycling and energy recovery in Europe has crossed the level of 50%
for the first time in 2006. This marks a 3% increase in the level as compared with the recovery figures for 2005.
To know more, read
Recovery of plastics surpasses 50% in Europe by 2006
A new induction barrel heating system that promises 70% reduction of energy has been developed. The system does not have this
thermal momentum, constant temperature overshoot and undershoot is avoided. This provides tighter temperature control,
minimizes the amount of cooling necessary, and in some applications allows the temperature set point to be lowered, which
saves more energy. Read more in
New heating systems can bring down energy demand by 70%
