Thermoplastics

Many medical devices rely on fluoropolymers, and evolving PFAS regulations are creating new compliance and supply-chain challenges.

A double-layer liquid crystal polymer film reduces ghost images in automotive AR-HUDs while improving reflectivity and maintaining windshield transparency.

Mechanical recycling can change the color response, surface quality, and mechanical performance of thermochromic polypropylene used in smart packaging.

Apoorva Kulkarni’s doctoral research helped shape ASTM D8646-26, which estimates temperature-dependent biodegradation behavior in aquatic environments.

The SPE Microplastics Forum takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, on Oct. 20–21, 2026, covering detection, regulation, and solutions.

Better collection systems can reduce contamination and improve the quality of recycled plastic feedstock before sorting, washing, and extrusion begin.

Foamed TPE and PP could replace non-recyclable automotive soft-touch structures while reducing weight and increasing recycled content.

AI sorting, data-driven compounding, and digital traceability improve PCR purity, consistency, and confidence across recycling value chains.

Dimensionless analysis links flow-mark formation in polypropylene injection molding to melt relaxation, cavity scale, and the Weissenberg number.

Flexloop uses solvent extraction to remove inks, adhesives, odors, and contaminants from flexible films, enabling higher-quality recycled resin.