Thermoplastics

Microplastics, particles measuring less than 5 mm in length, have emerged as a pressing environmental concern, necessitating a detailed examination of their impact and ecological repercussions, but do microplastics in bottled water come from plastic bottles themselves?

Artificial intelligence can revolutionize Injection Molding by extracting insights and improving process indicators. The Lüdenscheid Plastics Institute in Germany is conducting some studies to teach companies to understand how to use AI effectively.

Injection molding simulation has already achieved a high level of precision. Industry leaders’ recent collaboration promises enhanced precision in material data, elevating manufacturing efficiency and quality standards.

Companies worldwide are gathering efforts to develop flame retardant systems based on renewable sources providing an eco-friendly alternative to halogenated flame retardants. Additives with flame-retardant properties, such as phosphorus-based compounds, can chemically modify carbon sources like cellulose, chitosan, and lignin. This results in the successful design of intumescent flame retardants for use in many applications.

The emergence of hydrogel and aerogel-based flame-retardant polymeric materials marks new and innovative options in fire safety and protection. Henri Vahabi and his team’s review article for the SPE Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology thoroughly explores this cutting-edge concept, revealing its makeup, capabilities, and potential future developments of these innovative materials.

Perstorp Group today introduced a more sustainable, phthalate-free grade of PVC plasticizer called Pevalen Pro 100 that features 100 percent renewable carbon content based on mass balance.

EssilorLuxottica has developed a pair of glasses that seamlessly incorporates open-ear hearing technology designed to aid consumers with mild to moderate hearing loss. The firm partnered on the project with its latest acquisition, Israeli startup Nuance Audio.

In a groundbreaking endeavor, mechanically recyclable thermoplastic materials were harnessed to craft lightweight and highly efficient aerogel filter media for air filtration. Leveraging the fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing technique, this project focuses on creating an all-polyolefin composite filter media.

Dutch startup Squad Mobility BV displayed at CES 2024 what it calls “the world’s first solar buggy” –– a compact, affordable, plastic-bodied solar car that charges itself through an integrated solar panel on the roof.

B.I.G. Yarns has successfully completed initial industrial production runs of virgin polyester BCF yarns, strategically expanding its support for high-end automotive interiors. This addition complements the existing line of polyamide PA6 superior yarns and aims to meet the increasing demand for sustainable materials in the automotive industry.

The first two articles in this series dwelt with the history of product design and the creative process that culminated in hypothetical new injection molded product sketches. The next challenge is to reduce the concept sketches to detailed piece-part drawings or CAD data bases. However, before starting that time consuming process it is highly desirable to determine whether or not the parts of the new product are moldable and what the molds and molded parts will cost.

PVC stands tall among commercial plastics, but its thermal instability at processing temperatures poses challenges. To fortify PVC products against high temperatures, conventional heat stabilizers are often employed, yet they come with toxic baggage harmful to both humans and the environment.