July 23, 2024The Facts About Antimony in PET BottlesPET has long been the most popular material for food and beverage packaging. However, antimony (Sb) has been associated with bottled water for the last 20 years. What are the facts? Read more
July 19, 2024Redesigning Marine Structures for SustainabilityThe maritime sector contributes to approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The international shipping industry aims to reduce emissions by at least 20%, with a target of 30% by 2030 compared to 2008. Read more
July 17, 2024Celebrating 1 Year of PE Going DigitalPlastics Engineering (PE) transitioned to a fully digital format in 2023, showcasing the publication’s flexibility and adaptability. Some contributors shared their thoughts about this milestone. SPE is committed to staying ahead of industry trends. By going digital, readers can now… Read more
July 15, 2024Does Compostable Packaging Really Disintegrate?The Composting Consortium conducted the most extensive in-field study on compostable packaging in North America. It showed that compostable packaging disintegrates effectively under reasonable operating conditions. Read more
June 18, 2024MXene Hydrogels: A Plastics Industry BreakthroughMXene hydrogels are emerging as innovative materials with promising applications across various industries, including conductive plastic materials and packaging. Read more
June 14, 2024Eco-friendly Natural Antimicrobial Agents in TextilesIn the face of escalating environmental challenges, the textile industry is embracing a transformative shift towards sustainability. This review delves into the burgeoning field of natural antimicrobial agents as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical treatments, which have historically posed significant environmental hazards. Read more
May 25, 2024Polymeric Biosensors: A New Era in Medical DiagnosticsPolymeric membranes are not only enhancing the capabilities of biosensors but are also revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics, offering rapid, accurate, and efficient disease detection. Read more
April 23, 2024Optimizing Composite Laminate Design with Double-Double TheoryConventionally, laminate designs have adhered to standard ply orientations such as 0, 90, and ±45°, often constrained by symmetry requirements. However, a paradigm shift has emerged with the introduction of the double-double laminates concept, offering a more efficient and tailored approach to composite design. Read more
April 12, 2024The Impact of Recycled Nylon and Lignin Biocarbon CompositesThe latest research reveals how recycled nylon (RN) combined with lignin-derived biocarbon (BioC) is setting new benchmarks in the materials science domain, especially within the automotive industry. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the mechanical and flame retardant properties of materials used in automotive applications. Read more
January 24, 2024Antimicrobial Composite for Active Food PackagingThe quest for innovative and sustainable materials continues, and a groundbreaking solution emerges—Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (PE) infused with a dynamic inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin and d-limonene (CD-lim). This novel composite not only showcases promising mechanical properties but also introduces a powerful antimicrobial feature. Read more