Sensors

Real-time resin diagnostics help processors monitor melt behavior, manage recycled-content variability, and improve plastics quality control.

Infrared thermography and neural networks help predict injection-molded part quality by analyzing thermal patterns linked to cooling and warpage.

Smart controls and modified plasticizing systems help stabilize recyclate injection molding despite variations in viscosity and feedstock.

Shape memory polymers expand massively to eliminate aneurysm recurrence. Engineers utilize entropic recovery to optimize endovascular devices.

Engineers use machine learning algorithms to map polymer degradation, replacing physical trials with precise predictive models for industrial extrusion pipelines.

Monolithic 3D printing with bio-based resins enables origami-inspired soft robotics without assembly, combining sustainability and design complexity.

Inline rheology and spectroscopy enable real-time melt monitoring, improving quality control in extrusion and injection molding.

A newly developed, open-access tool helps plastic recyclers pinpoint appropriate market applications.

Engineers leverage thermotropic LCE phase transitions to power prosthetics, overcoming rigid motor constraints with flexible actuation.

Researchers are fine-tuning computer vision systems to help identify and sort plastic waste on construction sites.