2008 ~ Plastics Newsletter

Plastic injection moulded packaging products are poised to grow well, with food and beverage packaging being the strongest growth sector. Caps and closures are projected to grow particularly well in packaging, contributing to growth.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Injection-moulded-packaging-products-poised-to-grow-well.asp

Technical innovative developments for waterproof membranes

Various topics, covering all types of membrane material from polymer modified bitumen to the latest thermoplastic elastomers were discussed at Waterproof Membranes 2007, a conference organised by AMI. An interesting outcome of the conference was the amount of technical innovations in a well established industry.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Technical-innovative-developments-for-waterproof-membranes.asp

Higher throughputs on cast and blown film lines

Demonstrations of cast and blown film set throughput records at K 2007. Not only have machinery makers increased speed of extruders, but they have displayed faster downstream chill rolls, winders and surface inspection systems too. For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Higher-throughputs-on-cast-and-blown-film-lines.asp

Thermoplastic wood composites have grown well only in North America

Fillers have been used in the plastic industry for a long time as a means of supplementing polymer with materials such as wood chips, sawdust, mica and fiberglass. Fillers are mainly used for two reasons: As a cost saving measure, replacing the expensive polymers with less expensive fillers, and to alter the mechanical properties of the original material. In 2000, the plastics industry was estimated to have used 2.5 mln tons of fillers, growing to 3.5 mln tons in 2006, as per a report by Chemsystems. For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Thermoplastic-wood-composites-have-grown-well-only-in-North-America.asp

An overview of plasticizers and their effects on human health and environment

Over 500 plasticizers are available in the global, though only about 50-100 are used for commercial purposes. About 90% of all plasticizers are used in PVC, and the other end-uses for plasticizers include synthetic rubbers, cellulosics, and acrylics.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Plasticizers-and-concerns-of-their-effects-on-human-health-and-environment.asp

Thermoplastic elastomers expected to grow at 6.5% from 2007-2011

Driven by their use as replacements for natural and synthetic rubber, as well as for rigid thermoplastics and metals, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are forecast to grow well. Global demand for TPEs is forecast to increase 6.3% pa through 2011 to 3.7 mln tons, as per Freedonia.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Thermoplastic-elastomers-to-grow-at-6%5B1%5D.5-percent-from-2007-2011.asp

Thursday, April 3, 2008

New heating systems can bring down energy demand by 70%

A new induction barrel heating system that promises 70% reduction of energy has been developed.The Thermal Control Solution (TCS) consists of radiant heating elements embedded in high-temperature ceramic-fiber insulation. The heater segments are wired together in series, wrapped around the barrel and secured with high-temperature Velcro fasteners. Unlike heater bands, the TCS does not depend on tight contact with the barrel—it actually does not touch the barrel at all.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/New-heating-systems-can-bring-down-energy-demand-by-70-percent.asp

Recovery of plastics surpasses 50% in Europe by 2006

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.Half of all post-consumer plastics that ended up in waste was recovered – recycling accounted for 19% while energy recovery used 30.3%.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Recovery-of-plastics-surpasses-50-percent-in-Europe-by-2006.asp

New developments in starch-based bioplastics

Two new families of starch-based bioplastics are being introduced in the US market- as extension of the line of products supplied by Cereplast. Cereplast, offering 14 grades of compostable products based on polylactic acid (PLA) or a thermoplastic starch mixed with some PLA, has introduced Cereplast Hybrid polymers, which are blends of plant starch with conventional polymers.
For more details click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/New-developments-in-starch-based-bioplastics.asp

Carbon nano tubes in epoxy promote self healing and prevent micro cracks in plastic composites

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. Just like metal, composites can be subject to tiny surface cracks which lead to catastrophic failures. 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.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Carbon-nanotubes-in-epoxy-to-promote-self-healing-prevent-micro-cracks-in-plastic-composites.asp

Stronger growth of HDPE projected in Asia and Middle East

The commercialization of HDPE began when Ziegler-Natta discovered the catalyst system that allowed the manufacture Polyethylene at lower pressures and temperatures, thereby permitting a polymer with fewer short chains.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Stronger-growth-of-HDPE-projected-in-Asia-Middle-East.asp

Global olefins expected to grow well until 2009

The global olefins business is enjoying a period of unprecedented high capacity utilization rates, expected to continue through 2008 before a move towards oversupply in 2009-10. Supply in the olefin markets has been affected by dual forces:
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Global-oefins-to-grow-well-until-2009.asp

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Efficient cooling prevents warpage in profiles at higher throughputs

In production of profiles, higher throughputs and reduction in scrap generation are becoming prominent features. However, producing plastic profiles faster often causes warping, especially with complex hollow shapes having varying wall thicknesses and wood/plastic composites or foamed profiles.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Efficient-cooling-prevents-warpage-in-profiles-at-higher-throughputs.asp

Accelerated ageing tests help to meet performance needs of plastic medical devices

Significant time and money is invested by medical device manufacturers to ensure that their products meet product performance needs and FDA guidelines. Choosing the appropriate polymer is critical for successful introduction of combination products, (a drug eluting stent/drug inhaler) to market. Physical ageing is an essential test, critical for documenting expiration dates for combination medical products.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Accelerated-ageing-tests-to-meet-performance-needs-of-plastic-medical-devices.asp

Increased profitability of aromatics seen in this decade likely to drop

The last five years have seen a dramatic improvement in profitability for aromatic producers. This is in contrast to the preceding ten years where returns were extremely poor, primarily resulting out of product over-supply. The recent improvement has been driven by a combination of good market growth accompanied by a particularly low rate of capacity addition. How long will the good times last for aromatic producers and what factors will influence change?

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Increased-profitability-of-aromatics-in-this-decade-likely-to-drop.asp

Biodegradable polymers from carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide

Novomer, a US-based company has developed a technology to produce biodegradable polymers. The technology is based on a catalyst system developed by Cornell University to manufacture biopolymer using building blocks that are readily available and highly manageable.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Biodegradable-polymers-from-carbondioxide-carbonmonoxide.asp

A new polymer from clay and glue is transparent and as strong as steel

A new polymer material from clay and glue has been developed which is as strong as steel. This new polymer is transparent and has tremendous strength. This new polymer is biodegradable, requires very little energy to manufacture and has a very low cost of manufacture.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/New-polymer-from-clay-and-glue-is-transparent-and-as-strong-as-steel.asp

China will become an exporter of PVC by 2010

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a commodity polymer which requires lower oil feedstocks compared to polyolefins. Market for PVC has matured in large economies of North America, Europe and Japan, but is driven by a stupendous growth in Asia particularly in China, East Asian region & India.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/China-to-become-exporter-PVC-by-2010.asp

Friday, March 7, 2008

New development & innovation is key to growth of polymers in medical field

There are essentially two areas where polymers are used in the medical sector : disposable products/packaging products and medical devices. The disposable products or packaging products need lesser properties or performance compared to the sector of medical devices. New research and innovations play a major role in the field of medical devices where newer materials are required for better performance.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/New-development-innovation-key-to-growth-of-polymers-in-medical-field.asp

Bendable concrete modified with polymer fibers provides protection against hurricanes

New building codes and rising insurance costs are triggering a drive to develop new materials and structures that are more resistant to hurricanes, as well as other natural calamities such as earthquakes. One of the more exciting developments is new bendable concrete in which aggregate is replaced with a network of finely engineered and coated polymer fibers.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Bendable-concrete-modified-with-polymer-fibers-provides-protection-against-hurricanes.asp

High performance polymers based on renewable resources continue to grow

DuPont, an important ETP manufacturer in the global scenario, has been spending significant amount on research of polymers based on renewable resources. DuPont has launched new polymers based on renewable resources at K 2007. Most of these new products will be commercially available in the second half of 2008. Some of the notable new offerings are:

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/High-performance-polymers-based-on-renewable-resources-to-grow.asp

High performance polymers based on renewable resources continue to grow

Chinese extruders are getting a foothold in North America

Low-priced Chinese-built extruders have arrived in North America to make pipe, sheet, film and profiles. Chinese-built extruders are in small sizes and modest numbers in North America. Most are bought one at a time by large, sophisticated processors who are sampling the Chinese made machines and can afford the cost of to chucking up a machine away if they are not satisfied on grounds of performance. Some are being bought by small start-up companies who cannot resist the lucrative prices that stand at 25-35% of North American or European extruders.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Chinese-extruders-getting-foothold-in-North-America.asp

Polycarbonate is poised to grow faster in Asia

Polycarbonate (PC) is one of the larger volume engineering thermoplastics and has enjoyed strong demand growth. The robust growth of Polycarbonate can be attributed to a combination of technical performance characteristics, including strength, lightweight, thermal stability and excellent optical performance.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Polycarbonate-poised-for-faster-growth-in-Asia.asp

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Food grade bag facilitates hygienic, effective and economical dispensing of fast foods

A leading innovative packaging solution provider based in India has developed a special Food grade bag which will facilitate dispensing fast foods hygienically, effectively and economically. This bag is ideal to be used for hot snacks and drinks with limited shelf life.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Food-grade-bag-hygienic-effective-economical-fastfood-dispensing.asp

New polymer developments to benefit markets for extruded profiles

Several new developments were discussed at the Profiles 2007 conference held in USA. The notable ones include: High melt strength polyolefin elastomers for use as ingredients in TPO compounds that can compete with TPVs and flexible PVC.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Polymer-developments-benefit-extruded-profiles-markets.asp

A new technology offers cost benefit to PET producers

PET business is in a transition phase since early 2000. Not only is the profitability of PET business reducing; but growth in the sector has also reduced since 2002. With oil prices hovering around US$80-90, there seems to be no respite for this industry. Globally stiff competition has grown, particularly from smaller manufacturers of Asia. Projects b the Middle Eastern producers could also pose tough competition on account of lower feedstock prices.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/New-technology-offers-cost-benefit-to-PET-producers.asp

The Art of Compounding Thermoplastics using Twin Screw Extruders

When there are hundreds of different types and varieties of polymers, why use an additional process called Compounding? The answer is very simple. Most of us begin our day by using a compounded product. The making of bread dough is a classic case of everyday use of compounded wheat flour. Actually, this operation can very well be done using a Twin-screw Extruder, because, the fundamental process of compounding is the same.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/compounding-thermoplastics-using-twin-screw-extruders.asp

Halogenated flame retardants continue to dominate Chinese market

Halogenated flame retardants continue to dominate Chinese markets despite environmental concerns. The primary driver for this dominance has been robust growth of the Chinese economy leading to sharp growth in demand for consumer, electronic and automotive products. Plastics additives, in particular flame retardant chemicals, are benefiting from this boom and witnessing increasing demand from a wide range of end-user markets.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Halogenated-flame-retardants-to-dominate-Chinese-market.asp

Ageing population in North America drives demand in medical device market

Continuous technological advancements in the medical device market coupled with an ageing population provides wide opportunities for growth in the medical device packaging market. A recent study by Frost and Sullivan shows that the market earned revenues of about US$570 million in 2006 and is expected to touch US$920 million by 2013. Some other highlights are

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Ageing-population-North%20America-drives-medical-device-demand.asp

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Polystyrene business is passing through a difficult time

A review of the Word Polystyrene business and concluded that solid polystyrene is undergoing a phase of very slow growth while EPS has recovered and doing well, as per Chemical Market Associates, Inc. (CMAI). This has caused reorganization of the polystyrene business, particularly in North America and Europe.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Polystyrene-business-passing-through-difficult-time.asp

Different technologies improve performance of PC auto glazing

'Polycarbonate (PC) auto glazing is being used mostly in Europe for front and rear quarter widows, fixed side windows, rear-door fixed window sections, small transparent body panels and larger panoramic sunroof systems. This substitution from conventional material like glass is resulting in greater styling freedom as well as weight savings of up to 50%.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Technologies-improve-performance-of-Polycarbonate-auto-glazing.asp

Induction heating barrel offers greater energy savings, reliability and faster response

Spectacular energy savings, superior reliability and much faster response than conventional heater bands are some of the advantages offered by a newly developed induction heating system. The heating system uses electromagnetic induction - an old and well-known principle used to heat large industrial furnaces, special machines for injection moulding molten metal, thermoset molds, and some Japanese hot-runner nozzles. However, it is a relatively new concept for heating barrels of plastics molding and extrusion machines.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Induction-heating-barrel-offers-energy-savings-reliability-faster-response.asp

Engineering Thermoplastics have a bright future in China

ETP consumption in 2007 is expected to touch around 800,000 tons. The size of the global engineering thermoplastics (ETP) market is smaller when compared to that of commonly used polymers such as polyolefins, vinyls and styrenics. It is estimated that out of the total consumption of ETP, China alone will consume over 4.5 mln tons in the next few years. In 2007 alone, the country is expected to show a robust growth exceeding 30%.

For more details please click on the following link

http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Engineering-Thermoplastics-bright-future-in-China.asp

Super absorbent polymers are poised for good growth

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are a unique group of materials that can absorb over a hundred times their weight in liquids and do not easily release the absorbed fluids under pressure. Superabsorbents were first developed by the United States Department of Agriculture in the late 1960s.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Super-absorbent-polymers-poised-for-good-growth.asp

Sunday, January 20, 2008

German plastics and rubber industry had a healthy growth in 2007

2007 has been a great year for German plastic and rubber industries. The first 6 months of 2007 show an excellent growth, that surpassed forecasts.Plastic and rubber machineries have shown almost 11% growth in 2007.The rubber industry, generally a laggard, has also shown almost 4.5% growth. The plastic raw material production had a growth rate of little less than 10%. Higher costs and severe competition from the Middle East on one hand, and cheaper plastic end products from the Asian region on the other hand, are some of the problems that have to be faced by German plastic manufacturing business.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/German-plastic-industry-healthy-growth-2007.asp

Ultrasonic cleaning is the best method for cleaning dies and moulds

Cleaning dies and moulds is labour intensive and also often abrasive. By using ultrasonics for mould maintenance, the result is a cleaner mould with reduced manual input and no wear leading to large cost savings, extended mould life, and shorter payback time. The technique suits plastic, rubber and die cast moulds and tools.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Ultrasound-cleaning-best-method-for-dies%20and%20moulds.asp

Phosphorus based products have different flame retardant characteristics

Injection moulded parts consume a considerable amount of various flame retardants due to their application in the electrical and electronic industry. Flame retardants save many lives and property because they prevent accidental fires. However, several concerns related to chemical release into the environment and potential health effects shroud these additives. Since halogenated flame retardants have been in the focus of public scrutiny, flame retardants based on other chemistries like phosphorus and nitrogen have been developed and need to prove their environmental benefits.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Phosphorus-based-flame-retardant-characteristics.asp

Global ethylene and propylene demand and capacity to see a dramatic change

The World olefins scenario is fast changing, as demand and capacity both witness a shift from North America and Europe to the Middle Eastern and Asian regions. Ethylene demand in 2006 will grow from 110 mln tons to 137 mln tons by 2011 at an average rate of 4.3%. This growth rate is marginally higher than the global GDP growth. Ethylene capacity in 2006, will grow from 21 mln tons to 156 mln tons by 2011 at an average growth rate of 5.2%. This will result in a reduction in capacity utilization from almost 92% in 2006 to about 87%. This will peg capacity utilization at a rate attractive and healthy enough for reinvestment or profitability. PE has the major market share of ethylene accounting for almost 60%. EO/EG & VCM are the other two applications that account for 25% of ethylene demand. Consumption pattern is likely to remain along similar lines in 2011.
For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Global-ethylene-propylene-demand-capacity-to-change.asp

Robust growth forseen for natural renewable resources as feedstock

Bio polymers were first developed by Cargill from corn. They are now well entrenched under the trade name of NatureWorks. Due to higher cost of synthesis and manufacturing several attempts have been made to look for alternate feedstocks. PLA based bio plastics are currently produced almost exclusively from corn and grain starch. But given that prices for this feedstock keep rising because of their use in the production of ethanol, the utilization of new raw materials becomes an attractive proposal. The production of sugar crops; both cane and beets, is outstripping demand. Both Brazil and India delivered record crops, and in the EU too sugar prices have declined. Some of the feedstocks that hold promise are:

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Robust-growth-for-natural-renewable-resources-as-

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

India's polyolefin consumption in 2007 was over 60% of total polymer consumption exceeding 6.5 mln tons

The end of 2007 heralds a new 2008 with newer aspirations and hopes. 2008 begins on a somber note due to a somewhat trepidation of a weaker economy arising from recession that may set in the USA, which would trigger some downfall in the global economic scenario.

For more details please click on the following link
http://www.plastemart.com/Upload/literature/India-polyolefin-in-2007-over-60-total-polymer-consumption-exceeding-6.5-mln-tons.asp

Friday, December 19, 2008

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Friday, October 10, 2008

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Monday, September 1, 2008

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Monday, August 4, 2008

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Friday, May 23, 2008

Friday, May 9, 2008

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Friday, March 7, 2008

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

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