Injection moulded plastics packaging products poised to grow well

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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

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http://www.plastemart.com/upload/Literature/Thermoplastic-elastomers-to-grow-at-6%5B1%5D.5-percent-from-2007-2011.asp

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.
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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%.
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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.
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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.
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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