Plastics & Resins News

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Researchers at Queensland University of Technology, Australia, devised a way to disperse gold nanoparticles throughout polymers, paving the way for an entirely new category of composite plastics. They believe that gold can create a catalyst with which other metals can be introduced to plastic, changing its structural capabilities and properties. Its value as a catalyst when mixed with other metals is also attributed to excellent conductivity characteristics. Lighter computers, more intensely colored paints, and water purification advancements are only some of the possibilities envisaged for the new composite materials.

GlobalSpec is seeking proposals from industry experts interested in participating in its October 6, 2010 or May 4, 2011 Plastics & Plastics Fabrication online conference and trade show events. Open to GlobalSpec's 5 million registered users, this event will examine trends, technologies, and applications in the field of Plastics & Plastics Fabrication. Speaking opportunities provide an opportunity for you and your company to participate in a high-quality, engaging production that will help increase brand awareness and influence key decision-makers. Learn more or submit your proposal today. Deadline for the May 2011 event is July 30, 2010.

Many combinations of resin and fiber can be used to customize Composite structures to meet the strength, weight, and stiffness requirements for a specific need. XCA has extensive background and experience can tailor the mechanical and physical properties of a structure to satisfy your exacting needs.

Brentwood Plastics manufactures low density and medium density custom blown polyethylene film for more than packaging. All films are FDA and Kosher approved. Applications include USPS approved automatable polywrap, shrink bundling film, sealant layer for flexible laminations, and more.

A polymer to serve as "scaffolding" in orthopedic surgeries conforms better to complex geometries than conventional synthetic bone grafts. The smart material provides good weight-bearing support and dissolves inside the body when no longer needed. Scaffolding molds inserted by minimally invasive surgery revert to original shapes by heat activation.

For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Medical Equipment Design.

Hewlett-Packard is transitioning to plastic for its displays. Lighter and cheaper to produce, thin plastic will replace glass in the 65 million devices produced annually. The first products with flexible plastic only 50 microns thick and 40x lighter than glass will roll out in 2011 for the U.S. military.

If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to the GlobalSpec e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Display Technologies.

Axion International made history recently with the first two plastic railroad bridges built in Virginia. Made with nearly 100% recycled plastic and able to support the weight of a 120 ton locomotive, the bridges are constructed of Axion's Recycled Structural Composite. The 40- and 80-ft spans are maintenance-free and eco-friendly.

Cured laminate compensation technology from Magestic Systems Inc. and Nikon Metrology garnered the 2010 JEC Automation Innovation Award. The process takes separate composite parts fabricated slightly outside of desired tolerances and builds them up to meet structural and engineering requirements. A laser radar system identifies parts that need geometry compensation.

Organic peroxide initiators are not created equal! Syrgis' Norox® blends and technical support can help you lower your total costs by:

•  Increasing production rates
•  Improving product quality
•  Reducing waste/scrap and post production expense

Catch the Syrgis Wave and save! Contact us today!

Ensure easy, accurate, and fast attachment of components in off center applications with the new innovative product RIV-FLOAT®. RIV-FLOAT® was designed for installation post finish in applications where cage nuts, riveted nut plates, or weld nuts are typically used. View 3D models and product information.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency recently launched a solar powered space kite made from solar film. The 66 ft "sail" will use solar cells for electricity and pressure generated by sunlight reflection for propulsion. The Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation of the Sun (IKAROS) is the first step in launching larger satellites in the future.

General Motors' newest twist on the oil filter is to make it a twist-off. Newly designed for the Chevrolet Cruze, a cartridge-style filter replaces metal parts and rubber seals with plastic that is easier to recycle. The new plastic housing is used for the life of the engine, further reducing waste.

Northeastern University students designed a two-stage waste combustor system to break down non-biodegradable plastic waste and utilize it as fuel. Pyrolysis converts solid plastic into gas which is burned with oxidants to generate heat and steam. The double-tank combustor design can be scaled up to drive a large power system.

Can polymers with nanofillers help save energy throughout Europe? UK researchers are investigating a polymer insulating solution to improve high voltage electrical tape used in generators. Applied in generators across the continent, the solution selected could save the equivalent of 1,000 MW, comparable to the output of one nuclear power plant.

Ultem* Foam is a lightweight, low flame, smoke, and toxicity material. These properties make it an excellent candidate as a core for the high-performance composites systems used in today's aerospace and military composite systems. From SABIC Innovative Plastics.

Carbon-carbon composites are various forms that are reinforced by chemical vapor infiltration or resin impregnation, using high temperature vacuum furnaces. The materials are highly resistant to heat, wear, and fracture, and they are lightweight and retain their strength at high temperatures. Learn more about MINTEQ® International Inc, Pyrogenics Group.

The much maligned plastic water bottle has found yet another valuable use. Floating Island Environmental Solutions has just donated 1,000 ft of mats to shield Grande Isle, LA, from the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The mats, made from recycled plastic water bottles, are laden with oil-eating microbes to clean up the mess and hopefully stave off environmental disaster.

To have an actual conversation in a noisy club, a Scottish designer invented the Social Sphere. The plastic helmet is worn to cut out background noise so you can hear others clearly. A table top version allows two people to have a private chat by putting their heads close together. And, of course there's an opening to let you sip your beverage.

Bubble Heads?

We try to keep out noise pollution with ear pods that keep us from hearing others. Is the Social Sphere helmet the only way to drown out the din but keep us connected?