
ARTICLES
Stringent regulations and industry norms require automotive manufacturers to reduce weight of vehicles. This can be achieved by replacing metal parts with plastics. Developments have led to polymers that reduce manufacturing costs by up to 50% significantly reducing the weight of many engine parts compared to metal assemblies, alternatives for PVC, TPU, and natural rubber in automotive slush molded interior soft skins, grades that result in lower cost, lighter weight parts with increased service life, grades that offer long-term performance at very high temperatures, etc. Read more in Automotive economy demands drive polymer developments at K 2010
Newer materials developed need to meet all the stringent requirements of the healthcare industry and its increasing focus on self-administered medications, enhance the functionality of highly-specialized medical and pharmaceutical applications, taking safety and regulatory compliance into account, and offer phthalate-free proven alternatives to PVC. This is particularly relevant considering tightening regulatory controls governing end-product ingredients, and the increasing responsibility of pharmaceutical companies, packaging converters and device manufacturers to communicate their requirements regarding traceability, consistency and safety to suppliers throughout the value chain. Read in Developments in polyolefins and additives for medical, pharmaceutical applications
The Indian passenger vehicles market has grown from 0.2 mln units in 2001 to 2 mln units in 2009. The market is expected to continue on its high growth trajectory, with the rollout of new low cost passenger vehicles from leading Indian auto makers. Robust growth has enabled the polypropylene compounds market in this segment to grow in leaps and bounds. However, the industry is also faced with challenges including legislative pressures, environmental aspects, regulations, etc amid increasing consumer expectations.
Read more in Robust growth enables polypropylene compounds to grow in the Indian passenger vehicles segment
Severely affected by weak economic conditions in H2-08 and H1-09, demand for thermoplastics in Europe is estimated to have seen a drastic fall. Reduced consumption levels affected all thermoplastics, applications and markets, with varying degrees of severity. A recovery is not expected in the near future as the European plastics processing industry is estimated to have contracted during 2009. Several factors are responsible for the slow recovery. Read in European thermoplastic business estimated to have lost over 5 years of market demand in 2008
UV degradation of the polymer proceeds indefinitely in a chain reaction, which if not interrupted, leads to the plastic component to lose its mechanical, optical and color properties. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light can cause damage to the plastic, resulting in loss of mechanical properties, change in colour, off tastes and odours, etc. Besides damaging the plastic, UV radiation can adversely affect substances within the plastic by leading to colour fading of food, accelerated oxidation of oils and fats and loss of vitamin content in fruit juice and milk. Read how Light Stabilizers and UV Absorbers help protect plastics from sun damage
The economy is the major driver of packaging, hence its growth and recovery will have a major impact on the packaging market. Factors that will influence the packaging sector include changes in consumer buying pattern, changes in demographics in developed economies, measures to save costs, lack of capital investments, environmental concerns and regulations, etc. Read more in Factors affecting packaging market in weak economic scenario since 2008
Polymeric materials react with molecular oxygen in a process called autoxidation that can be initiated by heat, UV light, mechanical stress, catalyst residues, etc. Antioxidants prevent polymer degradation through oxidation by controlling molecular weight changes that lead to a loss of physical and aesthetic properties as well as destroys functional properties. Polymer degradation is a natural phenomenon that cannot be totally stopped, but stabilization of color and physical properties of polymers can be sought for a reasonable life span. Read more in Polymer Antioxidants expected to grow
Global demand for polyolefins is expected to grow to 132 mln tons by 2013; 53 mln tons will be polypropylene and 79 mln tons will be polyethylene. Demand has risen fastest in Asia due to increased investment, exports and domestic consumption. To know the current challenges in formulating effective materials for a wide range of applications, read Challenges in formulating effective polyolefin compounds for a range of applications
Given their size, strength and electrical properties, carbon nanotubes hold promise for a range of applications in electronics, medicine and other fields. Research shows that eliminating one step in their production reduced emissions of harmful by-products at least tenfold, and also reduced amount of energy used in the process by half. Read more in A greener way to grow nanotubes
PRICE TRENDS for the week
NAPHTHA
In line with rising crude oil values, an upward trend in naphtha prices continues in Asia in the week of November 8, 2010. Open-spec prices for H1-December delivery rose by over twenty dollars...
ETHYLENE
Ethylene prices plunged to US$985/MT in Asia in the week of November 8, 2010. Spot offers have fallen below the US$1000/ton mark for the first time since late August due to rising supply levels in both China...
PROPYLENE
Strengthened by robust demand, an upward trend in propylene prices continues in Asia. Prices have risen to US$1175/MT levels in the week of November 8, 2010
Read More in Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended November 08, 2010
NAPHTHA

In line with rising crude oil values, an upward trend in naphtha prices continues in Asia in the week of November 8, 2010. Open-spec prices for H1-December delivery rose by over twenty dollars...
ETHYLENE

Ethylene prices plunged to US$985/MT in Asia in the week of November 8, 2010. Spot offers have fallen below the US$1000/ton mark for the first time since late August due to rising supply levels in both China...
PROPYLENE

Strengthened by robust demand, an upward trend in propylene prices continues in Asia. Prices have risen to US$1175/MT levels in the week of November 8, 2010
Read More in Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended November 08, 2010


Intl Exhibition on Plastics & Polymers...
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Spare Capacity Available on Toshiba...
Register Today for Intl Conf. on Advance...
Register Today for Intl Conf. on Polymer...
Visit Intl Exhibition & Conf. on Plastics...
Reinforce Your Product Branding...
Seasons Greetings from Plastivision...
Happy Diwali & a Prosperous New Year...
Kabra Extrusiontechnik wishes You...
Spare Capacity Available on Toshiba...
Register Today for Intl Conf. on Advance...
Register Today for Intl Conf. on Polymer...
Visit Intl Exhibition & Conf. on Plastics...
