With the alarming rise in hospital-acquired infections, antimicrobial plastics have proved to be largely beneficial for the healthcare sector. New applications in the industrial and consumer product sectors have enabled the market to continue on its current upward trend. To know about the newer applications, high-growth regions, the new hotspots with untapped potential, etc, read Medical devices continue to be forerunners in the adoption of antimicrobial plastics

Post operative infections prolong the patient’s hospital stay by about 4-5 days, increasing cost of hospitalisation. Almost 30% of these infections are considered to be preventable. A growing risk of hospital originated infections is causing the industry to increasingly turn to antimicrobial plastics for application in medical devices that can protect against pathogens and remain cost-effective. To know about the latest advances in polymeric biomaterials with built-in antimicrobial surface properties for reducing device-centered infection, read Antimicrobial plastics used in medical devices prevent hospital related infections

Melt filters are used in compounding to remove foreign particles of contamination or burnt polymer or additives & fillers/reinforcements. Melt filtration is critical for strand pelletizing as imperfections in the process could cause a strand to break. To know about the types of melt filtration, latest developments in technologies, their applications, read Continuous melt filtration offers better quality and longer production outputs

The demand for eco friendly products, particularly in the toy and houseware sectore is increasing on growing consumer concerns and government legislation. A new bill primarily targets 'children's products' defined as any consumer product designed or intended principally for children 12 years of age or younger. As a result, many manufacturers of toys and houseware are developing products that are eco-friendly and CPSIA compliant. Read in Toy and houseware producers are increasingly developing eco friendly products

Color pigments selectively absorb visible light, and what light it reflects appears to the human eye as color. Cool Pigments can be specifically formulated to have high IR reflectivity to counteract solar heat buildup. The special reflective properties mean that they simply bounce back the infrared rays, and thus the heat of the sun or any other heat sources. The ability to stay cool under very intense sun offers a range of benefits providing a longer life to the polymer product. IR-reflective pigments come in a wide range of colors that prevent solar heat build-up regardless of tone or shade. Read in IR pigments reflect solar radiation and keep polymer products cooler

In a bid to achieve their goals of lower tooling and production costs while maintaining part quality, automakers started work to create standards for aluminum tooling. Aluminum works best when molding polymers like thermoplastic polyolefins, PE and PP accounting for over 70% of plastics used in a typical car. A properly planned and executed aluminum tooling program will result in faster tool construction and overall reduced tooling costs with the potential for dramatic molding cycle-time savings that impact part cost. To know about the various advantages, limitations, etc, read Aluminum Tooling offers added benefits for high-volume automotive parts

A multi-layer biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) film with a novel formulation that exhibits significantly improved ability to stretch in the transverse direction in a biaxial orientation process has been developed. The technology allows for the utilization of BOPP film making rocessing equipment without substantial changes to the equipment. Read in Biaxially oriented PLA produced on existing BOPP equipment without much additional cost

In 2008, demand for ETP declined almost 10% on reduced demand from automotive and consumer electronics sector. Market outlook for nylon 6 and nylon 6.6 varies extensively depending on domestic demand and current market conditions in each country. Nylon 6 and nylon 6.6 continue to be the most popular types among polyamide commercial products, accounting for about 90% of nylon used in the global market. They find application in a range of applications in automotive, consumer, industrial, electrical and electronics segments. Read more in Polyamide growth to slow to 3% from 2009 until 2014

A large process window is always desired to reduce the possibility of defect. A robust process is one that is set in the center of this window, which ensures that the natural variation in the process will still yield acceptable parts. Six parameters are required to be studied to determine the processing window to produce an injection molded product of good aesthetics and still have good dimensional control. Read in Systematic processing window to produce injection molded parts of good aesthetics and good dimensions