Remarkable growth awaits conductive polymers in near future fueled mainly by electronics and medical component markets due to processability, dimensional stability, conductivity, optical and mechanical characteristics. Conductive polymers will readily find applications in compact electronic devices to control static build up, LEDs, flat screen displays and the like. Although ABS dominates the scene, PVC has a potential to rapidly capture the market. Read PVC will grow in conductive polymers due to its low cost to know the prospects of different conductive polymers, potential in growing sectors and novel developments to fuel growth.
Sustainable and environment-friendly bioplastics have far more potential than to just replace petroleum-based plastics provided new applications, production processes and new concepts are developed. The use of bioplastics is set to shift a little from packaging industries to more profitable sectors of automotive and electronics. Read in New market research study indicates good growth opportunities for bioplastics in new sectors to examine the global scenario for bioplastics markets and their growing applications in new sectors.
A multitude of factors have created a paradigm shift in UK to switch to recycled PET (rPET) as packaging for several products-spike in manufacturing costs; volatility in energy costs and recycling standards set by European Commission. Consumers are also exhibiting positive influence towards recycled products pushing the companies to tilt towards rPET in packaging. Read more in Higher polymer prices and growing environmental concerns compel packaging to shift to recycled PET in UK
Scientific reports regarding the toxicity of Bisphenol-A (BPA) is causing an alarm amongst the consumers. Some scientific bodies report BPA to be linked to alteration of human endocrine system, reproductive system deformities, development of pre-cancerous tumors. However, some like US FDA believe there is a need for more pressing evidence regarding such claims. Read more in BPA creates confusion & scare among public : requires more research to prove its safe use
Conventional injection molding, can in some cases, lead to visible weld lines on the mold surface. Further, the molded parts can face high molded-in stresses, cutting short the lifespan and causing undesired warpage to parts. To provide effective solutions to these problems, heat/cool molding technology can significantly improve the surface appearance of injection molded parts- whereby the mold surface temperature is thermally cycled within the injection molding cycle. Read more in Thermal cycling of injection molds boosts surface quality
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a problem commonly faced by the electronics industry as it can have undesired effects including damages in instances like packaging and transport of disk drive heads, storage of wafers and also while shipping electronic sub-assemblies. This problem increases with growing demand for smaller, more compact electronic devices having high circuit density. Read in Potential of static control solutions for polymers in light of rising demand for ultra-compact electronics to become aware of anti-ESD solutions of relatively advanced additives and inherently dissipative polymer alloys.
