A new compound based on patented technology for blending plant-based starch with other polymers provides processors of high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) with the opportunity to incorporate content from renewable resources in a variety of injection molded applications, it was announced by the Bioplastics Division of Teknor Apex Company.

Earlier this year, 278 teams submitted entries and 158 of those teams made it through to the California competition, of which 49 were selected as semifinalists. Last week, those teams presented to the Cleantech Open judges, who selected six finalist teams (one for each category) to compete in the national competition next month.

Estane® Engineered Polymers, a business group within The Lubrizol Corporation has developed Estane® X-1425 thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a technology that delivers lower smoke generation. Estane X-1425 TPU is specifically designed for wire and cable jacketing in non-halogen flame retardant applications.

Metabolix, Inc., a bioscience company, announced that it has completed a field trial of tobacco, genetically engineered to express polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biobased polymers. This furthers development of Metabolix crop technologies for the co-production of biobased plastics in non-food bioenergy crops.

Brazil became the 1st country to produce Formula 1 trophies using recycled plastic for the grand prize. The unique project was developed jointly by Braskem, Romi companies, Fortymil, besides the Social-Environmental Institute of Plastic (Plastivida) and the Cooperative of Selective Collection of Capela do Socorro (Coopercaps).

New "Electrical/Electronics Friendly (EF)" grades of DuPont™ Zytel® HTN PPA resins offer sharply lower potential for corrosion of delicate metal parts that are in intimate contact with parts molded from them. The EF resins provide an enhanced retention of volume resistivity with moisture exposure.

The advanced technology company PlastiPure announces a partnership with TOPAS Advanced Polymers, Inc. (TOPAS Inc.), after testing several TOPAS Inc. products. Under the agreement, PlastiPure has tested and approved three TOPAS® COC (cyclic olefin copolymer) materials for use in PlastiPure certified EA-Free™ products.

A. Schulman, Inc.announced the introduction of a family of high-performance Invision® enhanced polyolefin resins for sheet and profile producers. The product family consists of high melt strength TPO compounds, and durable olefinic capstock resins. They can be recycled and can be incorporated back into the material stream without affecting processing or performance.

BIOSAFE, Inc., a company that manufactures and sells a novel antimicrobial polymer, has announced that they are launching a unique facemask treated with BIOSAFE® in specific markets outside the United States. The new Ultra Sensitive facemasks begin to reduce microorganisms immediately upon contact, and have further proven to be effective the H1N1 virus.

Makrofol® 3D metallic FG film from Bayer MaterialScience LLC boasts a high-quality metallic gloss and a very eye-catching appearance. It is also the first film of its kind that can be cold-formed. This chrome-colored polycarbonate film provides an alternative to the traditional screen-printed mirror finish for films and the electroplating of plastic moldings.

Cereplast, Inc., manufacturer of proprietary bio-based sustainable plastics, announced that it has been developing a breakthrough technology to transform algae into bioplastics and intends to launch a new family of algae-based resins. These algae-based resins could replace 50% or more of the petroleum content used in traditional plastic resins.

DuPont introduced two additional PV encapsulants recognized by Underwriters Laboratory (UL): DuPont™ PV5200 Series PVB-based sheets and DuPont™ PV5300 sheets, based on ionomer technology. UL recognition assures that encapsulants have been manufactured using well-documented control practices resulting in predictable performance and consistency.

DuPont has introduced DuPont™ Kevlar® Advanced Performance (AP) fibers to serve an ongoing need for higher performing materials in industrial applications. The Kevlar® AP product line is based on a new technology platform that increases performance compared to standard Kevlar® fibers and can result in cost savings and greater design flexibility.

Pharmafilter BV, a bioenergy technology company has selected Mirel bioplastics for a suite of disposable products for hospital use. The initial range of single use products to be made include: service ware items, bed pans and trash bags. Mirel has the performance properties for single-use plastic service applications and it is biobased and biodegradable.

NaturalNano, Inc. Acting CEO and President James Wemett announced that NaturalNano will be taking a more aggressive approach to supplying Halloysite samples to researchers. The company will make small quantity samples available to Researchers on a cost-free basis to encourage them to more actively assess the benefits of the Halloysite Natural Tubes (HNT).

NuSil Technology LLC, a leading formulator and manufacturer of silicone compounds for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, announces the release of MED-4286, an ultra-soft elastomer with a feel similar to a firm gel but greater physical properties, providing a product ideal for potting, encapsulating or molding devices.

Automated Packaging Systems, the world leader in high-reliability bag packaging systems, has introduced a new biodegradable, 3-layer co-extruded film (EOF3) for mail order fulfillment applications. This new line of EarthAware™ bag film material is made of a unique blend of resins that offer superior sealing, strength and security.

Shrink Nanotechnologies, Inc., an innovative nanotechnology company developing products in the solar energy production, medical diagnostics and sensors and biotechnology research and development, announced a strategic alliance with Inabata America Corporation to market and sell the Company's OptiSol Solar Concentrator technologies and ShrinkChip Rapid Prototyping Solution.

CeloNova BioSciences, Inc. announced that Dr. Franco Orsi has developed the micro-bland embolization technique, which has demonstrated excellent clinical results in treating liver cancer. Embozene™ Microspheres consist of a hydrogel core and an exterior shell made from Polyzene®-F, CeloNova's proprietary polymer which is known to be anti-inflammatory and bacterial-resistant.

Through the use of patented GORE™ EYE-OPENER⁺® Conductor Technology and an extremely low loss expanded PTFE cable dielectric, Gore has developed a 10 meter SFP⁺ assembly, that is fully compliant with the SFF-8431 Revision 4.1 specification.