Quantum Composites introduces AMC-8590-50, a Carbon Reinforced Advanced Molding Compound (AMC®) for high volume automotive applications. Designed to replace steel, aluminum and many traditional composites, AMC-8590-50 delivers the cost, weight and performance targets needed by the automotive Engineer to develop lighter weight structural and semi-structural solutions for better fuel efficiency.

The Brazilian subsidiary of the German-Japanese machine builder, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, will be profiling itself as a full-range supplier in the packaging area at the Feiplastic from 20 to 24 May in São Paulo, on stand № H90. A fully electric high-speed SE-HSZ machine will be producing a 1.5 l container with IML labels. At the Feiplastic, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag do Brasil will be presenting a fully electric SE 280 HSZ with 2,800 kN clamping force.

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) ANTEC® 2013 [April 22-24] opened at the Duke Energy Convention Center amidst renewed growth for the plastics industry and SPE itself. Reflecting this expansion was the broad range of programs available to industry professionals during ANTEC 2013. In addition to the world’s largest plastics technical conference, for example, there was a new "Business of Plastics" conference focusing on non-technical issues of business management. A co-located trade show with 95 exhibitors ranks as the largest plastics exposition in the U.S. this year.

Rennovia, Inc. (Rennovia), a privately held company that develops novel catalysts and processes for the production of chemical products from renewable feedstocks, has been identified in an IHS report as the leading prospect for cost advantaged bio-based adipic acid production vs. conventional petroleum-based processes based on oxidation of cyclohexane, and more recently described processes employing fermentation.

With the miniature cavity pressure sensor type 6008A PRIAMUS system technologies extends its range of sensors for the use at limited spacial conditions in the injection mold. It is a remarkable and unique fact that also with these small dimensions the sensor connecting cable can be detached and exchanged as needed. As with all cavity pressure and cavity temperature sensors this sensor can be used to automatically detect the melt front for switching purposes — such as the opening and closing of valve gates or the balancing of hot-runner molds.

Solvay Specialty Polymers, one of the leading global suppliers of high-performance thermoplastics for the automotive industry, is delivering two technical presentations on the use of its high-performance polyamides for engine cooling components at the 8th annual SPE Automotive Engineering Plastics Conference (AutoEPCON) April 30 at Michigan State University's Management Education Center in Troy, Mich.

ASU engineer Amy Landis has a pivotal role in a new potentially far-reaching effort to use biomaterial to produce rubber in a more environmentally and economically sustainable way. She will lead the sustainability assessment for a four-year project teaming Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, Yulex Corporation, ASU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The project has been awarded a $6.9 million grant through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative of the USDA and the U.S. Department of Energy.

As lighting technology and design continue to advance, lighting professionals are seeking materials that meet rigorous technical specifications and appeal to the eye. Bayer MaterialScience LLC offers architects, designers, engineers and other lighting professionals diverse solutions to emerging functional and aesthetic needs — a robust selection of light-managing polycarbonate plastics, films and sheet materials, complemented by deep technical and application expertise.

According to a new IHS Chemical (NYSE: IHS) global market research report, mounting consumer pressure and legislation such as plastic bag bans and global warming initiatives will increase demand for biodegradable polymers (plastics) in North America, Europe and Asia from 269 thousand metric tons (KMT) in 2012 to nearly 525 KMT in 2017, representing an average annual growth rate of nearly 15 percent during the five-year period 2012-2017.

Evonik Cyro recently launched ACRYLITE® LED Whites, a new line of ACRYLITE® LED acrylic molding and extrusion compounds specifically designed for backlit LED lighting applications, at the 2013 LightFair International Conference in Philadelphia, Pa. ACRYLITE® LED acrylic compounds are used for applications and designs with intense LED® light sources. With the addition of Whites to the ACRYLITE® LED series, customers have a specifically formulated option for backlit applications.

A team of Virginia Tech researchers has succeeded in transforming cellulose into starch, a process that has the potential to provide a previously untapped nutrient source from plants not traditionally thought of as food crops. Y.H. Percival Zhang, an associate professor of biological systems engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering, led a team of researchers in the project that could help feed a global population expected to swell to 9 billion by 2050. Starch is one of the most important components of the human diet and provides 20 to 40 percent of our daily caloric intake.

Jeffrey H. Helms, Ph.D., global automotive OEM manager — Ticona, the engineering polymers business of Celanese Corporation, will deliver a keynote speech on "Navigating Global Regulations & Specifications — Materials Supplier Perspective" at the 8th Annual SPE® Automotive Engineering Plastics Conference (AutoEPCON) on Tuesday, April 30, in Troy, Mich. Helms will highlight various government and automotive industry standards — fuel economy, light weighting, volatile organic compounds — and how Ticona is helping global OEMs meet these initiatives.

Cereplast, Inc., one of the leading manufacturers of proprietary biobased, compostable and sustainable bioplastics, recently cited that the Supreme Court of India is moving toward stronger legislation to control the country's plastic pollution problem. Cereplast has begun receiving orders and payment for Compostable 3002 for the manufacture of single-use bags, and expects to receive more orders for this material in the near future.

Maguire Products, Inc. has recently announced that it has streamlined the operation of its unique system for transforming purging into regrind, making possible an increase in throughput of 20% and production of finer and more uniform granulate with less dusting. The enhancements to the Maguire® Purging Recovery System&trdae; (PRS&trdae;) have also increased the efficiency of granulating polystyrene, flexible vinyl, and other polymers that might otherwise melt or degrade under the shear forces of size reduction, causing backup or clumping that shuts the system down.

A new chemical process can transform waste sulfur into a lightweight plastic that may improve batteries for electric cars, reports a University of Arizona-led team. The new plastic has other potential uses, including optical uses. The team has successfully used the new plastic to make lithium-sulfur batteries. "We've developed a new, simple and useful chemical process to convert sulfur into a useful plastic," lead researcher Jeffrey Pyun said.

Cascades' new EVOK™, the first polystyrene foam food tray in North America made with recycled material, can now be found on the grocery shelves of an important Canadian distributor. EVOK™ was created to package meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, and fresh fruit. Cascades is proud to offer this innovative new product and reaffirm its position as one of the leaders in packaging that respects the environment.

Dow Corning, one of the global leaders in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, introduces at LIGHTFAIR® International 2013 [Apr 21-25] its new Dow Corning® Dispensable Thermal Pads, an innovative technology developed for more cost-effective thermal management in LED lighting applications. The new materials now enable LED lamp and luminaire manufacturers to quickly and precisely print a layer of thermally conductive silicone compound in controllable thicknesses on complex substrate shapes.

Currently, one of the hot button issues for foodservice single-use packaging is the proposed polystyrene ban in New York City, which is stirring many emotions on both sides. Still, in a time where bans or restrictions are being discussed, suppliers of foodservice packaging are optimistic about the year ahead. The Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) found that, generally speaking, a strengthening economy and less volatile input pricing could result in a positive year for the foodservice packaging industries in North America and Europe.

Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has created a medical grade polyurethane that not only displays characteristic polycarbonate resistance to oxidation and alcohol swelling, but also demonstrates expanded resistance to environmental stress cracking. Developed by the Engineered Polymer Systems (EPS) Division of Parker, the product, called Parker Medical Grade ALC Polyurethane, is an aliphatic polycarbonate-based thermoplastic polyurethane designed for use in medical and life science applications.

PlastiComp Inc. has increased production capacity with the installation of a new long fiber thermoplastic (LFT) compounding line. The new line will increase capacity approximately five million pounds per year. PlastiComp acquired a new site for their headquarters in 2011. The acquired building of 75,000 square feet was subsequently expanded to approximately 85,000 square feet. Additionally, the building is undergoing modifications to add a new carbon fiber dedicated production line for both LFT pellets and UD (unidirectional) tapes.