Omnexus.com R&D Highlights in Plastics & Elastomers Solutions

Metal-containing Polymers

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The incorporation of metallic units into polymer chains is a promising route to functional metal-containing (nano)materials. The resulting polymers possess rich functions derived from their metallic elements, such as redox, optical, catalytic and... (R&D Highlight)

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A Unique Paradigm in Cross-Linked Polymers

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Polymer networks possessing reversible covalent cross-links constitute a novel material class with the capacity for adapting to an externally applied stimulus. These reversibly cross-linked materials represent a trend in polymer network fabrication... (R&D Highlight)

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Renewable thermosets: A critical review

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This review presents the recent advances in the synthesis, properties and applications of thermosetting materials derived from renewable resources. Thermosetting materials are highly cross-linked polymers that are cured or set using heat, or heat and... (R&D Highlight)

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Potential hazard in structural applications of PLA

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

With their excellent biocompatibility and relatively high mechanical strength, PLAs are attractive candidates for application in load-bearing, resorbable implants. Pre-clinical studies provided a proof of principle for PLA cages as temporary... (R&D Highlight)

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Anti-fogging and adhesion improvement on polymer surfaces

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The hydrophobic properties of polymeric surfaces causes fogging in transparent packaging and poor adhesion to printing colors and coatings. Novel plasma processes for durable functionalization of PP and PET substrates were developed and analysed... (R&D Highlight)

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Properties of carbon nanotube composites

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article reviews the current state of research in polymer/carbon nanotubes (single wall and multiwall) composites in context to various types of pre-treatments presently employed. The fundamental aspects of carbon nanotubes are briefly discussed... (R&D Highlight)

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Development of low moisture absorbing sheet molding compound

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article reviews the role of sheet molding compound (SMC) constituent components in controlling the moisture absorption of the final molded panels. A variety of polyester resins, low profile additives, and fillers were exposed to high humidity,... (R&D Highlight)

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Recent advances and challenges in designing stimuli-responsive polymers

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Synthetic materials capable of responses to external or internal stimuli represent one of the most exciting and emerging areas of scientific interest and unexplored commercial applications. While there are many exciting challenges facing this field,... (R&D Highlight)

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Environmental impacts of conventional and bio-based carrier bags

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The use of bio-based products as carrier bags, packaging materials, and many other applications has been increasingly replacing conventional polymer products. One of the main driving forces of bio-plastic applications is the perceived depletion and... (R&D Highlight)

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Design of biodegradable polymer systems for tissue engineering

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A vast majority of biodegradable polymers studied belongs to the polyester family which includes polyglycolides and polylactides. Some disadvantages of these polymers in tissue engineering applications are their poor bio-compatibility, release of... (R&D Highlight)

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Light emitting display

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This invention provides a method for the manufacture of a light-emissive display by providing a substrate consisting of an electrode layer and a bank structure containing a plurality of wells. Next, a conductive organic polymer film is deposited... (R&D Highlight)

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Morphology and physical properties of polyurethane foams

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Polyurethane foams (PUFs) were prepared by mixing poly (ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) and isocyanates in the ratio of 1:1.03 in the presence of additives such as catalyst, blowing agent and surfactant. The... (R&D Highlight)

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Modified atmosphere packaging of fresh produce: Current status and future needs

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Fresh produce is more susceptible to disease organisms because of increase in the respiration rate after harvesting. The respiration of fresh fruits and vegetables can be reduced by many preservation techniques. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)... (R&D Highlight)

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Sustainable carbon based materials

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The production of functional nanostructured materials starting from cheap natural precursors using environmentally friendly processes is a highly attractive subject in material research. Recently, much attention has been focused on the use of plant... (R&D Highlight)

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New non-migrating PVC plasticizer

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article reveals a new approach to making PVC flexible with zero plasticizer migration! The technology involves compounding a thiol functional phthalate into rigid PVC. The thiol chemically reacts with C-Cl bonds and covalently attaches the... (R&D Highlight)

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Transparent nanocomposite flexible thin films provide UV protection

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article describes the preparation and performance of flexible ZnO-PS nanocomposite thin films which were highly transparent in the visible region and exhibited excellent UV-absorbing properties. The nanocomposite films were prepared from... (R&D Highlight)

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Breakthrough material for low gloss and abrasion resistance with molded-in-color automotive interior components

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The luxury impression of a vehicle's interior is strongly dependent upon the surface quality of the plastic interior trim parts. In higher level vehicles, this is achieved by covering the plastic surfaces with PVC or Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO)... (R&D Highlight)

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Color matched wood-grained component for automobile interior

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This invention claims a process for manufacture of automotive interior components comprising a plastic substrate having 1 flat surface with 1 adjacent curved surface, and a wood-grained plastic film having a major colored feature and covering a... (R&D Highlight)

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Life cycle assessment and eco-efficiency analysis of drinking cups used at public events

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

At the request of the Public Waste Agency for the Flemish Region, the Flemish Institute for Technology Research performed a life cycle assessment (LCA), according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14040 procedures (ISO 1997,... (R&D Highlight)

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Effects of cross section design and testing conditions on the flexural properties of wood/PVC composite beams

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Highly filled wood/PVC (WPVC) composites were manufactured in five different cross sections by using an industrial-scale twin-screw extruder. The flexural properties of such composites were evaluated, with the effects of sample direction, span... (R&D Highlight)

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