The plastics additives industry is built on a mix of technical prowess, production expertise and commercial know-how. In the current disruptive economic climate maximizing the value of this mix can make the difference between mere survival or preparing for future growth. Industry insiders James and Ann Innes of Flame Retardants Associates, Inc. and Robert Leeuwendal of Haig Barrett, Inc. make the case for what the plastics additives industry can do to capitalize better on knowledge and to improve competitive advantage. 12 November 2009
The European Parliament has adopted the proposals for the registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals. Plastics Additives & Compounding reports on what is now required to comply with REACH. 26 May 2009
Minerals used as fillers in plastic compounds have traditionally been used to reduce material costs by replacing a portion of the polymer with a less expensive material. However, nowadays many functional fillers or mineral modifiers are required to modify processing characteristics or finished part properties. Many are now also being used to reduce the level of more expensive additives such as pigments, flame retardants and impact modifiers. Jennifer Markarian reports on the changing face of fillers. 26 May 2009
Compounding for wire and cable applications makes a number of varied demands on extrusion machinery. Jennifer Markarian looks at some of the equipment on the market and discusses some of the issues that need to be considered by the wire and cable manufacturer. 26 May 2009
Up until recently setting up a manufacturing operation in China has meant a joint venture. However, changes in Chinese law now permit wholly foreign owned entities. Jennifer Markarian reports on how various companies are increasing their manufacturing presence in this rapidly expanding market. 26 May 2009
Applications for thermoplastic elastomers have continued to grow largely at the expense of thermoset rubbers. Innovation in processing and new materials is driving much of this growth Jennifer Markarian reports on some these developments. 26 May 2009
Accurate and repeatable dosing and blending is crucial in the manufacture of compounds and masterbatches. A wide variety of equipment is available to ensure that extruders run efficiently. Jennifer Markarian outlines some of the systems on offer from machinery suppliers. 21 May 2009
Polyamides are now widely found in a variety of high performance plastics applications in automotive, electrical and electronic and other industrial markets, for instance. Flame retardants play an increasingly important role in extending the reach of polyamides in these areas. Jennifer Markarian examines some of the issues that need to be taken into account when making polyamide compounds flame retardant. 21 May 2009
Plastics Additives & Compounding looks at some of the top worker health and safety issues in the plastics compounding industry - hazardous materials handling, ergonomics, machinery safety, and noise control – and summarizes some of the keys to success. 19 May 2009
Flame retardant nanocomposites are now being shown to offer significant benefits in wire and cable applications. Dr. Günter Beyer of Kabelwerk Eupen AG describes the results of some recent work on developing EVA nanocomposites that can offer a strong reduction in heat release with char formation by the nanocomposites. 02 May 2009
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