http://www.addcomp.com/ Copyright Elsevier Ltd Intuitiv Ltd (www.intuitiv.net) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:48:05 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/ http://www.addcomp.com/_common/img/template/pac/site-logo.gif http://www.addcomp.com/view/6103/marinas-lowtech-prospect-for-useful-returns/ Any hint of a potential new market for reinforced plastics is clearly of interest. So the fact that fibreglass and wood-plastic composites (WPC) are making inroads against traditional wood, steel and cement materials in the marina industry is worthy of comment, despite the inherently low-tech nature of this infrastructure. George Marsh investigates. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/6103/marinas-lowtech-prospect-for-useful-returns/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/5883/materials-handling-equipment-for-the-compounding-plant/ In these current difficult times, process efficiency and consequently productivity is as vital in the plastics compounding plant as it is in any other manufacturing environment. Advances in materials handling techniques can play a big part in the compounding operation. Jennifer Markarian explains. Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/5883/materials-handling-equipment-for-the-compounding-plant/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/5729/the-curau-challenge-optimizing-natural-fibres/ Curauá fibre is one of many natural fibres suggested as a suitable replacement for less ‘green’ glass and carbon fibre reinforcements – especially in the automotive sector. Scientists from SABIC in Brazil looked at how its use can be optimized with polyamide 6 and polypropylene. Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/5729/the-curau-challenge-optimizing-natural-fibres/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/5562/choosing-antimicrobial-additives-for-plastics/ New developments in antimicrobial additives for plastics are providing a much needed additional weapon against the spread of Healthcare associated infections. Alex Jones of Wells Plastics highlights some of these developments and discusses what to consider when selecting the best system for a particular application. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/5562/choosing-antimicrobial-additives-for-plastics/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/5215/making-knowhow-drive-topline-growth-/ 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. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/5215/making-knowhow-drive-topline-growth-/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/4994/backtobasics-adding-colour-to-plastics-/ Colours and special effects are key ingredients of plastics compounds, offering countless possibilities to designers who want to differentiate their products. Colorant suppliers sell their pigments and dyes primarily to compound and masterbatch producers, although a small volume goes directly to processors of finished parts. Jennifer Markarian reviews some of the basics, including types of colorants and special effects, how they are added to compounds and masterbatches, and concerns for adding them at the processing line. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/4994/backtobasics-adding-colour-to-plastics-/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1881/implementing-reach-the-challenges-ahead-/ 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. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1881/implementing-reach-the-challenges-ahead-/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1884/putting-it-to-the-test-polymer-analysis-in-the-laboratory-/ Research and development and quality control rely heavily on accurate analytical measurements. Now identifying recycled materials and verifying compliance for increasingly stringent regulations are also proving just as important areas for polymer analysis. Jennifer Markarian reports on some of the major issues in analytical techniques in the laboratory. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1884/putting-it-to-the-test-polymer-analysis-in-the-laboratory-/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1885/mineral-modifiers-take-on-new-roles/ 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. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1885/mineral-modifiers-take-on-new-roles/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1886/advances-in-pvc-heat-and-light-stabilization/ Stabilizers play a key role in the PVC industry, where the market is driven by both regulatory and cost-performance issues. Jennifer Markarian reviews some of the latest developments in heat and light stabilization for PVC. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1886/advances-in-pvc-heat-and-light-stabilization/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1887/strengthening-compounds-through-fibre-reinforcement/ Plastics continue to replace traditional materials such as metals in many high performance applications. Developments in fibre reinforcement for thermoplastics is helping to accelerate this trend. Jennifer Markarian reports on some of these developments and improvements in how fibres can be incorporated effectively into plastics. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1887/strengthening-compounds-through-fibre-reinforcement/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1889/wire-and-cable-compounding-meeting-the-production-requirements/ 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. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1889/wire-and-cable-compounding-meeting-the-production-requirements/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1891/woodplastic-composites-current-trends-in-materials-and-processing/ The aesthetic and low maintenance properties of wood-plastic composites are continuing to drive growth in wood replacement applications. Volumes are growing, both in North America where the market is well established, but now also in Europe where it is now starting to get a foothold. Jennifer Markarian reports for Plastics Additives & Compounding. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1891/woodplastic-composites-current-trends-in-materials-and-processing/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1893/product-differentiation-pushes-advances-in-colour-and-special-effects-forward-/ Increasingly brand owners are looking for ways to differentiate their products - even applications of what had previously considered utilitarian products. Colorant suppliers are moving to meet this demand. Jennifer Markarian looks at current trends in colour and special effects for plastics. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1893/product-differentiation-pushes-advances-in-colour-and-special-effects-forward-/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1895/understanding-the-extruder-processing-zone-the-heart-of-a-twin-screw-extruder-/ The Extruder Processing Zone (EPZ) is the heart of a co-rotating twin screw extruder and understanding how it works can help to achieve the desired performance. Dr. Babu Padmanabhan, chief executive officer and founder of Steer Engineering explains. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1895/understanding-the-extruder-processing-zone-the-heart-of-a-twin-screw-extruder-/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1896/biopolymers-present-new-market-opportunities-for-additives-in-packaging/ Biopolymers are produced from renewable resources, such as corn or starch, and are being touted as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based polymers. The biopolymer industry is emerging, with new products being introduced and commercial plants starting up, although supply is currently still limited. Jennifer Markarian reports on the current state on the biopolymer market and the increasingly important role of additives. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1896/biopolymers-present-new-market-opportunities-for-additives-in-packaging/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1897/choosing-a-melt-filtration-system/ Removing undesired particles from a polymer melt is an important element of many compounding operations. However, choosing the correct melt filtration system for the application poses a number of questions. Jennifer Markarian reports. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1897/choosing-a-melt-filtration-system/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1898/outdoor-living-space-drives-growth-in-woodplastic-composites/ Despite a slowdown in construction in North America, the growth in use of wood-plastic composites for decking, railing and fencing continues as it replaces timber and other materials. The benefits of these materials are now also being appreciated in Europe and other parts of the world as well, and volumes are growing. Jennifer Markarian reports on trends and developments in wood-plastic composites. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1898/outdoor-living-space-drives-growth-in-woodplastic-composites/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1901/lean-compounding-the-key-to-survival/ The plastics compounding industry is faced with the escalating need to supply an ever wider variety of speciality products within the shortest time. This results in an increasing demand for frequent formula changes in masterbatch and additive mix manufacturing. Wim Spook of Matcon Group Ltd explains how embracing the concept of lean compounding can help to achieve these goals. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1901/lean-compounding-the-key-to-survival/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1904/poss-keeps-high-temperature-plastics-flowing/ High performance plastics often require high processing temperatures. However, at such temperatures organic molecules start to degrade. Additives to keep the polymer flowing in moulding applications are required to aid processing while preventing degradation. Dr. Chris DeArmitt and Dr. Paul Wheeler of Hybrid Plastics describe the advantages of the hybrid ceramic-organic structure of POSS additives that can provide thermal stability and the retention of mechanical properties. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1904/poss-keeps-high-temperature-plastics-flowing/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1905/operating-in-china-what-are-your-options/ 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. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1905/operating-in-china-what-are-your-options/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1906/new-developments-in-antistatic-and-conductive-additives/ Antistatic, electrostatic dissipative (ESD) and conductive additives are in demand for plastics compounds used in many applications, from packaging to automotive. Additive suppliers have introduced new migrating antistats, perma¬nent antistats, and nanomaterials for this market. Jennifer Markarian reports for Plastics Additives & Compounding. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1906/new-developments-in-antistatic-and-conductive-additives/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1908/new-lubricants-offer-higher-efficiency-in-pvc-extrusion/ European polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processors have been seeking a high performance extrusion lubricant to use with calcium/zinc-based (Ca/Zn) stabilizers, which are increasingly being used in place of lead stabilizers. In response, Honeywell has developed the HPL (High Performance Lubricant). Dr. Rolf Spiekermann, technology manager Performance Products at the company’s Seelze plant in Germany explains how they can offer many quality and financial benefits. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1908/new-lubricants-offer-higher-efficiency-in-pvc-extrusion/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1909/thermoplastic-elastomer-compounds-continue-upward-trend/ 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. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1909/thermoplastic-elastomer-compounds-continue-upward-trend/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1910/extruder-developments-drive-productivity-improvements-for-rigid-pvc/ Machinery suppliers for rigid PVC production are working towards higher throughputs and overall cost savings. Jennifer Markarian reports on some of the latest developments. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1910/extruder-developments-drive-productivity-improvements-for-rigid-pvc/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1911/new-developments-in-mixing-and-screw-design/ Recent developments in mixing technology and screw design now offer performance improvements for the single screw compounding extruder. Chris Rauwendaal of Rauwendaal Extrusion Engineering, Inc. explains. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1911/new-developments-in-mixing-and-screw-design/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1842/cost-reductions-drive-developments-in-auxiliary-equipment/ To no one's surprise, a primary concern for plastics processors is reducing costs related to high energy and resin prices. In addition to reducing energy use, processors are concerned about reducing resin waste from spills, contamination, or damage during processing that results from improperly dried materials. Research and development in dryers and conveying systems is focusing on meeting these customer needs. Jennifer Markarian reports. Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1842/cost-reductions-drive-developments-in-auxiliary-equipment/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1843/design-trends-in-colour-and-effects-push-plastics-forward/ Adding colour and special effects to plastics continues to expand their role and potential applications. Jennifer Markarian reports on how design and fashion trends are shaping the market. Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1843/design-trends-in-colour-and-effects-push-plastics-forward/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1845/dosing-and-blending-getting-the-right-mix/ 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. Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1845/dosing-and-blending-getting-the-right-mix/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1846/flame-retardants-for-polyamides-new-developments-and-processing-concerns/ 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. Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1846/flame-retardants-for-polyamides-new-developments-and-processing-concerns/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1847/steady-growth-predicted-for-biocides/ Protecting plastics and preventing stain and odour growth have been the main requirements of an antimicrobial. However, consumer perception that products containing biocides can prevent the spread of diseases is also driving growth and prompting new developments with manufacturers. Jennifer Markarian reports. Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1847/steady-growth-predicted-for-biocides/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1824/efficiency-improvements-in-compounding-extruders-/ Areas for improving efficiency in compounding processes include improving energy efficiency, increasing output of quality product by optimizing screw design, and minimizing raw material waste that occurs during start-up or changeover. Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1824/efficiency-improvements-in-compounding-extruders-/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1825/slip-and-antiblock-additives-surface-medication-for-film-and-sheet-/ Modifying the surface of polymer film and sheet through the use of slip and antiblock additives can either improve performance in fabrication or downstream packaging equipment, or the end-use performance of the polymer. Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1825/slip-and-antiblock-additives-surface-medication-for-film-and-sheet-/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1826/worker-health-and-safety-in-plastics-compounding-/ 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. Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1826/worker-health-and-safety-in-plastics-compounding-/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1830/preventing-bacterial-growth-biocides-and-antimicrobials-/ Polymers and many additives that are used to provide useful properties in compounds are vulnerable to attack by micro-organisms. However, antimicrobials can be added to plastics to increase their resistance, which will maintain properties and boost product life. Plastics Additives & Compounding rounds up some of the products on the market in this important field. Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1830/preventing-bacterial-growth-biocides-and-antimicrobials-/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1831/compounders-smell-success-in-packaging/ The use of fragrances and deodorants in plastics compounds is on the increase with key applications in packaging in particular. Jennifer Markarian reports on some of the applications already on the market and describes some of the difficulties encountered in their incorporation in plastic compounds. Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1831/compounders-smell-success-in-packaging/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1690/pvc-a-vital-and-sustainable-resource/ The facts about vinyl undermine anti-PVC activists’ claims. Indeed, PVC exhibits numerous environmental benefits, argues Louis R Cappucci, vice-president of Teknor Apex Company, in making the case for vinyl. Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1690/pvc-a-vital-and-sustainable-resource/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1689/mrs-extrusion-technology-offers-new-options-in-pet/ A new type of single screw extruder has been developed that consists of 8-10 small extruder barrels, parallel to the main screw axis. The manufacturer claims that this design offers an extremely efficient devolatilization or degassing of the polymer melt. The system is well suited to the processing of highly contaminated polymers, such as post-consumer waste, and in particular for the processing of PET. Plastics Additives & Compounding reports on the MRS extrusion system from Gneuss Kunststofftechnik GmbH. Sun, 03 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1689/mrs-extrusion-technology-offers-new-options-in-pet/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1686/plastics-additives-improve-scratch-resistance-in-automotive-applications/ Scratch and mar resistance of automotive plastics is becoming increasingly important due to the growing use of plastics in the automotive industry and the trend to eliminate paint in favour of moulded-in-colour. Plastic surfaces can be protected by using coatings, laminates, scratch resistant resins, or additive formulations designed for improved scratch and mar resistance. Jennifer Markarian reports for Plastics Additives & Compounding. Sat, 02 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1686/plastics-additives-improve-scratch-resistance-in-automotive-applications/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1687/nanocomposites-a-new-class-of-flame-retardants/ 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. Sat, 02 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1687/nanocomposites-a-new-class-of-flame-retardants/ http://www.addcomp.com/view/1688/nanotechnology-and-biotechnology-highlighted-as-new-technology-trends/ The New Technology Symposium, the first of its kind presented by the Society of Plastics Engineers’ SPE) New Technology Committee, was recently held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the U.S. Speakers from academia and industry focused on emerging technology in advanced energy storage, nanotechnology and biotechnology. Attendees noted that their companies were looking for new technologies they could begin to study and apply now for commercialization five to ten years down the road. Plastics Additives & Compounding highlights some of the presentations related to additives and compounding. Sat, 02 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.addcomp.com/view/1688/nanotechnology-and-biotechnology-highlighted-as-new-technology-trends/