May 2, 2008 - Latest Innovation in Nucleating and Clarifying agents SpecialChem Nucleating agents and clarifiers optimize crystallization of semi-crystalline polymers, notably polypropylene, which upgrades clarity, dimensional stability, HDT, mechanical properties, barrier effect. Last generations of nucleators enhance cost savings, productivity, organoleptic properties, adaptation to bioplastics processing. So, new markets are opened to polypropylene competing other thermoplastics such as PET, PVC...

SpecialChem Molecules can be banned for various reasons: human risks, carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductively-toxic effects; pollution of air, water, land; persistent, bio-accumulative substances; greenhouse effect. Ban can be total or partial depending on the countries and applications. The article emphasizes on this aspect...

SpecialChem Aura, a proprietary color infusion technology launched as part of Bayer MaterialScience's Fantasia, color and special effects program for engineering resins infuses the surface of already-molded thermoplastic parts with color. The infusion process takes place in a heated bath containing a mostly aqueous dispersion of dye and a proprietary, polymer-friendly surfactant.

SpecialChem Bacteria, fungi and algae can affect the aesthetic and physical properties of a plastic or a rubber by causing black spotting or discoloration, pink staining, odour and polymer degradation, fouling etc. Biocides are used to fight these microorganisms. After 'Research and Markets' the market for biocides in plastics had soared to $145m (€113m) in 2005 that is to say a significant rise of 40% since 1995.

SpecialChem Plastics, rubbers, TPE, composites are not monolithic materials but are made from the association of several entities, one or several polymers, fillers and chemicals.When the polymers are immiscible, one of them forms a continuous phase and the other polymer(s) and ingredients are dispersed into it.If there is no compatibility between the continuous phase and the dispersed droplets of the other ingredients, too weak are the mechanical performances and the applications are very reduced. To obtain an industrial material it is necessary to have fine particles homogeneously distributed in the continuous polymer matrix and linked to it by physical and chemical interactions. The article emphasizes on this aspect...

SpecialChem All the industrial or agricultural or more generally human activities consume chemicals from natural or synthetic sources. Until 2007, each nation decreed its laws, regulations and standards concerning the use, risks and health hazards of some chemicals for some activities...

SpecialChem One of the most important technological advances in the field of plastics over the last half of the twentieth century has been the extensive replacement of metals with plastics...

SpecialChem The global plastics additives industry is well into recovery as it continues to hit record sales with revenue close to US $22 billion for 2006 following a record year of US $21 billion in 2005. The article emphasizes on this market...

SpecialChem Originally, rubbers are independent macromolecular chains with poor characteristics and it's essential to incorporate numerous additives into them, currently 10 up to 15, during a mixing process to subsequently promote crosslinking, reinforcement, ageing protection...

SpecialChem Plastics are indispensable in electrical and electronic applications. They are extraordinarily versatile and offer numerous possibilities besides insulation...

SpecialChem The crosslinking or curing consists in linking the independent macromolecules of a polymer to build a three-dimensional structure obtained by chemical or physical means...

SpecialChem Polymer nanocomposites are formed from blends of nanometer sized fillers with either thermoset or thermoplastic polymers. The properties of polymer nanocomposites are remarkably different from those of conventional materials. The article emphasises on nanocomposites markets, new development trends, new nanocomposites strategies and global technology highlights...

SpecialChem Carbon nanotubes are known for exhibiting unique mechanical, electrical and thermal properties, useful for a wide range of applications. Nanocyl, a leading carbon nanotubes (CNT) specialist, manufactures thin multi-wall CNTs that are incorporated as an electro-conductive additive in plastics for applications in the electronics and automotive industry. Attributed benefits in engineering plastics are high retention of elongation at break & impact strength when designing electrostatic discharge (ESD) materials for automotive applications requiring Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1645 specifications. Electronics assembly and packaging require more and more clean and conductive materials. Minute additions of Nanocyl’s carbon nanotubes enable again plastics to achieve more constraining specifications thanks to the low level of addition (< 3 wt. %). Examples are trays, conveyor belts...