SpecialChem ColorMatrix, the leading global innovator in plastic liquid colourants and additives, will launch Amosorb® SolO₂, a high performance PET barrier technology, at Drinktec 2009. This new technology ensures extended product protection and longer shelf-life in oxygen-sensitive beverages, particularly beers, wines and juices.

SpecialChem Developed in partnership with SteriTouch®, Ducavin ABC compounds, a new range of flexible and rigid PVC compounds, have been created as a response to the increasing requests for materials which reduce the growth of harmful organisms such as bacteria, mould and fungi, while remaining entirely safe for sensitive applications.

SpecialChem SABIC Innovative Plastics has leap-frogged its Ultem* resin technology to advanced new levels of extreme performance with the launch of new leading-edge Ultem composite. Target markets and applications include flame retardant fabrics, ultra-lightweight aircraft interiors, and other high-end products where outstanding levels of performance are required.

SpecialChem PolyOne announced the initial launch of the revolutionary new Resound™ platform of biopolymer compounds. These compounds, formulated with a 30% minimum bio-derived content, offer a substantial boost in performance for current and future bio-based materials. Key improvements include levels of heat tolerance and impact resistance unobtainable with neat bioplastics.

SpecialChem The Kettler company is cladding its new cross trainer Satura P 7653 with Terluran® GP-35, a standard ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer) from BASF's product range of plastics, which Kettler itself then colors in light grey and black. For self-coloring of ABS, BASF offers the system Colorflexx®, developed in cooperation with leading masterbatch suppliers.

SpecialChem Americhem, Inc., a global provider of custom color and additive solutions for polymer- based and synthetic-fibers products, recently introduced nDuramax™, an advanced family of high-performance UV stabilizers. The product line includes a new UV stabilizer solution for PET fibers that offers significantly improved weathering compared to traditional technologies.

SpecialChem Gabriel-Chemie has developed its PPSYS solution, which has enabled a UV stabiliser and flame retardant combination for the first time. The objective was to supply a combination of colour masterbatches together with an UV stabiliser and flame retardant as one system, which would meet all FIFA and UEFA requirements.

SpecialChem Carbon Design Innovations, Inc. (C|D|I) announced the availability of two new atomic force microscope (AFM) probes types with carbon nanotube (CNT) tips. The CCHAR (carbon core high-aspect ratio) and CCHR (carbon core high-resolution) CNT probes offer quantum improvements for AFM imaging, substantially improving results and reducing overall cost of operation.

SpecialChem Shepherd Color's black pigment offerings includes CI Pigment Black 28 products that are the standard for a blue-shade, jet black with high durability and high heat (1500F) properties for use in plastics, coatings, ceramics and enamels. Others include Black 430 and Black 30C965, each tailored to a specific purpose.

SpecialChem INVISTA, global manufacturer of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers, is launching a new business focused on nylon engineering polymers. Already a producer of nylon fiber, INVISTA's entry into this particular plastics market, known as engineering polymers, enables the company to provide nylon products for a variety of applications.

SpecialChem As part of its Green Chemistry initiative, the specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG is launching Krynac M 3340 VP, a new grade of nitrile rubber that contains a plasticizer which is not considered as hazardous substance. Instead of a phthalate-based plasticizer this synthetic rubber contains the polymer additive Mesamoll, an alkane sulfonic acid ester of phenol.

SpecialChem Owens Corning's Twintex® technology will be used by Fiber Glass Industries to produce GLASS POLYPRO™ roving and fabrics that combine glass fibers and polypropylene filaments. Twintex® technology provides freedom of design and easily recyclable products.

SpecialChem KKL's new Gocycle® electric bicycle - on display at NPE 2009 in SABIC booth W123011 - is the lightest production electric bicycle in the world. It is extremely durable, thanks to high-performance Verton composite, a 60-percent long glass fiber-reinforced nylon composite that gives the it extreme stiffness, impact strength, exceptional toughness and reliability.

SpecialChem The Dow Chemical Company announced the availability of a new, superior vinyl impact modifier - Paraloid™ KM-X100 Pro. This material fulfills the major needs for reducing extruded vinyl processing costs: it allows lower use levels, gives a wider processing window for lower melt temperatures, and provides fast fusion for higher output rates and maintaining gloss targets.

SpecialChem The Eiffel Tower is getting a new look for its 120th birthday. Bayferrox pigments from the specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG provide the color for the Paris trademark's high-grade anticorrosion coating. The iron oxides offer maximum light and weather stability, high tinting strength and chemical resistance in addition to outstanding hiding power.

SpecialChem Datacolor, a global leader in digital color management technology, announced that it is introducing a powerful upgrade to its intelligent color formulation software solution designed for pigment based applications including the paint, plastics, ink, and cosmetics industries.

SpecialChem Metabolix, Inc. announced that Telles, its joint venture with Archer Daniels Midland Company that produces Mirel™ bioplastics, has collaborated with Teknor Color Company to develop a range of color concentrates for use with Mirel resin. The newly developed color concentrates meet ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 standards for compostability and biodegradability.

SpecialChem The new book from Plastics Information Direct is a genuine industry guide. It aims to cut through the hype and show where these new 'wonder materials' will really fit into commercial products, offering improved performance and new opportunities. Combining academic and industrial contributions, the book will also be of value to researchers.

SpecialChem Americhem Inc., a global provider of custom color and additive solutions for polymer-based products, recently debuted vDesign®, an exclusive web-based software that brings a half century of expertise together in one highly advanced program for faster, more accurate color and property matching.

SpecialChem Iowa State University researchers have begun developing a software program that can help determine the economic viability of a proposed biobased product. Iowa State's Biopolymers and Biocomposites Research Team will have an exhibit at the NPE 2009. The team will be exhibiting samples of plastics, composites, adhesives and coatings they have made from vegetable oils and proteins.

SpecialChem Cool Roof solutions are one of a number of energy-saving technologies developed with Bayer MaterialScience's expertise in polyurethanes that can make a measurable difference in reducing energy usage and reducing operational costs. Cool Roof technology is an energy-saving technology to reflect the sun from a roof while preventing energy dollars from leaking out.

SpecialChem Medical product manufacturers who seek the high-performance properties of PEEK polymers for medical devices can now get them in a wide range of colors for injection molding or precision profile extrusions. Clariant Masterbatches has developed a range of color masterbatches, which are recommended for use in disposable and multiple-use and re-sterilizable devices.

SpecialChem BASF will feature new products, processes and productivity improvements that help make products more sustainable, durable, colorful and safe during the June 22-26 NPE. BASF will demonstrate how to reduce heat generated by dark surfaces, add color to food packaging with FDA compliant colorants, and add attractiveness to high-end products and packaging.

SpecialChem Shinil Chemical Industry CO. LTD will exhibit new protective Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) packaging for semiconductor and automotive industries based on Nanocyl multi-wall carbon nanotubes at NPE'09, June 22-26, 2009, McCormick Place, South Hall, Chicago, Illinois. The products include magazine racks, IC trays and multilayered sheets for trays thermoforming.

SpecialChem Americhem Inc., a global provider of custom color and additive solutions for polymer-based products, recently developed xCelmax™, a new cycle time reduction additive that shortens production time, increases efficiencies and improves overall end product quality.

SpecialChem The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Clariant its New Chemicals Program P2 Recognition Project Award for the company's Exolit® OP 560, a new-generation non-halogenated flame-retardant. The product, is made by Clariant's Pigments & Additives Division for polyurethane foams in automotive, furniture and consumer applications.

SpecialChem NanoMaterials09 will take place at the Maritim Bonn Hotel, Germany on 16 - 18 June 2009. It will kick off with a pre-conference workshop discussing nanotechnology risk management, followed by a two day conference. This year, with 6 new exhibitors announced this week, more than 130 attendees confirmed so far.

SpecialChem The European business unit for plastic additives and the global units for technology management and the restructuring of the pigment business will be located at the former headquarters of Ciba Holding AG in Basel. Basel will also be home to a BASF research center focusing on plastics, coatings and paper.

SpecialChem Robert J. Kumpf, Bayer MaterialScience LLC chief administrative officer, delivered a keynote on the burgeoning nanomaterials market during the opening session of the Nanotechnology 2009 international trade show. Bayer is one of the first companies to earn Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory approval to sell carbon nanotubes in the United States.

SpecialChem Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc., the worldwide leader in the industrial measurement of color, light and shape, announces the addition of the Range 5 non-contact 3D digitizer to its product offerings. Modeled from the highly successful Range 7 digitizer, the Range 5 gives the performance expected from Konica Minolta.

SpecialChem At the recent 2009 Nanotech Conference, Bayer MaterialScience showcased a number of technical innovations for use in new industrial applications containing Baytubes® that have been developed in collaboration with some of its partners for the chemical, mechanical engineering, sports goods and electrical/electronics industries.

SpecialChem In accordance to the new U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission flammability standard for foam mattresses and CPSC's upcoming standard for upholstered furniture, Techmer PM has developed three new non-halogenated flame retardants for polyester and polyamide (nylon) fibers.

SpecialChem Royal DSM N.V., the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company headquartered in the Netherlands, and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding for DSM to acquire MCC's Novamid® polyamide business in exchange for DSM's Xantar® polycarbonate business.

SpecialChem Nanotechnology scientists at two Arkansas research institutions have developed a method of detecting, tracking, and killing cancer cells in real time with carbon nanotubes. The discovery opens the prospect of a new, major front in the fight to eradicate cancer with promise for a new generation of cancer treatment beyond surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

SpecialChem Product manufacturers who seek the high-performance properties of PEEK (polyetheretherketone) polymers can now get them in a wide range of colors. Clariant Masterbatches has developed a range of color masterbatches that are formulated specifically for use with PEEK materials.

SpecialChem Americhem Inc., a global provider of custom color and additive solutions for polymer-based products, recently launched an expanded line of chemical blowing agents (CBAs) to the market under the brand name nCore™. With nCore™, customers will find a high-level of cost efficiencies, improved physical properties and decreased cycle time.

SpecialChem Americhem Inc., a global provider of custom color and additive solutions for polymer-based and synthetic fiber products, is working to eliminate the use of CO₂ at all of its facilities along with participating in other programs to recycle paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, cans, printer cartridges and computer equipment.

SpecialChem The sports equipment company, Jas. D. Easton Inc., has given $2 million to the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science to fund research on advanced carbon materials for sports equipment and aerospace applications. Because of their light weight, strength and resistance to corrosion, carbon nanotubes are used in a variety of applications.

SpecialChem MaterialScience AG has begun construction of a new facility for the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in Chempark Leverkusen, Germany. The new plant will have a capacity of 200 tons/year. Baytubes® are used to produce tough, extremely strong, lightweight materials.

SpecialChem Despite improved extrusion technology, the dispersion of organic pigments often presents a challenge. BYK®-P 4102, however is a highly efficient polymeric processing additive that ensures improved and more consistent dispersion.

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation and Zyvex Performance Materials announced that they are the recipients of a $4.9 million grant from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission that will fund the further development and production of carbon-nanotube composites for structural and electrically conductive applications.

SpecialChem A high-quality carbon composite tape made with Fortron® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) engineering thermoplastic from Ticona Engineering Polymers is adding strength and taking the weight out of braided fabrics preforms manufactured by A&P Technology Inc. for advanced aircraft interior applications.

SpecialChem Nanocyl announced that it will introduce its newest carbon nanotube masterbatches, PLASTICYL™, at the Chinaplas Show from May 18-21, 2009 at Chinaplas, Guangzhou, China. Nanocyl will be located in stand A55, hall 9.2.

SpecialChem Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method for producing a hybrid graphene--carbon nanotube, or G-CNT, for potential use as a transparent conductor in solar cells and consumer electronic devices. G-CNTs are also ideal candidates for use as electrodes in polymer solar cells.

SpecialChem Nanocyl S.A. and Shinil Chemical Industry CO. LTD announced that they have reached a long-term agreement for the supply of Nanocyl™ 7000 multi-wall carbon nanotubes to Shinil for the manufacturing of electrostatic discharge (ESD) packaging for semiconductors.

SpecialChem Entropy Surfboards, a division of Entropy Sports, Amroy Europe (Amroy) Ltd., and Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) LLC have teamed up to deliver a new line of custom-made surfboards that incorporate carbon nanotubes from BMS.

SpecialChem X-Rite Incorporated will present advanced technologies at the NPE2009 International Plastics Showcase in Chicago from June 22 to 26 that manufacturers of plastics products can use in their workflow everyday to accurately communicate color data between plants worldwide, reduce rework and scrap, and improve quality.

SpecialChem The new laser power meter, tested at a U.S. Air Force base last week, will be used to measure the light emitted by 10-kilowatt (kW) laser systems. A key innovation is the use of a sprayed-on coating of carbon nanotubes--tiny cylinders made of carbon atoms--which conduct heat hundreds of times better than conventional detector coating materials.

SpecialChem The new colors are being introduced as part of the LEDA® Compounded Color Technology family. For medical devices, FDA-modified ISO 10993-1 is the widely accepted standard for biocompatibility, and the family of Rx Medical LEDA colors was developed with this specification in mind.

SpecialChem Marking its twenty-eighth year of service to the plastics and fiber industries, Techmer PM will highlight its wide range of custom-formulated color and additives design solutions at NPE 2009 to be held in Chicago's McCormick Place, June 22-26.

SpecialChem Parliament calls for the provision of information to consumers on the use of nanomaterials in consumer products: all ingredients present in the form of nanomaterials in substances, mixtures or articles should be clearly indicated in the labelling of the product.

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation, announced it will transition to the PlanetPak™ Packaging System as the standard container for color and additive concentrates in North America. The PlanetPak container replaces traditional fiber drums.

SpecialChem Development engineers are increasingly focusing on lightweight construction, and not just in aircraft and automobile manufacture. Materials with high loadbearing capacity that can also cut weight and ultimately costs are much in demand. Ticona meets both these requirements with Celstran®.

SpecialChem The Shepherd Color Company has announced the introduction of a new chromium-free, high-temperature, high performance, FDA approved pigment, Black 20F944, finding application in high temperature cookware.

SpecialChem In results independently verified by Texas State University at San Marcos, ANI has achieved an improvement of over 40% in flexural strength and over 30% in compression strength for epoxy/carbon nanotube composites. These improvements were obtained through the chemical and mechanical modification and functionalization of carbon nanotubes in order for them to be accepted and integrated properly into the epoxy matrix.

SpecialChem Several new resins and additives that raise part performance and improve processability were launched at the recent 32nd Annual Fall Meeting of the Association of Rotational Molders (ARM) in Detroit. The conference also featured a simple and efficient in-mold labeling system, a unique tooling device to create holes and openings in the mold, and new clamshell and shuttle machines.

SpecialChem AEROSIL® fumed silicas from Evonik serve as reinforcing fillers in silicone rubber applications improving mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear resistance and, almost incidentally, ensures that the rubber has good transparency.

SpecialChem Strong feelings about increasing cultural unity and personal commitments to a better environment can be expected to make consumers more receptive to bright, layered colors, contrasted with earthy, neutral tones, according to the 2009 edition of ColorForward™. This Clariant Masterbatches color trend analysis and design tool is released annually to help designers and marketing professionals make informed color choices. ColorForward 2009 is the collaborative effort of color specialists from North and South America, Europe and Asia. It is an invaluable service available through Clariant's global network of ColorWorks™ design & technology centers.

SpecialChem Danisco A/S, a global leader in supplying innovative solutions to the food and polymeric industry, continues the company's tradition of offering new products with a unique safety profile and unsurpassed functionality to the plastics industry.

SpecialChem Resin makers who supply the electronic enclosures market will soon be able to get one of the world's best performing phosphorus flame retardants from a new production source.

SpecialChem With the introduction of a range of RoHS-compliant concentrates for use with FireGuard® and other low-smoke PVC plenum compounds, Teknor Color Company now offers RoHS-compliant colors spanning the entire spectrum of the most widely used wire and cable polymers, the company announced.

SpecialChem BASF is to raise production capacity in Ludwigshafen for higher oxo alcohols by 80,000 metric tons to a total of 390,000 metric tons per year. The additional capacity is earmarked mainly for the manufacture of plasticizers, whose production capacity BASF also plans to raise by 40,000 to 300,000 metric tons per year. The increased plasticizer production capacity is scheduled to be in place by the second quarter of 2008. The additional production capacities for oxo alcohols are to be built up stepwise through to the end of the first quarter of 2009.

SpecialChem Diamant Art Corporation announces that the Company is prepared to meet the demand of the rapidly growing segment of plastic grocery bag manufacturers. Nor-X brings an elite, high quality, and patented technology to the industry through Diamant Art Corporation which is prepared to start filling orders immediately based on the anticipation of a strong surge in demand for the Nor-X biodegradable additive.

SpecialChem NaturalNano, Inc. , a developer of advanced nanomaterials and additive technologies, announced it is ramping up current efforts aimed at developing additional domestic and international sources of halloysite nanotubes (HNT™), the key component in the Company's newly launched additive for manufacturing stronger, lighter and less expensive materials: Pleximer™.

SpecialChem DSM announces that its patented Micabs® additive technology for laser marking can be safely used in plastic caps and closures as it is in full compliance with the relevant requirements of the US Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the EU Framework Directive 1935/2004.

SpecialChem A peroxide cure system has been developed for the Hydrin® T6000 polyether elastomer that reduces the elastomer's compression set to make it an even stronger candidate for sealing applications, especially those that require low-temperature resistance to -60°C. Hydrin T6000 is an innovative material from Zeon Chemicals that combines the advantages of polypropylene oxide with easier processing and usage.

SpecialChem Bühler PARTEC, a company active in nanotechnology, and Brenntag Schweizerhall, provider of specialty and bulk chemicals, are collaborating to bring the value of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) to the market. The collaboration involves the development and production of tailor-made CNT dispersions by Bühler and their marketing and distribution by Brenntag Schweizerhall.

SpecialChem Lehigh Technologies, Inc., a leading manufacturer of engineered rubber powder, and Tetramer Technologies, LLC, announced a joint research and development agreement. Under the agreement, Tetramer Technologies will conduct developmental research on the use of Lehigh's engineered rubber powder in urethane and epoxy polymers for the aerospace, electronics, automotive, construction, and coatings industries; then on specialty polymers for coating, construction, transportation, and agricultural industries and finally expand into functionalized, renewable biopolymers and nanocomposites developmental research.

SpecialChem Americhem, a global supplier of color and additive solutions for polymer-based products, has announced several moves in its on-going manufacturing restructuring process. Current plans involve expanding its manufacturing plants in Concord, North Carolina and Mansfield Texas while phasing out operations at its Salisbury, Maryland plant.

SpecialChem Arkema is investing in a major expansion of its PVC heat stabilizer production facility in Beijing (China), to respond to the strong growth of the construction and packaging markets.

SpecialChem With the overall theme "Your business - our effects", Ciba is to show a host of new solutions for the plastics industry at K 2007 in Düsseldorf from October 24-31, at stand No. A27 in Hall 06. New effects to be exhibited are designed to enhance aspects such as "Color & Appeal", "Durability & Protection", and "Functionality & Performance" as well as "Processing Efficiency".

SpecialChem Construction has begun on a new 100 million pound per year titanium tetrachloride production facility at the DuPont titanium dioxide plant in New Johnsonville, Tenn. Plans for the new $30 million facility were announced last October. The unit is expected to begin operations in the summer of 2008.

SpecialChem Basell has announced the commercialisation of its latest generation Avant ZN catalysts in China, addressing customer requests from the country’s expanding polyolefins industry. First customer to be served will be CSPC, a leading Chinese polyolefin producer.

SpecialChem PolyCond represents an European team investigating conducting polymers and one of the aims of this project is develop good conducting plastic materials without the disadvantages of the traditional methods.

SpecialChem A resin obtained by compounding PLA with methacrylic resins. Preferably the methacrylic resin has an Mw of 50,000-450,000, Tg of >110 degC, and syndiotacticity of >40%. The resin composition also preferably contains a core/shell impact modifier.

SpecialChem Nylon nanocomposites were found to retain good mechanical properties even after after long exposure to high temperatures.

SpecialChem Specialty chemicals company Perstorp has decided to build a new plant for production of Valeric aldehyde and its derivates 2-PH alcohol, Valeric acid and a new plasticizer, DPHP. With this significant investment Perstorp will be able to offer the market a cost-effective plasticizer and is confident that it will meet both regulatory and labelling requirements.

SpecialChem DuPont opened a technical center near Moscow to support Russian manufacturers who use the company's titanium dioxide (TiO₂) products in the country's rapidly expanding coatings, plastics and paper industries.

SpecialChem NaturalNano intends to use the bulk of the funds to complete the commercialization of a line of industrial grade polymer additives to be marketed under the Pleximer™ brand name.

SpecialChem As a milestone in strengthening its position in China, Holland Colours, the Dutch colour solution provider, holded the grand opening ceremony for its first China plant in Spark Development Zone, Shanghai on 2nd March, 2007.

SpecialChem Albemarle Corporation has developed and is commercializing SAYTEX 102HP flame retardant, a new, high- assay form of decabromodiphenyl ether, or DecaBDE.

SpecialChem Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd. announced that the construction of its second dedicated manufacturing site for the production of phenolic and phosphite antioxidants is ahead of schedule and the plant start-up is now set for April 2007.

SpecialChem Contrary to conventional inorganic fillers that cannot be used to improve the properties of transparent plastics because of their negative effect on transparency, inorganic nano-particles do not have any effect on the optical properties due to their small sizes.

SpecialChem The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of BASF superabsorbents in indirect food contact packaging. The superabsorbent to be used in this application is manufactured and sold worldwide by BASF under the brand name Luquasorb® FP 800.

SpecialChem Arkema this year has opted to send out New Year's Greetings cards for the benefit of the French Red Cross, a reference player in humanitarian initiatives.

SpecialChem Research and Markets has announced the addition of European Markets for Plastic Colourants to their offering. Colourants consist of pigments and dyes which are used to impart colour on a plastic substrate.

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation announced the opening of a new research and development color lab at its Avon Lake facility. The color lab will be used to develop new color and additive solutions such as liquid color systems to meet customer-specific needs.

SpecialChem Al-Zamil Group and Chemtura Corporation of the U.S.A. announced an agreement to further develop formation of a joint venture to build a world-scale metal alkyls manufacturing facility in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia.

SpecialChem In the new Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology, the outboard sidewall of the tire is reinforced with a high-tech carbon fiber insert that provides stiffness for responsive handling and steering precision.

SpecialChem SAYTEX® BT-93 flame retardant is an important commercial flame retardant used as a plastic additive to provide fire safety in a wide variety of end uses such as computer monitors, electrical connectors, and wire & cable.

SpecialChem At the international Composites & Polycon 2006 show in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A., Owens Corning introduced three new products to its PerforMax® high performance thermoplastic reinforcements' portfolio, which offer lower outgassing, enhanced hydrolysis resistance and other mechanical properties, such as superior strength and fatigue resistance compared to similar competitive products.

SpecialChem Velsicol Chemical Corporation and Wuhan Youji Industries Co.Ltd announced they are forming a joint venture to produce and market benzoate esters and polymeric plasticizers in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China.

SpecialChem The American firm NanoHorizons, Inc. which develops nano-scale materials and devices mainly for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and microelectronic applications has announced the expansion of its SmartSilver additives line with new anti-microbial and anti-odor additives specially developed for polyamide (PA) and urethane.

SpecialChem PolyOne further strengthen their portfolio in the wire & cable market with the installation of new manufacturing line to manufacture ECCOH® LSFOH compliant compounds. This new manufacturing line will be installed at PolyOne's existing color facility in Pamplona, Spain and production is expected to start in October 2006.

SpecialChem Governor Mike Rounds announced a cooperative agreement with Zyvex Corporation of Richardson, Texas, to establish a Nanomaterials Prototyping, Testing and Characterization Facility at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology's Polymer Processing Center.

SpecialChem With 8 years development, APPLAS has been an important show in plastics and rubber industry. 4,0000 overseas buyers and 50,000 visitors come to APPLAS'06, including the front 30 retail groups in the world. In China, for plastics and rubber enterprises, APPLAS will be one of the channels to find and increase export.

SpecialChem The newest ColorWorks™ design and technology center has opened its doors in Merate, Italy. Located in a suburb of the international design capital, Milan, ColorWorks Europe provides a unique combination of inspiration, creative resources and technical know-how, within a culture of unparalleled service.

SpecialChem 18 months after the signing of the joint venture agreement between Clariant and Hangzhou Baihe Chemical Co. Ltd. for the production of High-Performance (HP) pigments in Hangzhou southwest of Shanghai, China, the new facility goes on stream.

SpecialChem The French materials producer Arkema has developed a new range of additives based on nanotechnology.

SpecialChem RTP Company announces that its Long Fiber Compound (LFC) capabilities have expanded significantly with increased capacity, addition of key personnel, and broader product offerings.

SpecialChem DuPont Titanium Technologies has selected Huatai Group Co., Ltd., to supply liquid chlorine and other products for its new world-class titanium dioxide plant to be built at Dongying, Shandong Province, PRC. Titanium dioxide is used to add whiteness, brightness and opacity to paper, plastics and coatings.

SpecialChem PolyOne have enlarged their offering to the wire & cable industry, to now include a wide variety of additive concentrates that meet the demands for these applications.

SpecialChem Silberline, a worldwide leader in the supply of special effect and performance pigments, announced the formation of a global strategic alliance with Taizhu, one of China's top pearlescent pigment producers.

SpecialChem By using VIBATAN PE BIODEGRADABLE 02622 and VIBATAN PP BIODEGRADABLE 03251 (this one may be used also for BOPP) biodegradation of plastics takes place when microorganisms and bacteria present in the ground, in contact with plastic containing the additive, begin to consume it and assimilate it by cellular processes.

SpecialChem After extensive analysis, Columbian Chemicals Co. announced that the company will realign its production activities at its Marshall Plant in Proctor, W. Va., by decommissioning two of the facility's four production units.

SpecialChem NanoDynamics, a diversified nanotechnology and manufacturing company, announced that it has furthered its leadership in nanotechnology commercialization through two significant awards: a $729,000 Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the US Army for carbon nanotube (CNT) production technology, and a critical patent on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) structures.

SpecialChem At PLAST 06 in Milan, Hall 24, Booth A06/B05, Degussa AG, Dusseldorf, will present itself as a reliable and innovative partner offering service packages and solutions for the plastics industry. Degussa's exhibit will focus on the use of high-performance compounds, a new amorphous polyalphaolefin and an innovative technology for the efficient coloring of plastics with a liquid color system.

SpecialChem John Kenny has joined Velsicol Chemical Corporation as Vice President, Plastic Additives. Kenny is an international business manager with broad experience in chemical industry sales, marketing and management.

SpecialChem BASF's Engineering Plastics business will expand its North American manufacturing operations with the installation of compounding capacity at the company's Altamira, Mexico, site.

SpecialChem AMCOL International Corporation announced that it has modified the sales structure and operations of the nanocomposite group, Nanocor.

SpecialChem At GE's Advanced Materials business, Silicones announced the appointment of Tri-iso, Inc. of Claremont, Calif., as a West Coast sales agent for polyurethane foam additives. Representing Silicones, Tri-iso provides customers a local resource for expertise supporting GE's portfolio of products, including Niax silicone surfactants and catalysts, and Geolite modifiers and tin catalysts.

SpecialChem "It's one slick--but definitely not slippery--product." Techmer PM's Mark Jordan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing is talking about the company's latest anti-slip additive, PM13025.

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation (NYSE: POL), a leading global polymer compounding and North American distribution company, announced that it will phase out its Manchester, England, plastic color additives facility. The plant closing, targeted for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2006, is part of the Company's objective to reduce costs and align capacity with market demand.

SpecialChem Phelps Dodge Corp. (NYSE:PD) announced it has agreed to sell its Columbian Chemicals Co. subsidiary, a leading manufacturer of rubber and industrial carbon-black products, to a company owned jointly by One Equity Partners, a private equity affiliate of JPMorgan Chase & Co., and South Korean-based DC Chemical Co. Ltd.

SpecialChem SYNTHESIA, division of ALIACHEM is ready to start the production of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) reds in Pigments and dyes plant in Pardubice, the Czech Republic.

SpecialChem With the introduction of the innovative system solution technologies POLYTREND® Color Infusion™ and POLYTREND Color Infusion Plus™, Degussa's Coatings & Colorants Business Unit has expanded its POLYTREND 7-Series™ product line.

SpecialChem In response to changing customer and market requirements Degussa's Coatings & Colorants Business Unit has decided to streamlinethe VESTOWAX product range. The H 100 and H 1050 grades of VESTOWAX will no longer be produced or marketed from December 31,2005.

SpecialChem Arkema officials at the Polyurethanes 2005 Technical Conference and Meeting announced the availability of a new interactive calculator, available on CD or via the Internet. This new tool can show formulators the monetary savings they can realize by using Transcend™ additive technology in their foam formulations.

SpecialChem Ciba Specialty Chemicals is introducing a new plastic additive to boost scratch resistance of automotive polypropylene/thermoplastic olefin (PP/TPO) applications such as instrument panels, door panels and pillars as well as exterior parts such as bumper fascia or side trim.

SpecialChem New prototype molds, developed for the Clariant Masterbatches ColorWorks™ center in McHenry, IL, offer developers of personal care and cosmetic packaging the opportunity to evaluate the latest packaging colors and special effects in lifelike, three-dimensional form.

SpecialChem Honeywell announced that it has sold its industrial wax operations in the United States to The International Group, Inc. (IGI).

SpecialChem The Cyclics Corporation announced its first commercial product grades, which will be available early in 2005 from their plant in Schwarzheide Germany. CBT® 100 resin and CBT® 200 resin both melt to a water-like viscosity when heated then polymerize into the engineering thermoplastic polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) when catalyzed.

SpecialChem Lossburg. Every three years, the international plastics industry meets at the “K” in Düsseldorf. And the time has come again in 2004: From 20 to 27 October the industry, along with all reputable machine manufacturers, will again be displaying their expertise and showing new innovations. This year, ARBURG focuses on the expansion of its range of machines.

SpecialChem Cold Jet will be among the 2500+ exhibitors at the triennial K show in Düsseldorf, Germany (October 20-27). In addition to demonstrating its new EU approved and patented T-2, Cold Jet’s lightest and smallest dry ice blasting unit, Cold Jet will also be introducing members of its new European staff at its booth in the American Pavilion (Hall 13 booth #C47-16).

SpecialChem The parameters normally used to characterize the high-temperature mechanical behavior of polymers are Young Modulus, Deflection Temperature and Softening Point; HDT and Vicat tests usually evaluate these parameters.. By now, the state of the art allows performing without any problem mechanical tests at temperatures up to 300÷315°C by specimen immersion in a thermo-regulated oil bath.