SpecialChem Two new non-halogen flame retardant (FR) masterbatches from Clariant Masterbatches are fully melt processable, so they eliminate the need to compromise on color, physical properties or cost when using these environmentally friendly plastic additives.

SpecialChem Unidym, Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Arrowhead Research Corporation, announced that it has signed a agreement to create a joint venture partnership with Wisepower, a publicly traded Korean company, to market and co-develop Unidym's proprietary film and electronic ink products into the Korean touch panel and display industries.

SpecialChem Cytec Industries announced that its Engineered Materials division has been awarded contracts to supply carbon fiber composite materials for major primary structures on Bombardier's new CSeries and Learjet 85 aircraft programs.

SpecialChem NanoHorizons Inc., a leader in the creation of nanoscale antimicrobial performance additives for textile, health care, industrial, and consumer products, appointed Chris Haupt as the Vice President, Industrial Business Unit. His professional focus and expertise are in polymer chemistry and business development for the C.A.S.E and flexible foam markets.

SpecialChem In order to keep the tanks from burning up in the atmosphere, they are sprayed with an ablative heat shield, containing Trelleborg Eccospheres, a covering designed to accept the heat and burn-off associated with high-speed travel through the earth's atmosphere.

SpecialChem The largest producers of natural latex in the world are Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand that have the worldwide monopoly of this resource. In order to find alternatives to this commercial dependence of the European Union, a research project is being undertaken in which twelve technological centres, universities and companies related to this matter are taking part.

SpecialChem Power-generating rubber films developed by Princeton University engineers could harness natural body movements such as breathing and walking to power pacemakers, mobile phones and other electronic devices. The material, composed of ceramic nanoribbons embedded onto silicone rubber sheets, generates electricity when flexed.

SpecialChem WRAP announced that WES Greenstar will add 20,000 tonnes per year of re-processing capacity for non-bottle household plastic packaging such as margarine tubs, yoghurt pots and meat trays, following the capital grant competition launched in June 2009.

SpecialChem Genomatica, a sustainable chemicals company, announced that its technology platform was evaluated by the International Sugar Organization (ISO) in its first industrial bio-products market study. The report charts new territory in sugarcane and beet market analysis by focusing on the emerging opportunity for sugar-derived chemicals, polymers and bioplastics.

SpecialChem LyondellBasell Industries has achieved another significant milestone in the commercial introduction of its Hostalen Advanced Cascade Process (ACP) technology, with the production of two million tonnes of multimodal high density polyethylene (HDPE) produced and marketed in Europe to date.

SpecialChem The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Teijin Techno Products Limited and Hosokawa Micron Corporation have developed a new fabric incorporating nanostructure fiber for use in advanced firefighting suits that are 40% more effective in preventing burns than without nanostructure fiber and 15% lighter than conventional heat-barrier linings.

SpecialChem Unidym, Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Arrowhead Research Corporation, announced that it has completed three licensing agreements for its nanotechnology intellectual property (IP) for use in applications such as aerospace and military products.

SpecialChem Momentive Performance Materials USA Inc. announced that it has established a 22,000 square foot tire research and development laboratory with state-of-the-art capabilities in Charlotte, U.S.A. The facility enhances Momentive's ability to provide faster innovation for customers in the tire and rubber industry while helping the company reduce new product development cycle times.

SpecialChem Addcomp North America Inc. announces the opening of its new location in Rochester Hills, Michigan. A subsidiary of Addcomp Holland BV, the company provides additive masterbatches and compacted products to polymer manufacturers and converters in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

SpecialChem Arkema, a world leader in multiwall carbon nanotubes and nanostructured polymers, will be taking part in the Tokyo Nano tech 2010 tradeshow from February 17 to 19. Arkema's masterbatches specifically feature outstanding dispersability within matrices, thereby allowing excellent end-performances, in particular very good electrical conductivity for the materials.

SpecialChem With annual growth rates of some 25%, wood plastic composites rank among the strongest growth segments of the European plastics industry. AMI, together with its main sponsor, Cincinnati Extrusion GmbH, will honor the significance of this material with a special conference, The Wood Plastic Composites 2010, to be held in Vienna from 20 to 22 April.

SpecialChem Johns Manville (JM), a Berkshire Hathaway company and leading manufacturer of premium-quality building products, announced that products from its complete line of Formaldehyde-free™ fiber glass building insulation have qualified for SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold + Formaldehyde Free certification from Scientific Certification Systems.

SpecialChem Bioamber, a joint venture between US-based DNP Green Technology and France-based ARD (Agro-industrie Recherches et Développements), announced the successful start-up and commissioning of the world's first bio-based succinic acid plant. Since December 2009, the plant has been producing renewable succinic acid from wheat derived glucose.

SpecialChem K-Tron Process Group formally announces its collaboration with Reimelt Henschel, Maag Pump Systems, and Omya, presenting two complimentary technical seminars entitled, "Compounding of Highly Filled Polyolefins," that offer plastics processors detailed information on key topics of prime importance to the plastics industry.

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation, a premier global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, will exhibit at the upcoming Parfums, Cosmétiques & Design (PCD) conference in Paris, January 26-27, 2010.

SpecialChem Albemarle Corporation, global leader in providing innovative specialty chemicals to the food service industry, announced that it will partner with Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly, to market Albemarle's portfolio of food-safety products, including antimicrobial products, Bovibrom™ and Avibrom™, worldwide.

SpecialChem The University of Maine has received a $12.4 million grant from the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology for construction of its new deepwater offshore wind energy research and testing facility, which includes complete development capabilities for designing, prototyping and testing large structural hybrid composite and nanocomposite components.

SpecialChem DSM Engineering Plastics' acquisition of the full ownership of the PA6 polymerization facility is an important step in its strategy to increase its geographical footprint, including expansion into South America. It also allows the company full integration in the PA6 chain, including caprolactam, polymer and compounded products.

SpecialChem Pixelligent Technologies, LLC, and Brewer Science, Inc., announced that they have been awarded an $8.2 million project through the prestigious NIST Technology Innovation Program (TIP). The two companies have teamed up to create and scale up the production of high-quality nanocomposites with enhanced performance and new functionality.

SpecialChem Fiberon®, a leading manufacturer of composite and PVC decking, railing and fencing products, has created the ultimate marriage of beauty and durability with its new tropical hardwood colors for Horizon™ composite decking. These new colors have the dramatic wood tones of highly desirable tropical hardwood.

SpecialChem RUSNANO will take an equity interest in the company to be established for an investment project that will produce nanostructured magnesium hydroxide with modified surface. The project's goal is to organize production of a flame retardant (fireproofing additive).

SpecialChem For the machinery and plant manufacturer Hennecke, the American Composites Manufacturers Association's exhibition is exactly the right place to present process innovations in the field of the PUR-CSM polyurethane spray technology. The flexible spray technology fulfils the highest requirements in terms of reproducible component quality and an efficient use of materials.

SpecialChem The Klöckner Pentaplast Group, the largest European producer of rigid PET films, announced that its new PET production capacity has commenced operation at the company's Crumlin, UK, manufacturing facility. The new line produces high-performance polyester films for food and consumer packaging applications.

SpecialChem With several recently supplied and installed high-capacity compounding lines, both the latest UG underwater pelletizing systems from Coperion GmbH, Stuttgart/Germany, and this company's concept of two-stage PE compounding with the ZSK NT have more than proved themselves in actual practice.

SpecialChem Paulínia's Living Park will have benches, wastebaskets and flower vases made of recycled plastic developed by the pool of companies, Acinplas. The products will be made into plastic wood made from discarded raw materials. It will then undergo an extrusion process in a special machine developed by one of the Acinplas pool's member companies.

SpecialChem A manufacturer that develops a part made of polyamide-based short fiber composites in partnership with Rhodia can benefit from the MMI Confident Design. With this technology, capable of precisely calculating the mechanical properties of fiber reinforced polymers, Rhodia helps ensure simulation of engineering plastics to be as predictive as that of steel.

SpecialChem Germany-based Evonik and its Automotive Industry Team exhibited in the German Pavilion at India's major automotive trade show. The theme of this year's Auto Expo India "Mobility for all with focus on green technologies."

SpecialChem Compared to all previous versions in BASF's high performance resin range, Ultrason® KR 4113, a representative of the polyethersulfone product line (PESU), offers hitherto unique friction characteristics. This feature is achieved by incorporating carbon fibers, graphite and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

SpecialChem Masley Enterprises, maker of innovative performance hand wear for military service personnel, relies on SmartSilver™ antimicrobial protection to keep its popular Cold Weather Flyer (CWF) gloves comfortable and odor free. These fire resistant and waterproof combat gloves are designed for inside and outside use.

SpecialChem The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), announced the date of its first workshop aimed at raising awareness of the manufacture and uses of electrospun nanofibres. Electrospinning is a fairly new technique used in the manufacture of continuous nanofibres in polymer, organic and inorganic materials.

SpecialChem A new film extrusion grade of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) from TOPAS Advanced Polymers, Inc. extends the commercial glass transition temperature range down to 33°C. TOPAS 9903D-10 delivers a unique combination of low-temperature shrinkage, sealing, and high stiffness and is suitable for the use in consumer packaging industry.

SpecialChem PPG Industries has announced the certification of HYBON fiber glass roving products for wind turbine blades by Germanischer Lloyd (GL), a leading international certification body in the wind energy industry. HYBON fiber glass rovings offer blade producers the ability to engineer higher-performing products using a variety of resins, including vinyl ester.

SpecialChem Shrink Nanotechnologies, Inc announced the formation of its Renewable Energy Team, which is comprised of two distinguished academic and industry collaborators, Drs. Sayantani Ghosh and Roland Winston. The team is in charge of developing and laying out a business plan to commercialize Shrink's OptiSol™ Solar Concentrator.

SpecialChem Cereplast, Inc., a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, sustainable plastics, announced that it has extended its distribution agreement with A. Schulman, Inc. to include all of Europe. Cereplast's variety of bioplastic resins will enable A. Schulman to launch a new offering composed of bio-based materials.

SpecialChem Huber Engineered Materials, announced that Gary Rex, Ph.D., thermoset manager for alumina trihydate (ATH) and magnesium hydroxide (MDH) products, and Bob Baker, technical service director for calcium carbonate and barium sulfate products, will deliver a key educational session at the upcoming Composites 2010 exhibition and convention.

SpecialChem ZCL Composites Inc. announced the acquisition of Dualam Plastics Inc. of Montreal, Quebec. Dualam is a leading provider of custom engineered fibreglass reinforced plastic ("FRP") and duallaminate composite products for use in corrosion-resistant applications.

SpecialChem Americhem Inc., a global provider of custom color and additive solutions for polymeric products, has unveiled its color trends for the Health & Beauty packaging industry for 2010 and 2011. These trends feature different shades, opacity levels and special effects to give designers ideas for their new products.

SpecialChem DSM Venturing, the corporate venturing unit of Royal DSM N.V., announces that it has made an equity investment in US-based green chemistry company Segetis, Inc. The company produces versatile, cost-effective chemical building blocks (monomers) called levulinic ketals which can be used to make new classes of chemicals and plastics.

SpecialChem The Dow Chemical Company launches the next generation PARALOID™ BPM-515 Acrylic Impact Modifier formulated to impart toughness and maintain clarity to polylactic acid (PLA). Dow's PARALOID BPM-515 enables lower cost toughened PLA compounds for manufacturers trying to penetrate these markets with environmentally advanced solutions for sustainable growth.

SpecialChem Milliken will present its innovative high performance reinforcing agent, Hyperform® HPR-803 and its Hyperform® HPN nucleating additvies for polyolefins at the VDI's plastics in automotive engineering conference 2010 in Mannheim, Germany.

SpecialChem PerkinElmer, Inc. announced that it has developed new phthalate detection solutions in response to growing concern over hazardous content of consumer products. The Company's GC/MS systems help to ensure that consumer products comply with the current European Union (EU) regulations for plasticizer content in toys and other children's products.

SpecialChem Ticona's parent company, the Celanese Corporation, announced the acquisition of FACT Future Advanced Composites Technology GmbH. The company is a leading producer of long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (LFT) for injection molding, extrusion, compression molding and blow molding applications.

SpecialChem The Gabriel-Chemie Group's new MAXITHEN® POM range consists of colour masterbatches based on POM (polyoxymethylene, also known as polyacetal or polyformaldehyde). This thermoplastic is characterised by its high strength, hardness and rigidity over a wide range of temperatures.

SpecialChem Cereplast, Inc., a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, sustainable plastics, was hailed by Agence France-Presse (AFP) as a "greener alternative to plastic," in a recent video segment and print article produced by the leading international news agency.

SpecialChem Following the recent opening of ColorMatrix Russia, the company will be showcasing a number of new technologies at Interplastica 2010 to be held in Moscow 26-29th January. Visitors will also be able to find out about the latest energy efficient, recycle friendlier colorant systems.

SpecialChem Automotive OEM coatings containing aluminum pigments are subject to tremendous shear forces. Silberline's TUFFLAKE line of "circulation-resistant" pigments is specifically engineered to withstand these mechanical forces and maintain their targeted appearance.

SpecialChem Victrex Polymer Solutions, a division of Victrex plc, a leading provider of high performance polymers including VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, VICOTE® Coatings and APTIV™ films, has appointed Padmini Petroplast Pvt., Ltd. as its distribution partner in India.

SpecialChem Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and JGC Corporation have been jointly developing a new propylene production process based on each company's proprietary technologies. Propylene is a basic hydrocarbon material used to produce polypropylene for car parts.

SpecialChem Polypropylene is an ideal answer to the challenges of improving the environmental responsibility of plastic packaging. Its low density helps reduce the amount of material needed, as well as overall packaging weight, which cuts fuel usage during shipping.

SpecialChem CSM announced that its subsidiary Purac will start with the construction of a Lactide plant in Thailand to produce components for bioplastics. This investment is driven by CSM's commitment to play a leading role in the development of the market for lactic acid based bioplastics (PLA).

SpecialChem The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) announced the release of its voluntary testing protocol for the effect of degradable additives on recyclable PET bottles. The additives are designed to hasten the degradation of the PET polymer structure, resulting in conversion of the PET polymer to small fragments and/or methane and carbon dioxide.

SpecialChem Hetron® epoxy vinyl ester resin from Ashland Performance Materials was used as part of a first-of-its-kind system in the U.S. for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). The CCS system creates a very aggressive environment and fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) was chosen over stainless steel to fabricate these components due to its superior corrosion resistance.

SpecialChem Using an innovative process for achieving ultra-high-purity synthesis, Scientists and engineers from Air Force Research Laboratory, Fisk University and Riehl Engineering, Ltd., have produced the world's only known carbon nanotube material with 99.99% purity.

SpecialChem A new, stimulus-funded research center at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory could help strengthen the very 'fiber' of America's automotive and energy industries. Carbon fiber composite material is a polymer matrix composite that weighs significantly less than steel yet offers comparable strength and performance in vehicle applications.

SpecialChem SOLVAY SOLEXIS Melt Processable Fluoropolymers and A. SCHULMAN GmbH signed an agreement for the European distribution of the either fully or partially fluorinated compounds under the tradenames of SOLEF® PVDF, HYLAR® PVDF, HALAR® ECTFE and HYFLON® PFA/MFA®.

SpecialChem Plantic Technologies Limited and National Starch LLC announced a collaboration to establish a site for the manufacture of Plantic® products in the USA. This will improve economies of scale and substantially shorten the supply chain, by integrating the supply of the key raw material with the Plantic manufacturing process.

SpecialChem The eighth largest automotive supplier in the world and third in Europe, Faurecia is taking further steps to make next-generation vehicles lighter, less polluting and exceptionally clean through advances in seating, vehicle interiors, front ends and emissions control technologies. Faurecia expects to remove up to 130 pounds from a new vehicle's weight by 2020.

SpecialChem Owens Corning, a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems, announced the addition of glass fiber knitting equipment at its facility in Rio Claro, northwest of Sao Paulo in Brazil, doubling its capacity for making fiberglass technical fabrics.

SpecialChem Teijin Chemicals Limited has established a new business unit, named the Mobility Business Project, dedicated to expanding the automotive market for PANLITE polycarbonate resin and other advanced materials of the Teijin Group.

SpecialChem Specialty chemicals maker Albemarle Corporation announced an important advance in flame retardant technology. Earthwise GreenArmor is a unique, organic flame retardant suitable for use in a variety of plastic resins that will provide better performance across a wide range of applications, while improving the sustainability of the plastic resins.

SpecialChem Clariant, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of Euromaster. It will enhance the company's ability to service international accounts and local converters with a full range of locally produced masterbatches.

SpecialChem CSIRO researchers have set themselves the goal of producing a new generation of super-strong, lightweight polymer composite materials for use in aircraft, road vehicles, trains and ferries. A team led by Dr Stuart Bateman at CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering is designing and testing even lighter and stronger polymer composites.

SpecialChem PPG Industries' fiber glass business has introduced Mil-Tough inorganic composite binder panels for physical asset protection, expanding the company's portfolio of solutions for blast and ballistics applications. These precast, fiber glass-reinforced ICB panels enhance blast and ballistics resistance in thinner, lighter forms.

SpecialChem Kettering University was the site of a new product introduction when BASF North American premiered its new 'Green' Automotive Material Technology. BASF introduced the eco-friendly Acrodur®: Acrylic thermosets, which opens new avenues to innovative composite materials.

SpecialChem The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has brought home two Gold Medals for its breakthroughs in nanotechnology, including a novel method for producing carbon nanotubes economically and a rapid testing technique for identifying food contamination using nano-biosensing technology.

SpecialChem Eastman highlights techniques for sustainable fabrication of point-of-purchase displays and in-store fixtures manufactured with Eastman Spectar™ copolyester.

SpecialChem Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies has entered a five-year partnership with California's NanoH2O to jointly explore opportunities for a new, higher flux SWRO membrane product.

SpecialChem Bayer MaterialScience LLC has introduced a flame retardant polycarbonate resin that is suitable for demanding requirements, particularly for LED, lighting and electrical applications. Makrolon® FR7087 is believed to be the first clear thermoplastic material to meet UL 94 5VA specifications at 3mm thickness, and also meets V-0 at 2.2mm and V-2 at 1.5mm.

SpecialChem Global PET proudly presents the 173,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant for the Bottle Box™ in Perris, California which features the latest technology while encompassing an environmentally friendly focus on manufacturing the Bottle Box™ line of food packages.

SpecialChem Under a tolling and marketing agreement signed by LyondellBasell and Hyundai Engineering Plastics (HEP), HEP will manufacture LyondellBasell's latest-generation Hostacom and Hifax polypropylene compounds using LyondellBasell's proprietary technology and formulations at the HEP plant in Chennai, Tamil Nandu, India.

SpecialChem A new ASTM International standard, ASTM F2733, Specification for Flame Resistant Rainwear for Protection Against Flame Hazards, provides minimum requirements for flame resistant rainwear to be used by workers who are exposed to flash fire and other flame hazards.

SpecialChem Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc. has received a purchase order in the amount of $25,000 from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center for test samples of its carbon nanotube (CNT) enhanced fiber reinforced polymer composites. These samples will be used to test the ballistic impact strength of the CNT composite materials.

SpecialChem RockTron, the pioneering new international eco-mineral group has launched high performance eco-mineral filler / extender made from 100% recycled PFA (pulverised fuel ash). These products offer a wealth of exciting new industrial applications, serving as functional fillers in rubbers and plastics, giving improved physical properties.

SpecialChem Americhem Inc., a global provider of custom color and additive solutions for polymeric products, has introduced a post consumer recyclate (PCR) renewal additive that adds clarity and eliminates yellow discoloration normally associated with recycled resin.

SpecialChem Acting CEO and President James Wemett announced that NaturalNano has received funding sufficient to support the Company's core operating costs for most of 2010. The company will continue to identify new applications that utilize its Halloysite Natural Tube (HNT) technology.

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation announced additional steps in the Company's ongoing expansion into sustainable technologies and the emerging biopolymer market. The Company has joined the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) Bioplastics Council, a service group focused on supporting the development of bio-based and bio-related polymers.

SpecialChem The world's first concept demonstration tires made with BioIsoprene™ technology, a breakthrough alternative to replace a petrochemically produced ingredient in the manufacture of synthetic rubber with renewable biomass, made their debut in Copenhagen, Denmark.

SpecialChem Toho Tenax, the core company of the Teijin Group's carbon fiber business, announced that its carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) has been adopted for the cabin and various components of the Lexus LFA, a new Lexus "F" premium sports car series Toyota Motors unveiled at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

SpecialChem CEO, Dave Arthur, of SouthWest NanoTechnologies Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT) and Specialty Multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes, will participate on a panel entitled "Rebuilding the World with Next Generation Materials" at the fifth annual Livingston Nanotechnology Conference.

SpecialChem A. Schulman, Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding stock of ICO, Inc., which is a global manufacturer of specialty resins and concentrates, and provides specialty polymer services, including size reduction, compounding and other related services.

SpecialChem During the 4th European Bioplastics Conference, held earlier this month, Novamont, the leading Italian company in the bioplastics sector, presented the 2nd generation of Mater-Bi®. Mater-Bi materials are the integration of Novamont's starch-based technology with the technology of polyesters from vegetable oil.

SpecialChem Nanocyl announced that it is installing a new reactor with a capacity of 400 metric tons/year for producing its NC 7000 carbon nanotube technologies. This new unit will complement the 3000 tons/year extrusion line, installed midyear that offers PLASTICYL™ thermoplastic concentrates for new applications requiring electrical conductivity.

SpecialChem Rhodia is introducing a new environmentally friendly polyamide - the organically sourced 6.10 range - as a complement to its polyamide range. Produced primarily from renewable materials, it offers high-performance and economically attractive solutions that contribute to a reduced environmental footprint.

SpecialChem Bioamber (a joint venture between DNP Green Technology and ARD) and Sinoven Biopolymers Inc. have signed a supply agreement for biobased succinic acid to produce renewable modified polybutylene succinate plastic (PBS). Sinoven's revolutionary modified PBS has better performance than other biodegradable polymers sold today.

SpecialChem Sonoco, one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, completed the acquisition of the injection molded plastics assets of EconoReel Corporation, which designs, manufactures and distributes small to mid-sized diameter plastic and composite spools and reels primarily for the insulated wire market.

SpecialChem Axion Polymers has already started work with a Chinese processor in Cixi and is now looking for several more potential partners that can meet its polymer quality specifications.

SpecialChem Chemists and physicists have succeeded in getting custom-shaped microparticles to interact and self-assemble in a controlled way in a liquid crystal. The scientists anticipate that their "LithoParticles," which are made of solid polymeric materials, will have significant technological and scientific uses.

SpecialChem A team of scientists led by Prof. Sang-Yup Lee of the Department of Biological Sciences at KAIST have succeeded in producing the polymers used for everyday plastics through bioengineering, rather than through the use of fossil fuel based chemicals.

SpecialChem DuPont Apollo Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of science based company DuPont, announced the opening of its silicon based thin-film photovoltaic module manufacturing facility, focusing on the China domestic market.

SpecialChem The researchers at Institute for Color Science and Technology (ICPC) of Iran presented ZNO:CO nano-pigments synthesized by combustion method in Iran Nano 2009 Exhibition held earlier this month in Tehran.

SpecialChem Natureworks LLC announced that "Innovation Takes Root", a collaborative biopolymers forum for the global Ingeo™ community, is going to take place from April 13-15, 2010 in Dallas, Texas, where world's leading companies will discuss performance biopolymers that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

SpecialChem PPG Industries will receive a $741,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the development of materials and automation processes for wind blade manufacturing. In partnership with MAG Industrial Automation Systems, PPG aims to develop fiber glass prepreg placement techniques to improve wind blade reliability while reducing the cost.

SpecialChem In Shanghai, the Evonik Group has now completed work on a large complex for polymers, plastics intermediates, and coating systems and has brought the quarter billion euro facility fully onstream. The new facility will supply intermediates that are in great demand and used in the production of PLEXIGLAS®, amongst others.

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation, a premier global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, introduced a new line of USP Class VI colorants for medical devices called OnColor™ HC Gamma Stable Color Concentrates.

SpecialChem Eastman Chemical Company has established bulk storage capacity in the European Union (EU) for its market-leading non-phthalate plasticizers Eastman™ 168 and Eastman™ DBT. A versatile plasticizer for PVC, Eastman™ 168 has a long and growing track record of regulatory approvals.

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation, a premier global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, introduced a new line of colorants and additives designed exclusively for The Dow Chemical Company's new DOW HEALTH+™ Polymers, a portfolio of high and low density polyethylene materials for medical device and pharmaceutical packaging applications.

SpecialChem Carbon Design Innovations, Inc. announced that they have received a key technology patent for the fabrication of carbon nanotube (CNT) devices. This patent confirms one of the unique fabrication techniques that C|D|I is applying to manufacture longer CNT AFM probes than have not been possible previously.

SpecialChem The Thin Film industry is more than ever ready to contribute to the 12% target set by EPIA in its recent SET For 2020 study. This was confirmed by the 260 participants of EPIA's 2nd International Thin Film Conference that took place earlier this month in Munich.

SpecialChem BASF, a leading global provider of innovative effect pigments, announces the launch of Lumina Royal Blue and Lumina Royal Exterior Blue - intense red shade blue interference pigments. Designers can use these interference pigments to style powerful and chromatic shades.

SpecialChem WACKER, the Munich-based chemical group, officially opened its new dispersible powder and vinyl acetate ethylene dispersion plant in Nanjing, China. With an annual capacity of 30,000 metric tons of dispersible powder, the Nanjing plant is the largest of its kind in China.

SpecialChem ISP announced a new family of additives for plastics applications with enhanced performance and processing benefits. Called Flexidone, the ISP additives are based on alkyl pyrrolidone chemistry, offering the benefit of improved solvency in PVC applications.

SpecialChem CNano Technology Limited (CNano) announced that it received a certificate of registration for the International Standard ISO 9001:2008 for R&D, production and services of carbon nanotubes through its subsidiary in China.

SpecialChem Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex Company introduced a new series of Elexar® thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds for wire and cable and molded products that provides a combination of RoHS compliance, UL-V0 flame retardance, and excellent performance over a wide range of end use conditions.

SpecialChem Solvay Solexis, one of the leaders in fluoropolymer production, announces its plan for the production of a substitute of PFOA. PFOA, (PerFluoroOctanoate, Ammonium) is a chemical used up to now by Solvay Solexis and other companies as "surfactant" in the production process of certain grades of Algoflon® PTFE fluoropolymers.

SpecialChem Novel nanomaterials developed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are scheduled to blast off into orbit aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. The project, funded by the U.S. Air Force Multi University Research Initiative (MURI), seeks to test the performance of the new nanocomposites in orbit.

SpecialChem Evonik Industries has extended its product range of flame-retardant polyamide 12 compounds for cable conduits and cable protection hoses. With VESTAMID® EX9203 black, a highly flexible molding compound, the company is responding to increasingly tough requirements in the electrical and cable industries.

SpecialChem Ford Motor Company, working with academic researchers and one of its suppliers, is the first automaker to develop and use environment-friendly wheat straw-reinforced plastic in a vehicle. The first application of the natural fiber-based plastic that contains 20 percent wheat straw bio-filler is on the 2010 Ford Flex's third-row interior storage bins.

SpecialChem NOVA Chemicals Corporation, has signed a sales and representative agreement with Propex Concrete Systems, a business unit of Propex Operating Company, LLC, for Elemix® concrete additive; additive that provides sustainable, lightweight and durable benefits to the concrete industry.

SpecialChem ELANTAS Electrical Insulation further expands its position in the market segment Electronic & Engineering Materials, which includes applications that embed or encapsulate electrical components, such as complete circuits or circuit boards, with insulating resins to protect them from all kinds of environmental influences.

SpecialChem NaturalNano, Inc. announced the allowance of a second patent dealing with use of its proprietary Halloysite materials in high performance energy storage devices called Ultracapacitors. The newly allowed patent application goes into further detail, including use of activated carbon, conductive polymers, and carbon aerogels.

SpecialChem Research carried out by the Department of Health has shown that when the occupancy of hospital beds exceeds 90% the rate of MRSA infections can increase by 40%. The Biomaster range of silver based antimicrobial additives have been proven to stop the growth of MRSA and other hospital acquired infections (HAI's) by over 99.99%.

SpecialChem CalciTech announces the launch of a new product, CalciRC100S™, for use as a high performance filler in plastics. This new product brings additional benefits over conventional calcium carbonates.

SpecialChem The rich Bold & Beautiful™ color masterbatch formulations from Ampacet, offered in Balanced Blue, Red Resilience, Juiced Orange, Mango Motion and Guarana Green, are at the forefront in communicating powerful performance and emotional aspects of nutraceutical and cosmeceutical brands.

SpecialChem VTC TPE Group has announced the expansion of its Dryflex® FR range of flame retardant thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) with the introduction of several new halogen free compounds. The improved range includes 17 new compounds which are all halogen, chlorine and antimony free, low smoke and are compliant with the RoHS directives.

SpecialChem Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, announced an expanded portfolio of eco-friendly products that are available for banking, telecom and government customers worldwide. This portfolio underscores Gemalto's long-standing commitment to develop innovative digital security solutions, which enhance and protect everyday digital interactions.

SpecialChem Sekisui Alveo, leading European manufacturer of crosslinked polyolefin foams, signed an agreement to purchase the German company Polymer-Tec GmbH. With this acquisition, Sekisui Alveo expands its portfolio and technical know-how into the field of non-cross-linked polyolefin foams, and Polymer-Tec benefits by gaining use of Sekisui Alveo's pan-European distribution network.

SpecialChem Joe Peng, President of Gibson Fiberglass announced that Jushi Group and Gibson Fiberglass has developed a high strength Eglass fiberglass reinforcement, aimed at composite applications requiring better corrosion resistance and enhanced physical properties.

SpecialChem The Russian researchers at Mendeleev University, Moscow managed to commercialize the production of multiple-layer nanocomposites applied in industrial and construction materials.

SpecialChem SABIC Innovative Plastics' flame-retardant (FR) Flexible Noryl* resin has achieved a major milestone as one of the first non-halogenated materials to be used in AC power cords meeting stringent Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 62 TPE 90°C and 105°C safety standards.

SpecialChem SGL Group (51%) and BMW Group (49%) announced the foundation of a joint venture to manufacture carbon fibers and fabrics for the automotive industry. Within this joint venture, the construction of two new sites, one in North America for the carbon fiber production and the other in Germany for the subsequent fabrics, is planned.

SpecialChem Teijin Fibers Limited announced that it has begun to supply the high-strength polyester nanofiber NANOFRONT for use in the palms of golf gloves manufactured and marketed by Acushnet Japan Inc. under the FootJoy brand. Called NANOLOCK, the new product is the world's first golf glove to use nanofiber material.

SpecialChem INVISTA's STAINMASTER® carpets and carpets of ANTRON® fiber can have up to 40 percent lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions than the majority of competitive carpets in their respective markets, according to combined life cycle analyses (LCAs) and performance testing results.

SpecialChem Arkema presents Rilsan® Clear G830, the first bio based, fully transparent and high performance Polyamide at Hong Kong Optical Fair 2009 (Hall 1, Booth 1CF06) from November 4th to 6th, 2009.

SpecialChem Trelleborg Sealing Solutions proves through research that the traditional fillers used in the majority of its Turcon® polytetrafluoroethylene-based sealing materials as additives to improve wear reduction outperform nanoparticles as additives.

SpecialChem Rice University scientists unveiled a method for the industrial-scale processing of pure carbon-nanotube fibers that could lead to revolutionary advances in materials science, power distribution and nanoelectronics. The result of a nine-year program, the method builds upon tried-and-true processes that chemical firms have used for decades to produce plastics.

SpecialChem To mark the launch of its new 100% recycled polystyrene sheet product - Axfoil® - Axion Polymers has launched a design competition with a £500 cash prize to find the best innovative and sustainable product design using its sheet or Axpoly® compound.

SpecialChem In addition to the existing Pierre-Bénite plant in France dedicated to specialty grades, the increase in the Calvert City capacity in the United States and the current construction of a new production plant on the Changshu site in China, due to come on stream in 2011, boost Arkema's worldwide presence and its leading position in PVDF.

SpecialChem Wacker Chemie AG inaugurated its new technical center in Allentown (Pennsylvania, USA). Equipped with lab facilities, the center will develop and test polymer products chiefly for applications in the construction, adhesive, engineered fabrics and architectural coating industries.

SpecialChem Bayer MaterialScience LLC, one of the world's leading suppliers of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, will collaborate with Nanoledge Inc., a leading innovative epoxy resin formulator, to provide a full range of high-performance epoxy-based materials to the composite market in North America.

SpecialChem Distrupol Ireland has signed a contract with Cabot Corporation for the distributorship of their range of masterbatches in Ireland. The range includes Cabot's black, white, grey and additive masterbatches trading as PLASBLAK®, PLASWITE®, PLASGREY® AND PLASADD® respectively.

SpecialChem Estane® Engineered Polymers, a business group within The Lubrizol Corporation has developed Estane® X-1425 thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a technology that delivers lower smoke generation. Estane X-1425 TPU is specifically designed for wire and cable jacketing in non-halogen flame retardant applications.

SpecialChem The University of New Hampshire announced that it has entered into a licensing agreement with Itaconix LLC to commercialize green chemistry developed by the university's Nanostructured Polymers Research Center, which gives Itaconix full rights to a process for creating a new generation of environmentally friendly polymers derived from renewable resources.

SpecialChem Arkema is displaying its carbon nanotube masterbatches for composites at the 2nd International Carbon Composites Conference (27 to 29 October 2009) at the palais des Congrès in Arcachon, France. These masterbatches are used to optimise the action of multiwall carbon nanotube added to composites with excellent results in terms of superior mechanical properties.

SpecialChem Milliken & Company, through a subsidiary, announced the acquisition of the assets of Rebus, Inc., a leading North American provider of pigment and additive dispersions for the thermoset plastics and high-performance industrial coatings markets.

SpecialChem Metabolix, Inc., a bioscience company, announced that it has completed a field trial of tobacco, genetically engineered to express polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biobased polymers. This furthers development of Metabolix crop technologies for the co-production of biobased plastics in non-food bioenergy crops.

SpecialChem SUPRMIX® solves common processing problems experienced by polymer compounders at critical times of product formulation. HallStar offers a range of standard dispersions to meet current requirements.

SpecialChem Owens Corning, a world leader in building materials and glass fiber reinforcements, announced that its Gresham, Ore. plant, which manufactures FOAMULAR® extruded polystyrene rigid foam insulation, has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification for new construction from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

SpecialChem LTK Industries, a leading Hong Kong-based wire and cable OEM, is driving the use of SABIC Innovative Plastics' eco-progressive Flexible Noryl* resin into appliance wiring material (AWM) applications used in consumer electronics. The advanced flame-retardant (FR) resin passes the stringent UL VW-1 flame test and meets tough global requirements for halogen-free parts.

SpecialChem Cereplast, Inc., manufacturer of proprietary bio-based sustainable plastics, announced that it has been developing a breakthrough technology to transform algae into bioplastics and intends to launch a new family of algae-based resins.

SpecialChem PlastiPure announces a partnership with TOPAS Advanced Polymers, Inc. (TOPAS Inc.), after testing several TOPAS Inc. products. Under the agreement, PlastiPure has tested and approved three TOPAS® COC (cyclic olefin copolymer) materials for use in PlastiPure certified EA-Free™ products.

SpecialChem BIOSAFE, Inc., a company that manufactures and sells a novel antimicrobial polymer, has announced that they are launching a unique facemask treated with BIOSAFE® in specific markets outside the United States. The new Ultra Sensitive facemasks begin to reduce microorganisms immediately upon contact, and have further proven to be effective the H1N1 virus.

SpecialChem CECA, the Specialty Chemicals subsidiary of Arkema, has been designated winner of the ICIS Innovation Awards 2009, Best Product Innovation category, for its CECABASE® RT additives for "greener roads". These surfactant additives added in small amounts to the bitumen/aggregate mix help significantly reduce energy consumption.

SpecialChem Evonik Industries launches PUREX® HS 45-RP, a new high performance black for mechanical rubber goods. The new product satisfies statutory requirements and are particularly well suited in the production of food contact materials and for piping and gaskets used for drinking water.

SpecialChem The growing interest concerning biopolymers has been carried to LATI directly by End Users and OEMs who are looking for a sustainable way to engineer new products. LATIGEA is the brand name of the newborn family of bioresin based compounds, featuring PLA - a polymer obtained from corn starch.

SpecialChem In response to customer and market demands a number of new additive masterbatches for use in PET have been developed to benefit the plastics processor.

SpecialChem NaturalNano, Inc. Acting CEO and President James Wemett announced that NaturalNano will be taking a more aggressive approach to supplying Halloysite samples to researchers. The company will make small quantity samples available to Researchers on a cost-free basis to encourage them to more actively assess the benefits of the Halloysite Natural Tubes (HNT).

SpecialChem BASF has expanded its application lab for epoxy resin systems at the Ludwigshafen site in which the company develops new systems that are used in particular for the production of high-performance wind turbine rotor blades made from fiber-reinforced composites. These systems are marketed under the brand name, Baxxodur®.

SpecialChem Gabriel-Chemie's new MAXITHEN® BIOL range includes colour- and additive masterbatches based on Polylactide (PLA), a bio degradable, thermoplastic polyester made of renewable raw materials (e.g. corn, potatoes, etc.).

SpecialChem On occasion of its forum in Münster last month, the Kreyenborg Group presented how to increase considerably the efficiency of new and existing extrusion lines. More than 130 experts belonging to the field of plastics processing had come to Münster in order to get to know new suggestions and solutions regarding this topic.

SpecialChem The Iranian Researchers in cooperation with their colleagues from Azerbaijan Republic, managed to synthesize highly conductive nanocomposites broadly used in the production of sensors for toxic gases and coatings that can absorb radar waves.

SpecialChem Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) and PTT Public Company Limited announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on jointly conducting a study for business development of bio-polybutylene succinate, a bio-degradable polymer, made from biomass resources in Thailand.

SpecialChem PPG Industries is now offering TUFROV 4575 long-fiber thermoplastic (LFT) fiber glass roving to customers worldwide. TUFROV fiber glass is designed for the automotive industry and other applications requiring a high-performance LFT product.

SpecialChem For the fourth consecutive year, Americhem, a global provider of custom color and additive solutions for polymeric building products, will serve as full program sponsor for the Principia Partners' Wood-Plastic and Natural Fiber Composites 2009 Conference.

SpecialChem Shrink Nanotechnologies, Inc., an innovative nanotechnology company developing products in the solar energy production, medical diagnostics and sensors and biotechnology research and development, announced a strategic alliance with Inabata America Corporation to market and sell the Company's OptiSol Solar Concentrator technologies and ShrinkChip Rapid Prototyping Solution.

SpecialChem Huber Engineered Materials (HEM), a division of J.M. Huber Corporation, and The Sherwin-Williams Company announced they will jointly deliver a key technical presentation at the upcoming International and Wire and Cable Symposium (IWCS).

SpecialChem Long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (LFRTs) such as Celstran PP offer potential for the weight-optimization and efficient production of visible parts used in automobile interiors. Celstran PP meets the pertinent material specifications along with requirements relative to lightweight construction, design, functional integration and rational production.

SpecialChem Momentive Performance Materials has announced the launch of a new platform of antimicrobial HCR and LSR products under the StatSil trade name. This family of addition curable, high consistency rubber (HCR) and liquid silicone rubber (LSR) products can be used in a variety of health care and consumer goods applications, offering built-in antimicrobial protection.

SpecialChem The Iranian experts took a major step forward in settling the flammability problem of polystyrene foams. A group of researchers at University of Tehran believe that it is possible to reduce the rate of flammability of polystyrene grains and their resulting foams by adding modified nanoclay to the formulation of water expandable polystyrene grains.

SpecialChem Evonik Industries AG, Essen, has expanded its product range for high-molecular-weight plasticizer alcohols and commissioned a plant for the production of the plasticizer alcohol 2-propyl heptanol (2-PH) at the Marl Chemical Park. The company's investment in the plant makes it the largest producer of C9/C10 alcohols in Europe.

SpecialChem The Lubrizol Corporation is launching a series of masterbatch compounds for its Stat-Rite® Polymers brand. Stat-Rite inherently static dissipative masterbatch compounds allow manufacturers the flexibility to incorporate static dissipative properties into their own materials and compounds.

SpecialChem The extraordinary properties of Baytubes® carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have sparked new and highly promising lightweight design concepts that improve both energy efficiency and mechanical strength. Such concepts are the focus of Bayer MaterialScience AG's presentation at the RusNanoTech trade show at Moscow's Expocentre.

SpecialChem Chemnitz Technical University has successfully commissioned a ZE 40 A x 50 D UTXi twin-screw extruder of Hanover-based KraussMaffei Berstorff GmbH in its recently opened Centre for Integrative Lightweight Technologies (ZIL) to intensify research into natural fibre-reinforced compounds and to extend its know-how in this area.

SpecialChem Small bits of metal may play a new role in solar power. Researchers at Ohio State University are experimenting with polymer semiconductors that absorb the sun's energy and generate electricity. They have now discovered that adding tiny bits of silver to the plastic boosts the materials' electrical current generation.

SpecialChem Continuing to build on the strong trend in color toward the bold and bright, Bayer MaterialScience LLC adds five new colors to LEDA® Compounded Color Technology's JUST COOL color family. These upbeat colors lend themselves well to bold combinations or as stand-out, stand-alone hues that are fresh and festive.

SpecialChem Global specialty chemicals manufacturer Sartomer Company's technology group will present four papers at this year's Rubber Expo, October 13-15, in Pittsburgh. The presentations include new information on the use of functional additives to help chemists and manufacturers improve rubber processing and product performance.

SpecialChem The current economic turndown continues to have a serious effect on the sales of TPE's. However, there are signs that the crisis is starting to bottom out and that the situation should begin to improve by the end of the second half of 2009. It is therefore essential to prepare for this turnaround by taking advantage of any recent technical developments in the TPE sector.

SpecialChem Inherently Dissipative Polymers (IDPs) are widely used as permanent antistatic additives in plastic parts and packaging where they prevent electrostatic discharge and dust attraction. Arkema has added two more grades, Pebax® MH2030 and MV2080, which offer even higher conductivity and impart a very low surface resistance.

SpecialChem SABIC Innovative Plastics was recognized with a 2009 Responsible Care® Award for its environmentally progressive iQ resin platform, which uses a proprietary process to convert used polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into high-performance resin for a broad range of high-end applications.

SpecialChem BASF is showcasing its expanded portfolio of colorants and additives for the automotive industry at the ongoing Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) Conference, Oct. 4-7, at the Best Western Sterling Inn, Sterling Heights, Michigan.

SpecialChem Momentive Performance Materials and the Woco-Group of Bad Soden, Salmünster, Germany introduced a new generation of jointly developed fiber-reinforced liquid silicone rubber (LSR) materials. The modulus of the materials has been significantly increased through the use of textile fibers, chemically bonded to the silicone matrix.

SpecialChem Momentive Performance Materials announced that ChemPoint.com has been named the national channel partner for its urethane additives product line including Niax silicone stabilizers, tertiary amine catalysts, process modifiers, and organo tins, for the polyurethane foam market segments.

SpecialChem PolyMedix, Inc., an emerging biotechnology company developing new therapeutic drug products to treat infectious diseases and acute cardiovascular disorders based on biomimetics, has received patent protection for licensed computational methods to design antimicrobial polymers.

SpecialChem BASF SE and CSM nv announced the cooperation between their respective subsidiaries BASF Future Business GmbH and PURAC for the development of the production of biobased succinic acid. Both partners have been working on the development of the industrial fermentation and down-stream processing of biobased succinic acid.

SpecialChem The Shepherd Color Company is adding Brown 10P895 to its Arctic® range of infrared reflecting color pigments. The new brown meets numerous regulations governing packaging, food contact, recycling and toys such as 94/62/EC, AP (89)1, AS 2070, EN 71.3, BfR, CONEG, RoHS, WEEE, ELV, and TCLP.

SpecialChem Specialty chemicals group LANXESS is presenting its comprehensive product range at the ongoing event, Khimia 2009, at Expocentre Moscow. LANXESS is presenting its entire product portfolio including a variety of innovations with a particular focus on synthetic rubber and rubber additives, as this year the group is celebrating the invention of synthetic rubber.

SpecialChem ColorMatrix, the leading global innovator in plastic liquid colorants and additives, is unveiling a novel light blocking technology for PET dairy packaging at Drinktec 2009. Lactra™ is an opaque white liquid technology which ensures high performance light-blocking at low addition rates while maintaining enhanced container aesthetics.

SpecialChem Rockwood Color Pigments, a leading global producer of synthetic iron oxide pigments, has announced that it has commissioned its high purity iron oxide facility in Turin, Italy. Completed in January 2009, the new plant, sited at Rockwood Italia S.p.A., is the first current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-certified iron oxide facility in the world.

SpecialChem Americhem Inc., a global provider of custom color and additive masterbatches for polymer-based products, introduced its Health and Beauty Color Trends for 2010-2011 at the HBA Global Expo held earlier this month at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

SpecialChem TEGO® Dispers 765 W is a new polymeric wetting and dispersing additive for waterborne printing inks. This product from Evonik Tego Chemie GmbH allows the formulation of concentrates with high pigment loads. Beside low viscosities, this product leads to very good and stable color and gloss values.

SpecialChem INVISTA Performance Surfaces and Materials, a division of INVISTA, will increase its investment in Ashburn Hill Corp., manufacturer of the next generation of flame-resistant apparel for industrial and firefighting applications.

SpecialChem The researchers at Tarbiat Modarres University of Iran introduced a novel method to synthesize polymer/clay nanocomposites with more desired predictable structures than the previous samples had achieved.

SpecialChem EuropaBio and IntertechPira, the organisers of the European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology (EFIB 2009) are proud to announce the new Innovative Biobased Products programme track and presentation of John Kornerup Bang's, WWF Denmark.

SpecialChem Teijin Limited announced that it has begun producing its proprietary heat-resistant bioplastic BIOFRONT at a demonstration plant in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. The addition of the demonstration plant raises the production capacity to about 1,000 tons.

SpecialChem KraussMaffei is delivering innovations for its customer Camoplast Inc., a company that makes plastic hulls and decks for personal watercraft (PWC). To achieve weight reduction without loss of strength, Camoplast combined KraussMaffei's LFI process with a new formula for Baydur 814, a polyurethane system from Bayer MaterialScience.

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation announced new oil-resistant ECCOH™ compounds for wire and cable that meet the rigorous standards imposed by international railway regulations. These materials are part of PolyOne's advanced flame-retardant, low smoke and fume, zero halogen (LSFOH) technology platform.

SpecialChem At the 24th Photovoltaic Solar Energy Exhibition held in Hamburg from 21 to 25 September 2009, Arkema presents its latest innovation for the photovoltaics market: Apolhya™ Solar, a nanostructured thermoplastic polymer for the encapsulation of new generation photovoltaic modules.

SpecialChem Baytubes® multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from Bayer MaterialScience are to be used in an innovative safety technology that significantly reduces the risk of explosions in fuel tanks.

SpecialChem Arkema, a world leader in nanostructured materials, announces the construction of a carbon nanotube (CNT) pilot production plant at its Mont site. The 400 ton/year plant, scheduled for startup beginning of 2011, will operate an innovative process and will be the only CNT production plant in the world to use an entirely bio-sourced raw material.

SpecialChem Maximum flexibility when it comes to plastics coloring is what Evonik will be demonstrating at the Fakuma International Tradefair for Plastics Processing due to be held in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from October 13 to 17.

SpecialChem In many applications, durable and weatherproof wood plastic composites (WPC) are an excellent substitute for tropical woods. KraussMaffei Berstorff products cover the entire value-adding chain for processing WPC.

SpecialChem ICO, Inc., global producer of custom polymer powders and plastic film concentrates, announced an agreement to acquire certain intangible assets (primarily customer lists and formulations) and assume a production facility lease of Micro Pellets Australia Pty. Ltd that provides products and services to the rotational molding industry in Australia and New Zealand.

SpecialChem Cytec Engineered Materials (CEM), a business unit of Cytec Industries Inc. and Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. (MRC) announced that they have entered into a strategic business collaboration to advance carbon fiber reinforced composite materials technology for use in the aerospace industry.

SpecialChem IntertechPira has announced the agenda for the new global event dedicated to strategic issues faced by pigments developers, manufacturers and users. The Future of Pigments will be hosted in the Hamburg Marriott, Hamburg, Germany on 3 - 5 November 2009. This event will examine crucial industry matters such as environmental considerations, regulations, and much more.

SpecialChem Nanocyl announced that it has broadened its portfolio of PREGCYL™ pre-preg materials for advanced composite applications. PREGCYL is a family of carbon nanotube epoxy resin pre-pregs that add structural conductivity, strength, durability and weight reduction to fiber-reinforced composite materials used in aeronautic, automotive, marine and sports applications.

SpecialChem The proprietary non-mineral-oil carrier in a new family of liquid colors from the Rite Systems Business Unit of Clariant Masterbatches now makes them suitable for extrusion blowmolding of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). With the new Clariant Masterbatches liquids, processors can use as much as 2.5% without affecting screw performance.

SpecialChem Sample bottles on display in the Clariant Masterbatches booth at HBA 2009 include striking examples of ENIGMA® Fade special effects that take advantage of new colorants and multilayer blowmolding technology. Packaging designers can create looks that range from soft and subtle to bold and brassy.

SpecialChem The Lubrizol Corporation announced that Associated Chemists, Inc.'s CL-Free PLUS thread oil is proven to be chemically compatible with FlowGuard Gold®, BlazeMaster® and Corzan® CPVC piping systems and is qualified for inclusion in the FGG/BM/CZ™ System Compatible Program.

SpecialChem Nanocyl announced that it is now offering a large packaging for its NC 7000 multiwall carbon nanotubes that will help its customers reduce shipping costs, and safely optimize the compounding process. The "Big Bag" is made of two layers, one of technical textiles, and one of HDPE.

SpecialChem To help automakers and suppliers achieve greater weight reduction, Milliken Chemical, a division of Milliken & Company, is introducing Hyperform® HPR-803 high performance reinforcing agent for polyolefins. New Hyperform HPR-803 reduces weight by up to 15 percent vs. traditional mineral-filled systems while delivering an outstanding balance of stiffness and impact strength.

SpecialChem Merck KGaA announced that it has acquired Suzhou Taizhu Technology Development Co. Ltd. (Taizhu), a leading supplier of effect pigments located in Taicang near Shanghai, China. With total revenues of more than € 14 million in 2008 and 300 employees Taizhu is one of the biggest effect pigments companies in the Chinese market.

SpecialChem The surface properties of graphite including its wettability and dispersion in water were improved by Iranian researchers using nanotechnology. Graphite has found its place in diverse industries especially refractory industries but due to its poor wettability properties and resistance to oxidation applications have been limited.

SpecialChem Estane® Engineered Polymers, a business segment of The Lubrizol Corporation is expanding its European portfolio with the addition of Isoplast® Engineering Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU) resins. They combine the toughness and dimensional stability of amorphous resins with the superior performance and chemical resistance associated with semi-crystalline resins.

SpecialChem The world's hardest plastic nano-composite material that can be used in missiles and aeroplanes has been discovered by a team of five Bangalore researchers headed by CNR Rao. They created the material by reinforcing ordinary plastic with diamonds which are invisible to naked eye, a sheet of layered carbon and tiny carbon cylinders.

SpecialChem Ticona Engineering Polymers announced the availability of new grades of Celstran®+ PP long fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFRT) designed to outperform SMA resins and PC/ABS blends that are commonly used by North American OEMs to mold automotive instrument panels, air duct panels and reinforcement components.

SpecialChem AdvanSource Biomaterials Corporation, a leading developer of advanced polymer materials for a broad range of medical devices, announced that the Company has entered into a multi-year development agreement with a leading international medical device company for the development of a specialized solution-based polymer.

SpecialChem Dow Corning Corporation, a leading supplier of innovative silicone solutions for the textile industry, will feature its new multifunctional softener for flame-retardant textiles, new impact protection material product line additions and silicone textile printing inks at the Northwest Apparel and Footwear Materials Show (September 15-16).

SpecialChem AGY, a leading global producer of glass fiber yarns and high-strength glass fiber reinforcements, announces the approval of its new S-1 Glass™ high performance glass rovings for use in wind turbine blade applications by Germanischer Lloyd, the leading international certification body in the wind-energy sector.

SpecialChem The global chemical company Oxea launched its new product di-octyladipate (or di-2-ethylhexyladipate), generally known in the market as DOA. DOA is mainly used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a plasticizer providing excellent low temperature properties, good resistance to weathering and heat stability.

SpecialChem Iranian researchers at Isfahan University of Technology in cooperation with Ideha-ye-no research enterprise invented a proper method for improving the quality of carbon and activated carbon nanofibers by studying and identifying the influential parameters affecting thermal stabilization process.

SpecialChem Bac2 has developed a latent acid catalyst, CSR10, that can be added to highly reactive pre-polymeric resins to enable them to be stored for at least 3 months prior to controlled polymerization at around 120 degrees C. CSR10 enables safer transportation and storage of the bulk materials and reduces handling costs.

SpecialChem Grupo KUO announced the opening of a nanostructured additive synthesis plant that has a production capacity of 250 metric tones annually. The additives produced at this facility are used in multiple applications that range from a PET recycling chain extender to additives used in the surface treatment of nanomaterials.

SpecialChem Arkema's latest innovation is a new nanostructured thermoplastics family combining flexibility, thermomechanical stability, chemical resistance, and adhesiveness. Apolhya™ is a new polymer family which combines the properties of polyamides with those of polyolefins by producing co-continuous morphologies on a nanometric scale.

SpecialChem Innua Europe SA and Caldic Spécialités (France) have formed an exclusive partnership to promote and distribute Nan Ya Plastic Corporation's phthalate-free DHEH® (1,2 Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, bis (2-ethylhexyl) ester).

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation, a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, will be exhibiting an exceptional range of specialty healthcare solutions at MEDTEC China (in booth #103) at Intex Shanghai Exhibition Centre, September 8 -10.

SpecialChem ShengdaTech, Inc., China's leading manufacturer of nano-precipitated calcium carbonate (NPCC), announced that the Company's new NPCC production facility, in Zibo, Shandong Province, has commenced production of their first phase of 60,000 metric tons (MT).

SpecialChem Toho Tenax Co. Ltd., the core company of the Teijin Group's carbon fibers business operations, is participating in the on-going 15th China International Composites Industrial Technical Expo 2009 (September 2 to September 4), China's largest trade fair for the composites industry, which is being held in Shanghai.

SpecialChem Roquette has received the 2009 Pierre Potier prize for the launch of a new plasticizer made from natural products. The Pierre Potier prize, created on the initiative of the Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industry, rewards every year industrialists in the Chemistry field who commit themselves to innovation at the service of sustainable development.

SpecialChem China XD Plastics Company Ltd. announced that the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Harbin Xinda Macromolecule Material Company Limited, entered into a long-term non-exclusive agreement with Changchun Wanbofeng Plastics Company Limited to distribute carbon fiber reinforced nylon composite.

SpecialChem 3-layer pipes made of PP-R with a glass fiber reinforced middle layer are an interesting alternative to conventional heating and sanitary pipes for hot and cold water transport in buildings. The Viennese machine manufacturer Cincinnati Extrusion GmbH offers a tailor-made engineering solution to meet the special requirements of the task of producing them.

SpecialChem Toray Industries, Inc. and China National BlueStar (Group) Co., Ltd. announced that the companies have established a water treatment joint venture. At the new production facility, the new company will introduce high-speed polyamide composite membrane manufacturing equipment and automatic winders for elements based on Toray's state-of-the-art technology.

SpecialChem Univenture, Inc., an award-winning inventor and manufacturer of innovative, patented, environmentally friendly products, is pleased to announce its products made of polypropylene films, resins, and spun bond polypropylene comply with the lastest lead and phthalate safety standards and regulations as mandated by the U.S. CPSIA.

SpecialChem Any air traveler who has ever wished for an extra hand while juggling luggage, passport, boarding pass and a coffee cup will welcome the new tugo™ drink holder from Fli, LLC. This ingenious, one-piece gadget attaches securely to the upright handles of virtually any rolling suitcase, pivots to keep the beverage level while moving, and folds for easy storage.

SpecialChem Nanocyl showcased the performance and cost-competitive benefits of its CNTs for cutting-edge conductive plastic applications at the Nano Korea 2009 in Ilsan, Gyeonggi-do, Korea last week. Nanocyl's NC 7000 multiwall carbon nanotubes was one of the featured product line, which is one of the most electrically conductive CNTs currently available.

SpecialChem Vestel White Goods has chosen SABIC Innovative Plastics' flame-retardant (FR) Noryl* NH6020 resin - which complies with the new, tougher requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60355 standard for unattended appliances - to ensure its washing machines are competitive in the global arena.

SpecialChem ZOLL Medical Corporation, a manufacturer of resuscitation devices and related software solutions, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market and sell a new model of the LifeVest® wearable defibrillator.

SpecialChem Sinochem Quanzhou Petrochemical Co., Ltd. has selected UNIPOL™ Polypropylene Process Technology for its new 200 KTA polypropylene facility. The plant will be built in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, The People's Republic of China and will mainly produce homopolymers.

SpecialChem Solvay plans to participate, as lead investor, in the second capital increase in three years of Plextronics, Inc. Plextronics specializes in the development and commercialization of polymer-based technologies for printed electronics such as OLED lighting and displays, organic solar cells and RFID 'smart' tags.

SpecialChem Fiberon®, a leading manufacturer of composite and PVC decking, railing, and fencing products, announces Sensibuilt® PVC decking has been tested and approved by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal-Fire) Office of the State Fire Marshal's strict building standards.

SpecialChem Eastman Chemical Company announced that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Union's agency responsible for food and feed safety, has issued a favorable opinion that supports the safety of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester.

SpecialChem INVISTA, a world leader in chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers, signed a technology licensing agreement with Chongqing Jian-Feng Industrial Group Co., Ltd. to license its BDO (1,4 butanediol) and PTMEG (polytetramethylene ether glycol) manufacturing technologies to the Chinese company.

SpecialChem Coperion GmbH, Stuttgart/Germany, has not only improved its range of WRG waterring pelletizers for the pelletizing of polystyrene (PS) and polyoxymethylene (POM) but also extended it by the addition of new sizes of machine. A larger pelletizer, a WRG 400 rated for 9,000 kg/hr, has been recently introduced.

SpecialChem Fluorolink D10 H and Fluorolink E10 H are Solvay Solexis' fluorinated reactive additives specifically designed for the modification of polyurethane, polyester and epoxy resins. They enhance the substrates' properties without modifying the typical characteristics of the material itself.

SpecialChem As a leading supplier of materials to the solar photovoltaic industry, DuPont is providing further details of a multi-phase production expansion for its high-performance DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) product line.

SpecialChem Novomer Inc., a materials company pioneering a family of high-performance plastics, polymers and other chemicals from renewable feedstocks such as carbon dioxide, announced that it has raised $14 million in a Series B funding.

SpecialChem Zeller Plastik, France has launched a standard bi-colour 24-410 Softline dispensing closure to make this premium capping option available to a wider market. The new bi-colour closure provides the ideal solution for on-shelf product differentiation and premium positioning in the mass market.

SpecialChem Spartech Corporation, North America's leading supplier of rigid extruded materials, has expanded their Warsaw, Ind. custom sheet and rollstock manufacturing facility to increase production of Royalite®, a general purpose and specialty sheet manufactured for a diverse group of customers in a number of different industries.

SpecialChem BASF Corporation announced a new Ultramid® PA 66 grade that provides exceptional benefits for use in automotive powertrains components, such as cylinder head covers. Ultramid A3WG7 HP is a polyamide 66, 35 percent glass reinforced grade that offers a black, glossy, resin-rich surface appearance, improved weld strength and up to 35 percent higher flow rates.

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation and Arkema Inc. announced that PolyOne Distribution will now carry the full range of extrusion and injection molding grades in Arkema's Rilsan® PA11 and Rilsan® PA12 polyamide resin portfolio, along with all grades of Pebax® thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) except USP Class VI materials.

SpecialChem The line is designed for the production of thermal insulation boards made of extruded polystyrene foam (in short XPS) in different thicknesses using the eco-friendly blowing agent CO₂. This technical solution helps phase-out CFC and HCFC that are still being used as blowing agents in many countries all over the world.

SpecialChem Johns Manville (JM), a Berkshire Hathaway company and global building products manufacturer, has introduced JM Corbond III™, a premium high-yield closed-cell spray foam insulation product that complements JM's full line of Formaldehyde-free™ fiber glass building insulation.

SpecialChem Specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG is to globally forgo the use of DAE oils in the production of synthetic rubbers as they have a high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content. An environmentally friendly substitute is provided either by TDAE oils or naphthenic oils.

SpecialChem Chemists and engineers at the University of Warwick have found that exposing particular mixtures of polymer particles and other materials to sudden freeze-drying can create a high-tech armored foam that could be used for a number of purposes, including a new range of low power room temperature gas sensors.

SpecialChem 3B, a leading manufacturer of fibreglass products for the reinforcement of thermoplastics and thermosets, is going to exhibit for the first time at the China Composites Expo, Shanghai, September, 2nd - 4th. Highlights at the show will centre on its Direct Rovings and CFM (Continuous Filament Mat) product lines from its Advantex™ and HiPer-tex™ ranges.

SpecialChem A new material developed at the University of Virginia - an oxygen nanosensor that couples a light-emitting dye with a biopolymer - simplifies the imaging of oxygen-deficient regions of tumors.

SpecialChem PolyMirae Company Ltd, a joint venture of LyondellBasell and Daelim, has announced the development of a new transparent PP resin, Clyrell RC5056. The new resin offers high heat resistance needed for disinfection and adds to the range of materials used in application for food containers, such as baby bottles.

SpecialChem NUVADERM's clearance is a major milestone for Chesson Labs, but more importantly it is a product developed to improve wound care for individuals treating themselves as well as medical personnel who need a rapid response product to treat minor wounds.

SpecialChem Zotefoams has developed a new, cross-linked polyolefin foam material with excellent anti-microbial properties. Plastazote foam is already used extensively in the medical industry in a wide range of applications from prosthetics and orthotics to body supports for MRI and CT scanning.

SpecialChem SWeNT expanded its production capacity with a new manufacturing facility in Norman, Oklahoma late last year, increasing its single-wall carbon nanotube production capability 100-fold at one-tenth the unit cost.

SpecialChem The mission of the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center is to promote and support the commercialization of nanomaterials research for new and enhanced products critical to the U.S. economy and manufacturing base.

SpecialChem Specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG has developed a polymer additive for plastics and rubber that is now available for industrial application.

SpecialChem The new facility serves as a development and testing lab for construction-chemistry applications and helps tap the region's fast-growing construction industry.

SpecialChem LyondellBasell joint venture Saudi Ethylene and Polyethylene Company (SEPC) has successfully started up its world-scale low density polyethylene (LDPE) plant based on the Lupotech T process technology.

SpecialChem The book covers fundamental aspects of the synthesis and processing of nanoscale reinforcements, and their influence on polymer nanocomposite properties. Combining academic and industrial contributions and focussing on key areas of performance, the book will also be of value to researchers in universities working with industry.

SpecialChem Huber Engineered Materials (HEM), a division of J.M. Huber Corporation, has announced the launch of MoldX™ A105 optimized alumina trihydrate (ATH), a fine-particle size and unique particle distribution flame retardant (FR) for pultrusion and wet-mat based applications.

SpecialChem United Foam, a UFP Technologies brand, has announced that it has been named a distributor of Pelican® Storm Cases and Pelican's Hardigg® case product lines. United Foam now has access to Pelican's complete line of cases that were gained through their acquisition of Hardigg Industries earlier in the year.

SpecialChem AGY announced the introduction of S-1 Glass™ high performance glass rovings for use in long fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFT). Designed for industrial applications, these high performance glass fibers allow new levels of mechanical properties to be developed in a thermoplastic with much lower levels of glass fiber filler.

SpecialChem Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc., the world's leading producer of resins and adhesives for industrial applications has partnered with Tekle Technical Services, Inc. (TTS), a biocomposites company, to develop "green" building products for the construction industry, utilizing TTS' natural fibre-based materials and Hexion's industry leading resin systems.

SpecialChem The Klöckner Pentaplast Group, the largest European producer of rigid PET films, has announced that it will add to its European production capacity for polyester films. The start up of the state-of-the-art extrusion line is targeted for late 2009 and will produce high-performance polyester films.

SpecialChem Johns Manville (JM), a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building and specialty products, will demonstrate the benefits of its Formaldehyde-free™ fiber glass insulation products for retrofit applications at the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Training Conference in Indianapolis July 21-24.

SpecialChem Nanoparticles are being developed to perform a wide range of medical uses - imaging tumors, carrying drugs, delivering pulses of heat. Rather than settling for just one of these, researchers at the University of Washington have combined two nanoparticles in one tiny package. The current focus is on medical applications, but could also be used in solar cells.

SpecialChem The Klöckner Pentaplast Group will upgrade its North American production capabilities for blown A/MA/B barrier films. They are used primarily as a product contact layer due to their chemically resistant properties, barrier properties, and functionality as a heat sealing media for flexible packaging.

SpecialChem Bayer MaterialScience LLC was selected to receive a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support development and testing for the project titled, 'Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polyurethane Composites for Wind Turbine Blades'. It is an initiative to help accelerate development of more efficient and more powerful wind turbines blades.

SpecialChem Toray Industries, Inc. announced that it has started full-fledged mass production of its environment-friendly fiber materials based on polylactic acid (PLA) and plant-derived polyesters for automobile applications. It has already been supplying the materials for the trunk and floor carpeting to Toyota Motor Corp.

SpecialChem Braskem and Acinplas have just signed a partnership for supplying green polyethylene from a 100% renewable source. The resin will be used to manufacture plastic films used to produce perforated bags for accommodating food, offering practicality, hygiene and resistance.

SpecialChem Owens Corning introduced EnergyComplete™ with Flexible Seal Technology, a whole home insulation and air sealing system. Installed in two parts, the EnergyComplete system uses a new foam-based sealant to reduce air leakage, addressing a major source of energy loss, and proven PINK FIBERGLAS™ insulation to deliver exceptional thermal performance.

SpecialChem In a breakthrough study, scientists from University of Minnesota in St Paul have developed a new material that can repel hot water. The team added carbon nanotubes to Teflon - a substance commonly used as a non-stick coating on cookware and found that the hot droplets retain a near spherical shape and roll off the material.

SpecialChem Because ATVs are designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other off-road vehicles, every component in the wheel must meet a stringent set of strength requirements. In the case of the beadlock ring, the long carbon fiber compound provided excellent stiffness, high compression strength, and class-A surface qualities.

SpecialChem Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has announced that it has added its first low-rolling resistance tire line, the Cooper GFE (Greater Fuel Efficiency), to its product portfolio. The GFE showcases a new innovative tread stock that features a unique silica technology married with a specialized polymer.

SpecialChem For PU processors, the Polyurethane-Composite-Spray-Moulding (PURCSM) technology from Hennecke GmbH, is the very first time a new type of system allows hand-operated spray application, thus making the advanced polyurethane spray technology interesting for processors who laminate GRP in small series by hand.

SpecialChem DSM Composite Resins has recently announced a strategic partnership with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) in Pfinztal, near Karlsruhe in Germany. This partnership will allow both parties to jointly develop new composite technologies and applications in the field of automotive and advanced composites.

SpecialChem Velozzi proudly released the much anticipated image of its crossover. The SOLO. It has been designed to be the most environmentally efficient, luxurious, and attractive car of today. Built using lightweight materials that allow for reduction of manufacturing cost the Velozzi vehicles will be the first production cars to utilize carbon nano tubes in their construction.

SpecialChem REHAU has partnered with Agion Technologies to incorporate Agion's antimicrobial technology into the new REHAU ECOAIR™ ground-air heat exchange system. The system is comprised of an air inlet, filtering and condensation management components, and rigid PVC pipe and fittings which are protected by Agion.

SpecialChem R&D Magazine announced Hybrid Plastics, Inc. as a winner of its prestigious 2009 R&D 100 Award for the company's POSS® Flow Aids. POSS® Nanostructured® Chemical technology, when used as a processing flow aid, effectively increases the melt flow of virtually any thermoplastic resin and is thermally stable enough for even the highest temperature plastics.

SpecialChem Solid State Disk Drives (SSDs) are currently experiencing strong market growth as they contribute to higher data reliability, lower weight and noise, faster access times and power reduction. In these applications, Stanyl® ForTii™ provides an excellent halogen free, flame retardant solution.

SpecialChem The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK's primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce the University of Hertfordshire and the University of Nottingham as winners of its Industrial Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering (CASE) for 2009.

SpecialChem With low halogen content standards becoming commonplace in the electronics industry, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP's (Chevron Phillips Chemical) Engineering Polymers group is introducing several new Ryton® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin grades with chlorine content of less than 900 parts per million.

SpecialChem In October, 2009, a new Plastic Engineering degree programme will begin at Johannes Kepler University Linz (Austria). Supported by OMV and Borealis, a Bachelors degree in Plastic Engineering as well as a Masters degree in Industrial Plastic Engineering will be offered.

SpecialChem Cereplast, Inc., developer of proprietary bio-based sustainable plastics, announced that its presence at NPE2009, the International Plastics Showcase, was a success and interest in it's bio-based plastics was high and the company attracted serious inquiries from a very large number of domestic and international plastic converters, brand-owners and designers.

SpecialChem Plastics Color Corporation (PCC), a leader in delivering color concentrates and additive masterbatches to the plastics industry, operates its Plant Within a Plant as a clean-compounding facility applying best-practices manufacturing that much of the industry has yet to adopt.

SpecialChem There is a steady trend towards using CO₂ as the physical blowing agent in flexible foam production. CO₂ nucleation is already being used successfully in series production of back-foamed carpets. It is also increasingly the option of choice in producing flexible foam seat elements for the automotive and furniture industries.

SpecialChem DuPont announced the opening of its newest Innovation and Technology Center. Located in the City of Paulínia, São Paulo state, the center will be a hub for application development for new solutions in divisions such as Fluoropolymers, Advanced Fibers, Industrial Polymers, Engineering Polymers, Chemical Solutions, and Nonwovens.

SpecialChem Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc. has announced the launch of a new fire-rated architectural acrylic product. Called R-Cast™ Dura, named for the strength of the material and its Class I and Class fire ratings, this new product is a welcome addition for expanded design possibilities for architects and designers.

SpecialChem Global custom engineered thermoplastic compounder RTP Company has expanded its broad line of halogen-free flame retardant (FR) compounds to include nylon and polyester grades. Halogen-free FR products, fully compliant with RoHS Directive regulations, are for the first time available in nearly all resin systems, providing a viable alternative to halogenated FR additives.

SpecialChem A color control system equipped with a high-precision spectral line camera permits - for the first time ever - the on-line color control directly at the plastic pellets. With this innovative technology, color measurement takes only a few minutes and the results are available for color correction and/or quality documentation virtually in real time.

SpecialChem SABIC's new specialty compounding plant is built in Genk, Belgium will have a capacity of 140 kton per annum and aims to support the growth of its automotive customers in Western and Eastern Europe. The product portfolio of this plant will consist of its SABIC® PP compound and SABIC® STAMAX - long glass fiber polypropylene (PP) composites.

SpecialChem For Universal Fibers, Inc., a leading supplier of high-end solution-dyed (melt pigmented) fibers, SABIC Innovative Plastics developed Valox iQ* 2205HV resin. The environmentally progressive, high-performance resin is used as a critical additive to provide permanent stain resistance and strong, consistent color, and to maximize PCR content.

SpecialChem Kieback & Peter, a Berlin-based supplier of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and system solutions, relies on Celanex® XFR® for the housing of its new miniature actuator. The thermoplastic polyester (PBT) from Ticona Engineering Polymers complies with UL 94 V-0 and is flame-retardant without halogens or antimony.

SpecialChem Owens Corning announced that it has started manufacturing zero ozone-depleting FOAMULAR® Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) rigid foam insulation. The new blowing agent technology developed by Owens Corning meets the requirements of the Montreal Protocol, which requires the phase-out of the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) 142b, an ozone-depleting compound.

SpecialChem Cereplast, Inc. developer of proprietary bio-based sustainable plastics, has announced a new strategic partnership with Chase Plastics to distribute Cereplast's bio-based resins in North America. This agreement signals Cereplast's long-term commitment to broadening the supply of its bio-based resins to North American plastics processors.

SpecialChem Automotive suppliers and OEMs looking for a replacement for widely used styrene maleic-anhydride (SMA) engineering resins that are now discontinued need to look no further than Bayer MaterialScience LLC. The company's Bayblend® T88 GF-10 glass fiber-reinforced polycarbonate/blend (PC/blend) resin is a replacement for automotive applications.

SpecialChem Scientists from DuPont have helped The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company by taking DuPont technology for high-strength Kevlar® products and applying it to Goodyear tires. Goodyear-produced tires with Kevlar® fiber are targeted for use in conditions ranging from tough, rocky terrain to everyday highway driving, and can help provide stability, toughness and comfort.

SpecialChem Arkema has appointed Hamburg-based Velox GmbH as distributor for its Graphistrength® multiwall carbon nanotube products. Graphistrength® can be used in numerous applications such as high strength composite materials, electronic components, conductive coatings, electrode material for batteries and fuel cells, etc.

SpecialChem The partnership is based on Avantium's work in deriving monomers and polymers from non-food biomass and on NatureWorks' success in developing a wide range of end markets and products for its Ingeo™ biopolymer. Avantium calls this class of bio-based polymers Furanics, and this new class of products holds important promise for both plastics and biofuels.

SpecialChem Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (Quadrant EPP has introduced additional standard colours to its Radel® PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) Life Science Grade (LSG) portfolio. All Quadrant Radel PPSU LSG stock shapes are certified biocompatible according to ISO 10993 and find application in medical devices.

SpecialChem A team of researchers from DuPont and Lehigh has reported a breakthrough in the quest to produce carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are suitable for use in electronics, medicine and as strengthening elements in composite materials. The group has developed a DNA-based method that sorts and separates specific types of CNTs from a mixture.

SpecialChem For many years, the polyurethane industry has relied upon the same dependable catalyst to produce polyether polyols, the building blocks of polyurethanes and related polymers. In recent years, Bayer MaterialScience LLC has developed and advanced commercialization of a new catalyst, IMPACT™ technology, for the creation of those building blocks.

SpecialChem SABIC Innovative Plastics is helping customers create new sustainable solutions by delivering a first: two products in a new line of LNP* Thermocomp* specialty compounds that use curauá fiber and wood flour natural reinforcements. LNP Thermocomp composites offer the combination of eco-progressiveness and outstanding high-performance properties.

SpecialChem In contrast to cable sheathing made in PVC, TPE sheathing does not cause toxic or carcinogenic fumes in the event of fire. For cable manufacturers and suppliers, KRAIBURG TPE has developed number of special halogen-free and flame-resistant TPE compounds that meet the most stringent flame-resistance requirements of the relevant European and US standards.

SpecialChem PolyOne unveiled a portfolio of metallic special effect rigid vinyl molding compounds. Available globally under the Geon™ brand, these compounds help manufacturers meet current design trends for bold colors and metallic accents while reducing costs by eliminating secondary processes such as painting or plating.

SpecialChem The Lubrizol Corporation has expanded its already broad non-halogen flame retardant (NHFR) portfolio with the introduction of Estane® ZHF92AT3 thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This new Estane® TPU is formulated for flexible cable jacketing and offers a higher Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI).

SpecialChem With the start-up of the new Ryton® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) plant, Chevron Phillips Chemical now has the broadest portfolio of PPS polymers available. It meets the requirements of fibers to automotive markets to electrical/electronics, appliances, and industrial applications.

SpecialChem Nanocor has announced a new nanoMax product line for polyolefin resins. These new nanoMax formulations do not contain any compatibalizers, such as PE-g-MA or PP-g-MA. The nanoMax product line was introduced to provide easy processing to incorporate Nanomer® nanoclay into polyolefin resins.

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation unveiled a breakthrough series of solutions for natural fibers, including a line of colorant and additive offerings for wood plastic composite marketplace. This new portfolio has been formulated for compatibility with many natural fibers as well as post-consumer recycled natural fibers.

SpecialChem WACKER, the Munich-based chemical group, is restructuring its silicone elastomer distribution in Turkey. SolPro has been a sales partner in Turkey for ELASTOSIL® solid silicone rubbers. These heat-curing silicones are used, for example, for fireproof cables, seals, profiles and O-rings.

SpecialChem PPG Industries has started manufacturing HYBON 2026 fiber glass roving in Zibo, Shandong Province, China, at PPG Sinoma Jinjing Fiber Glass Co., Ltd. - a joint venture of PPG and Sinoma Jinjing Fiber Glass Co. Ltd. HYBON 2026 fiber glass is designed for wind energy and other market segments.

SpecialChem Borouge, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, is exploring new opportunities to enhance the supply of advanced polypropylene (PP) materials to the Indian automotive industry by cooperating with Machino Polymers Limited, a leading supplier of PP compounds to the automotive industry in India.

SpecialChem PolyOne announced the availability of PVC alloys that enable the use of darker colors in exterior building and construction applications. Marketed under the Geon HTX Ultra brand, this technology offers improved high temperature performance and dark color weatherability versus standard vinyl compounds, without compromising impact strength.

SpecialChem BASF has finalized its plans for the integration of Ciba Holding AG, which it acquired in April 2009. Under the plans, former Ciba businesses are to be integrated into the operating divisions in BASF's Performance Products segment where their potential can best be realized and developed.

SpecialChem Eastman Chemical Company announced the EU launch of its new, high solvating, non-phthalate plasticizer, Eastman™ DBT. Eastman™ DBT is particularly suitable for use in PVC plastisols and water-based adhesive applications. Eastman™ DBT has already received clearance by the U.S. FDA for use in certain food-contact applications.

SpecialChem Arkema and Australian company Chemeq Technologies are pleased to announce the signing of a manufacturing cooperation agreement for the supply by Arkema of a new antimicrobial polymer. As a result, Chemeq Technologies will be able to offer its industrial customers in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals sector a solution that is marketed under the tradename Cereese.

SpecialChem Polyscope decided just over two years ago to enter the strategic automotive industry, and has committed itself to the development of an improved range of styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) products called XIRAN® for dashboard carriers and other car components.

SpecialChem Metabolix, Inc. announced that Mirel bioplastic resins produced by Telles, its joint venture with Archer Daniels Midland Company, have been certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), an independent North American certifier of compostable material.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.