Polymer Additives Industry News

May 9, 2008 - Agreement Between Clariant and Milliken Launches Special Effect Masterbatches Featuring ClearTint® Transparent Colors

SpecialChem Users of clarified polypropylene (PP) now can have both sparkling clear colors and dazzling reflectivity with ENIGMA®-reflections special effects from Clariant Masterbatches. A recent North American sales and marketing agreement joins Clariant effects technology with the unique ClearTint® transparent colorants from Milliken & Company, and makes those masterbatches available even in small lot sizes.

May 8, 2008 - New One-Year Subscription to SPE and SpecialChem’s Learning on Demand Offers Unlimited Access to 150+ Recorded Presentations

SpecialChem The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) and SpecialChem announced that their new Learning on Demand, an online service providing access to talks by experts on specific technical topics, is now available through an annual subscription that permits unlimited access to more than 150 recorded presentations and to the new videos added every week.

May 7, 2008 - Albemarle to Relocate Corporate Headquarters to Louisiana

SpecialChem The board of directors of leading global specialty chemicals manufacturer Albemarle Corporation has approved a move of its corporate headquarters to Baton Rouge from Richmond, Va., continuing a series of strategic changes designed to strengthen the sustainability of the company and establish a platform for future growth.

May 6, 2008 - Shepherd Color Introduces Black 30C933 Stir-in Pigment

SpecialChem The Shepherd Color Company introduces Dynamix Black 30C933, a unique, innovative "stir-in" inorganic color pigment to the coatings market.Black 30933 is CI Pigment Black 26. Typical applications include liquid and powder coatings, silicate and masonry coatings and radiation cured coatings.

May 5, 2008 - Baerlocher Acquires Chemtura's Organic-Based Stabilizer (OBS®) Business for Rigid PVC

SpecialChem With immediate effect, the Baerlocher group of Companies has acquired Chemtura's organic based stabilizer (OBS®) business for rigid PVC applications, together with a license for use of Chemtura's OBS patents and know-how also for flexible applications.

May 2, 2008 - Ashland's NEULON 480 Low-Profile Additive Technology Now Available in Europe

SpecialChem A significant improvement in external body finish is now possible for European automobile manufacturers using sheet molding compound (SMC). NEULON® 480 low-profile additive from Ashland Composite Polymers, a business group of Ashland Performance Materials, a division of Ashland Inc., outperforms previous formulations to deliver the next level of auto-body performance.

Apr 30, 2008 - Americhem Brings New product Innovations to the Fibers Industry

SpecialChem Americhem, a global supplier of color and additive solutions for polymer-based products, is consistently working to deliver breakthrough solutions to the fibers industry. A focused effort by the company's fibers team has resulted in a stream of new product offerings - many of which offer performance and cost-savings previously unavailable in the industry.

Apr 28, 2008 - Ciba Launches New Range of Anti-Yellowing Pearlescent Effects for Plastics

SpecialChem Ciba is presenting a new range of pearlescent effects at interpack 2008, which takes place in Dusseldorf from April 24-30 (stand E18 in Hall 10). With their anti-yellowing properties, Ciba® XYMARA™ XPS pearlescent effects enhance the appearance and prolong the life of plastic objects. XYMARA™ XPS are suitable for a broad range of goods, including cosmetics bottles, jars, containers and many other functional and decorative items.

Apr 25, 2008 - Suggar's Washing Machines Clean Up the Competition with Stylish, Transparent Top Doors Featuring Polypropylene Clarified with Milliken's Millad® NX8000

SpecialChem Milliken Chemical is using polypropylene (PP) clarified with Millad® NX8000 to replace styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) in three of its most popular washer models: the Top Max 5.0, the Viva, and the Viva Max 6.0. By upgrading the existing washer top doors to PP clarified with Millad NX8000, which delivers previously unattainable levels of clarity, Suggar has provided the transparency that customers desire while significantly improving impact resistance for better durability.

Apr 24, 2008 - Diamant Corporation Announces Strategy to Introduce Exclusive Plastic Bottle Degrading Solution

SpecialChem Diamant Corporation is pleased to announce the completion of their initial trials for bio-degrading plastic bottles. Diamant prepares for the introduction of the additive in North America to contribute to solve the plastic water bottle pollution problem.

Apr 23, 2008 - Ciba presents New Solutions for Color and Effect Management at DRUPA 2008

SpecialChem MyColorViz Creative effect design software for Adobe® Photoshop® is first of its kind. New additions to www.matchmycolor.com, including a comprehensive service for ordering color samples online

Apr 22, 2008 - New Nano Additive from LANXESS Extends Tire Service Life

SpecialChem Specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG has developed a new high-performance rubber additive - Nanoprene. This material additive for the rubber mixture of the tire tread significantly cuts wear in automobile tires. The much longer service life of the tire as a wearing part is easy on the wallet and the environment. Unlike with many new developments in the tire rubber sector, use of this additive to enhance wear resistance does not in any way impact on rolling resistance or wet grip.

Apr 21, 2008 - Latest Visual Effects for Thermoplastic Part Design REV Up Bayer MaterialScience's extensive Fantasia® Color and Special Effect Technology Offerings

SpecialChem An innovative color or special effect can turn an ordinary design into an extraordinary one. Designers know this, and so do the Fantasia® color and special effect technology experts at Bayer MaterialScience LLC (BMS). BMS is unveiling a stimulating new set of LEDA® compounded color technology visual effects that can help designers bring even the most imaginative product design into reality. LEDA effects are designed to complement BMS' Makrolon® polycarbonate resin.

Apr 18, 2008 - Improved Environmental Performance with LANXESS Polymer Additive Solutions

SpecialChem The specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG will present a comprehensive range of innovative organic dyes, plasticizers and flame retardants at Chinaplas 2008 in Shanghai. In response to increasingly stringent safety regulations for food packaging, toys and the construction industry, LANXESS remains firmly committed to providing customers in the plastics industry with more ecologically sound products and energy efficient production processes. The solutions on display from the LANXESS Functional Chemicals business unit at Chinaplas 2008 contribute significantly to improved toy, food and building safety, a serious concern for billions of consumers worldwide.

Apr 17, 2008 - Innovative Nanotechnologies Available for Commercialization Showcased by the National Institute of Standards and Technology

SpecialChem More than 200 entrepreneurs and business executives learned how they can capitalize on cutting-edge nanotechnologies developed in the research facilities at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Apr 16, 2008 - Albemarle Affirms EU's Positive Assessment of TBBPA

SpecialChem A compound used to improve the fire safety of circuit boards and plastics in nearly 70 percent of the world's electrical and electronic equipment has been formally approved by the European Union (EU) for use in all of the product's designated applications, a decision commended by one of the product's main manufacturers, Albemarle Corporation.

Apr 15, 2008 - Symphony Signs up one of World's Largest Food Producers for its d2w® Self-Destruct, Oxo-Bio Plastic

SpecialChem Symphony's d2w™ additive makes plastic degrade completely in a pre-set time-span, from as little six months onwards, leaving no fragments, no methane, and no harmful residues. There is little or no extra cost.

Apr 14, 2008 - New AEROSIL® Product Line to be Introduced Worldwide Detailed Technical Presentations around the World

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. To further expand the range of specialty applications, the leading specialty chemicals group now presents a new generation of silicas - AEROSIL® 200 SP and AEROSIL® 300 SP. These have the advantage of creating even greater transparency in the end products.

Apr 11, 2008 - Americhem Expands Manufacturing Operations and Value-Added Services to Benefit Clients

SpecialChem Americhem, a leading provider of technology solutions to manufacturers of polymer-based products, enters 2008 with an evolved brand image and newly remodeled headquarters, featuring a state-of-the-art Research & Development facility. But that's just the beginning -- the company is increasing service offerings and expanding manufacturing capacity at its global locations.

Apr 10, 2008 - 2008 JEC Composites Show Pulverizes Records in Europe and Worldwide

SpecialChem The JEC Composites Show was a phenomenal success, with a record turnout and greatly expanded exhibit area. Its 43,500 m² (462,848 sq ft) included no fewer than seven halls, a new outdoor demonstration area, and a specially-built auditorium/conference-room structure.

Apr 9, 2008 - Carbon Nanotubes for New Thermoplastic Materials

SpecialChem The excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical strength of Baytubes® carbon nanotubes were the decisive factors leading to a cooperation agreement on thermoplastics between Bayer MaterialScience AG and Clariant Masterbatches (Deutschland) GmbH. Bayer MaterialScience will supply Clariant with industrial quantities of high-quality Baytubes® for the manufacture of development and sales products for compounds and master batches. The carbon nanotubes, CNT for short, will initially be used in the new CESA® conductive CNT product range. Potential applications for the resultant compounds include electrically conductive machine components and packaging for delicate electronic components such as computer chips.

Apr 8, 2008 - PolyOne Will Introduce New Developments at Wire 2008

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation will exhibit at the Wire 2008, which takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany 31st March - 4th April 2008 (Hall 9, Stand F68).

Apr 7, 2008 - Techmer PM Announces Accel Color Acquisition

SpecialChem Techmer PM announced that it is acquiring Accel Corporation in a merger transaction that will expand Techmer PM's national manufacturing footprint and product and service offering.

Apr 4, 2008 - PolyOne Announces Global Team for Low Smoke and Fume, Zero Halogen (LSFOH) Platform at Wire 2008

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation, global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions , has formed a global platform and team for its Low Smoke and Fume, Zero Halogen (LSFOH) compounds.

Apr 3, 2008 - 2009 Color Predictions for Plastic Products Announced by Clariant Masterbatches

SpecialChem This Clariant Masterbatches color trend analysis and design tool is released annually to help plastic product designers and marketing professionals make informed color choices. ColorForward 2009 is the collaborative effort of plastic 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.

Apr 2, 2008 - PolyOne Introduces Termite and Rodent Repellent Additive Concentrates at Wire 2008

SpecialChem PolyOne Corporation , a leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, announced the launch of its new termite and rodent repellent additive concentrates at Wire 2008 (PolyOne Hall 9 Stand F68).

Apr 1, 2008 - Rhein Chemie Still on Track - Construction of New Production Facilities for Specialties and Service Products at Headquarters in Mannheim and in Qingdao, China

SpecialChem Fiscal 2007 was a successful year for the Rhein Chemie Group, and the company continues to be on track. Global sales amounted to EUR 295 million, compared to EUR 302 million in the previous year. The slight deterioration in sales of 2 percent compared with 2006 is mainly due to negative currency effects.

Mar 31, 2008 - New High Performance Additive Systems (HPS) Breakthrough

SpecialChem Since 2006 Techmer PM has been working diligently with a select group of customers to verify the performance of a new breakthrough in additives: an adjustable recipe for a family of compounds that can reduce cooling times while simultaneously controlling warping and shrinkage in injection-molded polyolefin parts.

Mar 28, 2008 - Ciba Presents New Options to Add Appeal and Function to Packaging at Interpack 2008

SpecialChem Ciba is presenting a wide variety of solutions for enhanced appeal and functionality of packaging at interpack in Dusseldorf from April 24-30, at stands E18 in Hall 10 and C14 in Hall 14. A special focus will be color, transparency and content protection in plastics packaging. Services will also feature prominently, with new tools being demonstrated that assist communication and color management throughout the packaging value chain. A third highlight will be the latest generation of OnVu™ time-temperature indicators for "the label that makes freshness visible".

Mar 27, 2008 - Reusable, Recyclable, Radiant: AURA® Infusion Technology

SpecialChem With its sleek, smart, hands-on examples of lighting, layering and eco, Bayer MaterialScience's presence at the 2007 ISDA show sent an important message to industrial designers: in the design world, materials matter, and BMS is there to support your greatest innovations.

Mar 26, 2008 - Color Challenges Meet Their Match at the Design Center

SpecialChem Color can make or break a design. But getting that "just-right" shade for your product is now easier, and more cost-effective, than ever. The Design Center --part of the Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) Color Competence Center in Newark, Ohio--opened in June 2007 to help customers create custom colors in a whole new way.

Mar 25, 2008 - The Spectrum of Sustainability with Fantasia® Color Technologies

SpecialChem The Color Marketing Group predicts that genuine concern for the environment will remain the strongest influence on colors for 2008, with emphasis on natural fabrics, earthy shades, and warmer metals. And Fantasia® color technologies can support your needs with a whole spectrum of colors, creative textures, special effects, and a variety of waste-saving, recyclable solutions that may make going green seem like second nature.

Mar 24, 2008 - New Advances in Holliday Pigments' Premier Range for Plastics at Chinaplas 2008

SpecialChem HOLLIDAY PIGMENTS is showcasing new developments to its Premier range for plastics at ChinaPlas 2008.

Mar 20, 2008 - Printed RFID could achieve accepted commercial use by 2010, says a new NanoMarkets report

SpecialChem According to a new NanoMarkets report, radio frequency identification (RFID) can achieve a functionality that would make it possible to be used for simple inventory management and logistics management by 2010.

Mar 19, 2008 - New AEROSIL® Product Line to be Introduced Worldwide Detailed Technical Presentations around the World

Mar 18, 2008 - Diamant Art Corporation Announces Immediate Distribution Capability of the Nor-X Patented Bio-Degradable Additive to Meet Swiftly Escalating Demand

SpecialChem Diamant Art Corporation announces that the Company has achieved a commercial level of inventory which allows the company the capability of delivering enough of its proprietary bio-degradable additive to generate in the range of 1.5 billion grocery bags, or create 16,500,000 Lbs of Bio-Degradable plastic that may be used to produce pallet wrap or Food film. The Company expects that this high volume availability will be a leading factor in the company's rise to becoming a leader in the industry.

Mar 17, 2008 - New Generation Nitroxide Fluorescent Probes help Protect the Material by Capturing the Damaging Free Radicals

SpecialChem A new generation of nitroxide fluorescent probes have been developed by chemists from the Queensland University of Technology node of the Centre that both help protect the material by capturing the damaging free radicals involved, as well as fluorescing to signal how much the polymer has degraded.

Mar 14, 2008 - Ciba Launches New 3D Color Visualization Software Linking Design to Production

SpecialChem Ciba® ColorViz Color Presenter, a new tool that allows visualization of the final appearance of a color on a finished product, has been designed for color producers in the packaging, electronics, consumer goods, cosmetics and automotive markets.