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Top experts review the latest patents they read and the latest papers and lectures they attended at conferences; they then make a selection of the most promising technologies and summarize in a few lines what the substance you should take away with you.

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Mar 19, 2010 - Environmentally degradable PP - Technical Paper
This article describes the effect of pro-degradant additives on degradation behavior of PP films. The effect of natural exposure and heating of PP...

Mar 18, 2010 - Hyperbranched polymers as novel flame retardants - Technical Paper
Hyperbranched polyethers were blended with LDPE and flexible PVC to improve their flame retardant properties. The flame retardancy of...

Mar 17, 2010 - Wood-fiber-reinforced recycled PP composites - Technical Paper
To reduce the moisture absorption of wood-fiber-reinforced PP (WFR-PP), a coupling agent (KH550), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and maleic anhydride (MA)...

Mar 16, 2010 - Additives to improve the weatherability of PVC - Technical Paper
The effect of the combination of a UV absorber (Chimassorb 81) with different types of thermal stabilizers, including an organic calcium complex and...

Mar 15, 2010 - Improving PLA mechanical properties by the addition of oil - Technical Paper
PLA films are toughened by the addition of oils. The investigated oils were linear alkanes, cyclic alkanes, and two terpenes (limonene and eugenol)....

Mar 12, 2010 - High refractive index nanocomposites - Technical Paper
High refractive index optical compositions based on polymer matrices filled with high concentrations of ZnS nanoparticles were developed. These... (1 Member Reaction)

Mar 11, 2010 - Transparent conductive films containing carbon nanotubes for touch panel displays - Patent
This invention provides a transparent conductive PC film coated with a mixed solution of carbon nanotubes and a binder, by which a touch panel having...

Mar 10, 2010 - Properties of reversibly crosslinked isotactic PP/clay nanocomposites - Technical Paper
Recent developments concerning the methodology used to prepare composites of isotactic PP and nanoclays are reported. Conventional (reactive melt...

Mar 09, 2010 - PLA-based bio- and nanocomposites - Technical Paper
This article reviews PLA for the production of bio- and nanocomposites. Attempts to improve PLA properties by reinforcing with lignocellulosic fibers...

Mar 08, 2010 - Carbon nanotubes composites - Technical Paper
Carbon nanotubes represent one of the most important materials in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The exceptional properties that these materials...

Mar 05, 2010 - PP composites reinforced with multiwall carbon nanotubes - Technical Paper
PP nanocomposites containing 0.1 to 3 wt.% multiwall carbon nanotubes were prepared using extrusion processing. Carbon nanotubes were found to enhance... (1 Member Reaction)

Mar 04, 2010 - New non-migrating PVC plasticizer - Technical Paper
This article reveals a new approach to making PVC flexible with zero plasticizer migration! The technology involves compounding a thiol functional...

Mar 02, 2010 - Rheology, mechanical performance, shrinkage, and morphology of chemically coupled talc-filled PP - Technical Paper
The shear rheological properties, mechanical performance, shrinkage, and morphology of PP-talc composites chemically coupled by...

Mar 01, 2010 - Halogen-free flame-retardant rigid polyurethane foams - Technical Paper
Rigid polyurethane foam (PUF) filled with mixture of alumina trihydrate and triphenyl phosphate as fire retardant additive was prepared with water as...

Feb 26, 2010 - The effect of different impact modifiers in halogen-free flame retarded polycarbonate blends - II - Technical Paper
This article investigates the fire behavior of halogen-free flame retarded PC blends with different impact modifiers. The impact modifiers were ABS,...

Feb 25, 2010 - Novel "Eco-FR" styrenic polymers - Conference
Flame retardant (FR) additives are commonly used in polymeric materials, with non-halogenated flame retardants being preferred for...

Feb 24, 2010 - Improvement of processing parameters by using processing aids during the LLDPE film blowing process - Technical Paper
Polymer processing aids are used to improve processing properties in the PE industry. These materials improve not only the physical and mechanical...

Feb 23, 2010 - New trends in PLA-based materials: "Green" PLA-(nano)composites tailored with flame retardant properties - Technical Paper
Starting from gypsum, a byproduct of lactic acid fabrication process, novel "green" composites have been produced by melt-blending polylactide (PLA)...

Feb 22, 2010 - Metal-Containing Polymers: Building Blocks for Functional (Nano)Materials - Technical Paper
In this article, the authors overview the field of metal containing nanocomposites with a brief survey of recent literature. The incorporation of...

Feb 19, 2010 - Nanocomposites in food packaging - Technical Paper
The development of nanocomposites is a new strategy to improve physical properties of polymers, including mechanical strength, thermal stability, and...

Feb 18, 2010 - Optical characterization of polycarbonate: Influence of additives on optical properties - Technical Paper
In laser transmission welding of thermoplastics the optical properties of the joining parts determine the quality of the welding result. Especially,...

Feb 17, 2010 - Effect of Pro-degradant Additives Concentration on Aging Properties of Polypropylene Films - Technical Paper
This article describes the effect of pro-degradant additives on the environmental degradation behavior of PP films. Thin films (0.12 mm) containing...

Feb 16, 2010 - Flame retardant polymer composition with good flammability performance and improved mechanical properties - Patent
Disclosed is a flame retardant thermoplastic polymer composition that employs a flame retardant formed from a phosphinic compound and an... (1 Member Reaction)

Feb 15, 2010 - Poly(lactic acid) modifications - Technical Paper
PLA is the most extensively researched and utilized biodegradable and renewable thermoplastic polyester, with potential to replace conventional...

Feb 12, 2010 - Making "smart polymers" smarter - Technical Paper
This highlight summarizes recent attempts and advances of polymer sciences to improve concept of regulation and import it into synthetic polymer...

Feb 11, 2010 - Physical properties of nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization of HDPE on carbon nanotubes - Technical Paper
In situ polymerization was used to prepare nanocomposites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and HDPE. This polymerization method consists of...

Feb 10, 2010 - Biocompatibility of biopolyester nanofibers - Technical Paper
In this article, characterization and biocompatibility of nanofibers derived from PHA and PLA are described. Biodegradable nanofibers are promising... (1 Member Reaction)

Feb 09, 2010 - Preparation of high melt strength PP - Technical Paper
High melt strength polypropylene (HMSPP) was prepared in situ by heat induction reaction, in which pure polypropylene (PP) powders without any... (2 Member Reactions)

Feb 08, 2010 - A review on flame retardant technology developments in China - Technical Paper
This article reviews the new developments in flame retardants for different polymeric materials in China, primarily based on the recent publications. ... (1 Member Reaction)

Feb 05, 2010 - Rubber-Toughened Epoxies: A Critical Review - Technical Paper
Epoxy resins have been used as structural materials since the late 1940s. Despite their desirable properties such as high strength, excellent creep...

Feb 04, 2010 - Metallic particles generated in situ in a polymer - Patent
Nanocomposites consisting of metal nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer matrix have high commercial potential but technology for their manufacture is...

Feb 03, 2010 - Phthalates and other additives in plastics: human exposure and associated health outcomes - Technical Paper
Concern exists over whether additives in plastics to which most people are exposed, such as phthalates, bisphenol A or polybrominated di-Ph ethers,... (1 Member Reaction)

Feb 02, 2010 - High refractive index polymers - Technical Paper
Rapid developments in advanced photonic devices have led to the increasing exploration of high refractive index (high-n) materials, particularly...

Feb 01, 2010 - Nanocomposites for food packaging applications - Technical Paper
Most materials currently used for food packaging are non-degradable, generating environmental problems. Several biopolymers have been exploited to...

Jan 29, 2010 - Effects of sterilization/pasteurization on the migration of additives from food packaging - Technical Paper
Migration of additives was assessed during and after sterilization/pasteurization treatments of common food packaging resins; i.e., LLDPE and PLA. ...

Jan 28, 2010 - Impact modification of PP - Technical Paper
Impact modified PP was prepared by first preparing a masterbatch consisting of SEBS or carboxylated SEBS (C-SEBS) as elastomer and calcium carbonate...

Jan 27, 2010 - Electrically conductive PP fibers - Technical Paper
This article discusses the manufacture of electrically conductive PP fibers and control of the process variables (carbon black content and fiber... (2 Member Reactions)

Jan 26, 2010 - Extrusion Processing and Properties of Protein-Based Thermoplastics - Technical Paper
Increasing interest in competitive, sustainable, and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics has encouraged the...

Jan 25, 2010 - Wood-plastics composites with better fire retardancy and durability - Technical Paper
This study focuses on the preparation of improved wood-plastic composites (WPCs). The matrix used for the study was HDPE. Results showed that the... (1 Member Reaction)

Jan 22, 2010 - Combustion and thermal properties of PLA with phosphate-containing flame-retardant - Technical Paper
A series of flame retardant PLA products containing a new phosphate-polyether were prepared by melt blending. The combustion properties of blends...

Jan 21, 2010 - Organosilicone Additives for Flame Retardant Applications - Technical Paper
The great synthetic flexibility of organosilicones, their ease of processing, low cost, and nontoxic nature present an attractive alternative over...

Jan 20, 2010 - Additives for scratch resistant polyacetal moldings - Technical Paper
Additives are used to improve frictional properties of injection molded thermoplastics. The additives might however also affect the mechanical...

Jan 19, 2010 - Carbon nanocomposite additive - Patent
The invention is a carbon nanocomposite additive, which can be used for modification of the properties of polymers. According to the present...

Jan 18, 2010 - Silver nanocomposites: A critical appraisal - Technical Paper
Renewed interest has arisen in silver nanomaterials because of their unusually enhanced physicochemical properties and biological...

Jan 15, 2010 - Nanocomposites with both metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes - Technical Paper
The article reviews the interaction between metals and carbon nanotubes in nanocomposite systems. Starting with an introduction to the chemical...

Jan 14, 2010 - Polypropylene formulations for improving flame retarding rating - Patent
The invention is an improved flame retardant PP formulation containing impact copolymer or impact modified PP, tris(tribromoneopentyl) phosphate and a...

Jan 13, 2010 - Functional polymer blends and nanocomposites - Technical Paper
This article evaluates functional polymers with unusual combinations of optical, electronic, mechanical and other properties. These materials are...

Jan 12, 2010 - Effect of processing conditions and coupling agents on fiber reinforced ABS composites - Technical Paper
Glass fiber reinforced ABS composites were prepared. Varying processing conditions such as rotor rate, fiber content, coupling agent type and amount,...

Jan 11, 2010 - Impact modifiers in halogen-free flame retarded polycarbonate blends - Technical Paper
This is the second in a series of two papers dealing with the fire behavior of halogen-free flame retarded polycarbonate (PC) blends with different...

Jan 08, 2010 - Surface modification of synthetic polymeric membranes - Technical Paper
This article reviews the development of surface modification technology for polymeric synthetic membranes in the last 10 years. Many patents,...

Jan 07, 2010 - Antimicrobial polymers as surface coatings for medical devices - Patent
This invention provides polymers with non-leaching antimicrobial activity and describes their use as surface coatings for medical devices. The...

Jan 06, 2010 - Antibacterial nanocomposite materials - Patent
The invention relates to novel antibacterial nano metal composite fiber materials containing organic intermediate or free radical scavengers. The...

Jan 05, 2010 - Advanced materials and processes for polymer solar cell devices - Technical Paper
This article reviews the rapidly expanding field of polymeric solar cells in the context of materials, processes and devices that significantly...

Jan 04, 2010 - Improving dispersion of non-halogenated flame retardant systems using functional additives - Technical Paper
Many scientific studies have proven that brominated flame retardants (FR) such as tetrabromobisphenol A or decabromodiphenyl oxide are widespread... (1 Member Reaction)

Dec 31, 2009 - Synergistic effects of fumed silica on flame-retardant PP - Technical Paper
The synergistic effects of fumed silica on the thermal and flame-retardant properties of flame retardant PP based on a phosphorus-nitrogen additive... (1 Member Reaction)

Dec 30, 2009 - New clay for PMMA nanocomposites - Technical Paper
PMMA nanocomposite filled with 3 weight% of modified natural Algerian clay was prepared by either in situ polymerization of Methyl methacrylate or by...

Dec 29, 2009 - Improved fabrication of nanocomposites - Patent
This invention provides an improved method to prepare reinforced resin nanocomposites without the need of surfactants or coupling agents. The present...

Dec 28, 2009 - Incorporating metal nanoparticles in polymers - Patent
This patent application describes a novel process for incorporating metal nanoparticles into the surface layer of a polymeric article. The process...

Dec 24, 2009 - Preparation of degradable polypropylene - Technical Paper
This article describies the preparation of a novel photo-degradable PP by the addition of TiO₂ microencapsulated in...

Dec 23, 2009 - Development of multifunctional new and improvd flame retardants for plastics - Technical Paper
Effective fire retardant additives are needed in order to comply with regulations in a variety of applications. Traditionally, fire reatardants have...

Dec 22, 2009 - Effects of nucleating agents on the morphological, mechanical and thermal insulating properties of rigid polyurethane foams - Technical Paper
This articles reports on the effects of liquid and solid additives on the morphology, mechanical and thermal insulating properties of rigid...

Dec 21, 2009 - Primary PVC plasticizers derived from vegetable oils - Patent
The invention relates to PVC plasticizers composed of epoxidized bioesters of vegetable oil fatty acids obtained by partial transesterification with... (3 Member Reactions)

Dec 18, 2009 - Antimicrobial polymers and their uses - Patent
Polymers with non-leaching antimicrobial activity and their use as surface coatings or bulk resins for medical devices. The antimicrobial polymers...

Dec 17, 2009 - Carbon nanotubes reinforced polymer matrix nanocomposites - Technical Paper
Carbon nanotubes have become strongly promising nanoparticles for developing novel smart polymer matrix nanocomposites to satisfy the ever increasing...

Dec 16, 2009 - Flame-retardant polycarbonate resin composition - Patent
This invention claims an improved flame retardant PC formulation for electronic housings. The formulation contains 5 - 85% by weight of PC having a...

Dec 15, 2009 - Low molecular weight brominated polymers, processes for their manufacture and their use in thermoplastic formulations - Patent
This invention is related to flame retardant compositions consisting of low molecular weight brominated anionic, chain transfer, styrenic polymers. ...

Dec 14, 2009 - Induction of biodegradability in the plastic waste - Technical Paper
Plastics have become an indispensable ingredient of human life. Their enormous use is a matter of great environmental and economic concern which... (1 Member Reaction)

Dec 11, 2009 - Polymer blend compositions for molding with good balance of mechanical property profile - Patent
The invention provides novel resin compositions having an improved balance of properties. The blends consist of PBT (10-80%) and PC (10-80%), an...

Dec 10, 2009 - Effect of additives on the thermal stability and melt fusion of PVC - Technical Paper
The effects of varying amounts of organically modified nanoclay, calcium stearate, stearic acid, and an impact modifier on the fusion characteristics...

Dec 09, 2009 - Synthetic paper from plastic waste - Technical Paper
The surface energy of a synthetic paper produced from postconsumer PP was altered by corona discharge treatment and the stability of the surface... (3 Member Reactions)

Dec 08, 2009 - Novel nanocarbon-reinforced conductive polymer composites - Patent
Many applications exist where there is a need for the enhancement of conductivity in polymer materials: for example, in static electricity...

Dec 07, 2009 - Approaches to enhance the biodegradation of polyolefins - Technical Paper
Accumulation of non-biodegradable plastics leads to increase in land and water pollution. Polyolefins including PE and PP are the major plastics that...

Dec 04, 2009 - Fiber reinforced TPU composites - Patent
This invention describes a catalyst masterbatch, which when used with a rigid TPU polymer, will cause the rigid TPU to depolymerize during melt... (1 Member Reaction)

Dec 03, 2009 - Fire performance of nanocomposites - Technical Paper
Nanocomposites display a fire retardant behavior because they avoid fire propagation by dripping of hot and flaming polymer particles and reduce the...

Dec 02, 2009 - Bio-based polyurethane-clay nanocomposite foams - Technical Paper
Starting from a bio-based polyol through modification of soybean oil, two series of bio-based polyurethanes-clay nanocomposite foams were prepared and... (1 Member Reaction)

Dec 01, 2009 - Layered double hydroxides as polymer fire-retardant additives - Technical Paper
Layered Double Hydroxides have been identified as a promising new additive class for generating polymer nanocomposites with enhanced thermal stability...

Nov 30, 2009 - Anaerobically compostable hydrocarbon polymer compositions and articles - Patent
The invention claims an additive that allows hydrocarbon polymers, composites, and articles to anaerobically biodegrade in landfills in a relatively...

Nov 27, 2009 - Scratch-resistant polypropylene composition - Patent
The invention relates to a molded article made from a PP composition comprising 48-94.9 wt.% of PP; 5-30 wt.% of glass fibers, having an average... (1 Member Reaction)

Nov 26, 2009 - Improving PLA toughness by addition of acrylic modifier - Technical Paper
PLA is very brittle. Improving the toughtness of PLA by addition of an acrylic modifier was examined. Plane strain compression testing of PLA clearly...

Nov 25, 2009 - Natural fiber reinforced polypropylene composites - Technical Paper
This article describes the recent developments of natural fiber reinforced PP composites. Natural fibers are low-cost, recyclable, and eco-friendly...

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