ANALYSIS:

• Global market for polymer sorbents worth $7 billion by 2013;
• New survey of Central Europe’s injection moulders.

MATERIALS:

• Novel resin for metallocene-based polymer said to achieve new clarity levels;
• Biocompatible polymer for cell growth substrate;
• High-performance, non-food based biopolyols for flexible foam applications;
• Polyurethane railway ties;
• Huntsman introduces phthalate-free, soft TPUs.

APPLICATIONS:

• Photopolymers used to make model dinosaur;
• Concentrated photovoltaic module housing made of PET;
• Enhanced HDPE used in radiation shielding;
• High-flow PA 66 used for automotive components;
• Foam, carbon fibre used for composite paddle racket;
• Turane vehicle wins first zero emission race.

PROCESSING:

• Keltan ACE technology on track for 2009 market introduction;

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:

• Bayer MaterialScience markets new plastics recyclate online;
• Water footprint applied to plastic pipe manufacture;
• Low density plastic liners cut milk bottle waste.

COMPANY NEWS:

• BASF offers €3.8 billion for Ciba;
• Ticona extends sales partnership with Resinex;
• PE and PP plants under construction in Kazakhstan;
• Perstorp completes yet another acquisition;
• BASF cuts European PS production.

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE:

• Plastic moulding technology cuts resins consumption by 30%;
• Bisphenol A linked to metabolic syndrome in humans;
• Polymer gel moves without external stimulus.

PRICE INCREASES

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