APPLICATIONS:

• Melamine resin foam provides sound protection;
• Thermoplastic with electrical and thermal conductivity;
• Strong and flexible arresters made from acetal resin;
• Thermoplastic elastomer selected for ski-boots;
• Polyetheretherketone balance shaft gears “improve vehicle fuel economy”;
• Helmets with expanded PP lining lighter yet safer;
• Epoxy system developed for diesel valve encapsulation;
• Glass fibre-reinforcement for blast and ballistic protection;
• PC/ABS for healthcare surface device applications.

MATERIALS:

• Polyetheretherketone grades for medical applications;
• High-flow flame retardant PA for connectors launched;
• Halogen-free PA for electronic applications;
• Biocompatible polyetheretherketone-based resins launched;
• Raised temperature-resistant PE resin created;
• Alkylacrylate boosts adhesive performance;
• Polyetheretherketone ideal for laser sintering;
• Ultra-high molecular weight PE with Vitamin E now available.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:

• Eco-technology launched into the plastics industry;
• Recycled PC used for mobile telephone case;
• Strategic partnership set to develop a biodegradable polylactic acid.

PROCESSING:

• Stretch blow-moulding to create light PS bottle;
• Rotomoulding technology set to improve cycle times;
• Moisture analyzer ensures quality of plastic automotive components.

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE:

• Nanotechnology boosts gas barrier film properties.

ANALYSIS:

• US demand for medical plastics to approach 2.27 Mt in 2012.

COMPANY NEWS:

• European Commission approves BASF’s aquisition of Ciba.

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