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The article focuses on China's polyurethane (PU) industry, noting a slight decrease in consumption in 2022 followed by increased raw material output and product consumption in 2023. Topics discussed include consumption trends of PU foam, elastomers, coatings, adhesives/sealants, and resins for various applications.

The article discusses the recycling of plastics, particularly in the field of technical products. Manufacturers are seeking ways to create a circular economy for plastics in order to be more sustainable. The use of high-quality recycled plastics can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% compared to primary plastics. It is emphasized that uniform industry standards and legal minimum quotas for the use of recycled materials are necessary. The use of recycled plastics is still limited due to quality requirements and customer preferences, although some companies already use recycled materials. Mechanical recycling of plastics can affect the mechanical stability of the recycled products, and recycled materials often do not achieve the same stability as the original materials. Festo, a company that manufactures products such as valve islands and drives, only uses recycled materials to a limited extent due to high quality and safety standards. In addition to recycling, the selection of materials and the manufacturing process are also important for sustainability. There are various approaches to recycling plastic waste, including mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and solvent-based processes. The demand for high-quality recycled materials is currently greater than the supply, and it is recommended that the entire value chain work together to find sustainable solutions. [Extracted from the article]

KraussMaffei has developed a new lab system in Germany for large part and process development in combo injection molding and polyurethane coating. The system includes an MXW 4500 injection molding machine with over 5,000 tons of clamping force, two RimStar metering systems, and three different mixing heads. The machine features a swivel plate and widened clamping plates, and the system can handle a maximum PUR discharge of up to 500 g/sec. The Biden administration has also released a strategy document titled "Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles and Priorities," which outlines current and future federal actions to reduce the impact of plastic pollution. The administration aims to phase out federal procurement of single-use plastics for food service operations by 2027 and for all federal operations by 2035. [Extracted from the article]

This column series has been organized into sections based on the infrared (IR) spectroscopy of specific chemical bonds. We have discussed functional groups containing C-H, C-O, and C=O bonds. Here, in the sixth installment of our survey of the IR spectra of polymers, we discuss polymers that contain C-O bonds. The spectra we will examine include polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, starch, and copolymers that contain C-O bonds such as polyethetherketone, polyurethanes, and polyimides. The unifying theme of all these spectra is that they all contain one or more large C-O stretching peaks between 1300-1000 cm-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The topic "hydrogen" is gaining importance, especially in the field of commercial vehicles with fuel cell drive. Manufacturers of fittings play an important role in this technology. Fuel cell vehicles, whether cars or trucks, are powered by an electric motor and generate electricity through the integrated fuel cell. Compared to diesel trucks, fuel cell trucks have a payload advantage and can be refueled more quickly. Manufacturers of fittings have adapted their products to the requirements of hydrogen and fuel cell technology. [Extracted from the article]

The article evaluates the FLEX-MAT Modular PLUS offered by MAJOR.

The article focuses on MAJOR's introduction of FLEX-MAT Modular PLUS, an advanced screen media combining the benefits of FLEX-MAT, such as high open area and efficient stratification, with improved wear life comparable to polyurethane screen media.

The article discusses Covestro's completion of a new polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) production facility in Shanghai, China, which is set to address the increasing demand for sustainable coatings and adhesives in the Asia Pacific region. Topics include the modular construction approach employed for efficiency, the role of waterborne PUDs in promoting sustainability, and Covestro's commitment to offering more circular and environmentally compatible products.

The article reports that Novatec has developed a downstream package to permit low-durometer thermoplastic polyurethane medical tubing to be cut precisely and cured inline. Topics include Freezing the movement of the melt will result in a lower tack by freezing the surface; and views of Tony Walder, head material scientist for Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) supplier Lubrizol on it.

The article offers information on the current market conditions for various industries, emphasizing that while results don't yet show signs of recovery, producers are optimistic about a potential market bottom. Topics include Dow's expectations for challenging market conditions persisting through the fourth quarter, some indications of improvement in sectors within the large industries segment, and signals that markets could start to improve in 2024.

The article presents annealing tips for thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). Topics include effect of annealing on elastic modulus of a TPU at elevated temperatures and low temperatures; role of annealing to enhance performance at both ends of temperature spectrum and to improve properties at elevated temperatures; comparison of elastic modulus of a TPU with a nominal Shore hardness; and role of annealing in balance between the elastic and viscous response of a material to applied stress.

The article offers information on the development trends and market potential of the polyurethane waterproof coating. It discusses that Polyurethane waterproof coating, a multifunctional polymer material, is featured with light waterproof layer, high strength and the good elasticity. It mentions that Polyurethane waterproof coating as environment friendly.

The article talks about Econic Technologies in Great Britain, a catalyst technology company which is currently focussed on commercializing its CO2-to-polymer technology. Topics include the making of environmentally-friendly foams and other polymers at Econic Technologies, the benefits of using CO2 in the production of polyols and polyurethane, and the future plans of Econic Technologies.

The article focuses on Durex Products Inc.'s Livewire, a self-cleaning screen with molded rubber strips that enhance screening efficiency, reduce blinding issues, and provide superior wear life compared to traditional woven wire or polyurethane screens.

The article discusses the improvement made by polymer chemists to onshore wind turbines. Topics mentioned include the developing of stronger and lighter materials for efficient blades, the claim of polymer maker Covestro that polyurethane resin is stronger than epoxy, and the low manufacturing cost due to cheaper polyurethane blades.

The article reports that the growing popularity of mattresses using polyurethane foam is revolutionizing the bedding industry. The Tempur-Pedic Swedish Mattress, launched in the early 1990s, is considered the first commercial mattress to be made from viscoelastic polyurethane foam, also known as memory foam.

The article discusses the importance of the proper maintenance for the power transmission products to improve cost and reduction of maintenance requirements. It highlights the role of the maintenance managers to monitor seal leaks to prevent oil leaks in the gearboxes. It also cites the minimal maintenance requirements for the conversion of gearboxes to polyurethane belts.

The article focuses on innovative technologies in green chemistry developed by chemists, chemical engineers and chemical companies, for which they received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2015 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. It mentions polyisobutylene manufacturing system made by Soltex; polyurethanes developed by Nanotech Industries and Hybrid Coating Technologies without using toxic isocyanates; and condensation reactions developed by chemist Eugene Y.-X. Chen.

The article focuses on key points of choosing right wear products from mining industry. Topics discussed include the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada's High Efficiency Mining program designed for development of cost-effective technical solutions throughout the industry, key point for wear protection, from cast polyurethanes manufacturer Roplast such as steel hardening and NanoSteel's Super Hard Steel (SHS) weld alloy.

The article discusses the role of polyurethane coatings in the water pipeline industry, and how its characteristics meet the needs of steel water pipes. It says that the characteristics of polyurethanes, including chemical, abrasion and good corrosion resistance, have led to an extensive use of them in pipeline industry. It adds that the advantages of polyurethanes on steel water pipelines can be seen in the Provo Reservoir Canal Enclosure Project (PRCEP) steel water pipeline in North America.

The article discusses development of polyurethane composite sheet pile system using high-pressure pultrusion process that has the strength and stiffness like steel. It mentions that polyurethane sheets can be used in commercial sea walls, retaining walls and erosion-control systems. It describes the procedure involved in the pultrusion process including fiber dying, full-fledged forming, and forming fiber architecture for injection.

The article focuses on Gujarat, India, which is now being favoured by companies to set up manufacturing operations. It states that most of the Indian chemical companies and pharmaceutical industries are already based in Gujarat with BASF SE selecting a site for its polyurethane plant. It mentions that while India is plagued by periodic power shortages, Gujarat has a surplus that it sends to other states and in recent years it has set up industrial estates that meet specific corporate needs.

The article presents a study that examines the effect of nano-silica particles on the protective properties of polyurethane coatings. It outlines the method of the study that uses acrylic polyol polyuretahne (PU) coating as polymeric matrix and property modifier. It notes the result of the study, which indicates that nano-silica particles have positive effects on PU coatings.

The article discusses the highlights of the American Composites Manufacturers Association's (ACMA) annual exhibition and convention held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from February 21-23, 2012. Jeff Martin of Martin Pultrusion Group Inc. explained his company's work in the area of pultruding with two part polyurethane (PU) resin, in contrast to traditional thermosets. Sessions designed to bring composites manufacturers up to speed on styrene's listing in the "12th Report on Carcinogens" are also cited.

The article presents highlights of the Chinese polyurethane (PU) industry. It states that China is the largest producer and consumer of PU products in the world. International companies such as Dow Chemical Co., Bayer AG and Air Products and Chemicals Inc. established materials and manufacture bases and research and development (R&D) centers in Hong Kong or China. It expresses that light and textile industries are the powerful forces that drive the development of the industry.

The article describes how research and development work have led to the inclusion of polyurethanes in rigid forms and resin systems which meet the requirements of structural applications. Composite manufacturers are impressed with their fast-cure characteristics and high strength-to-weight ratios. As a result, polyurethane resins are now used in processes formerly dominated by polyesters, vinyl esters and epoxies. Similarly, polyurethane foams are increasingly utilized in fiber-reinforced core materials.

The article discusses how annealing can improve the performance of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU). Topics discussed include the role of physical crosslinks in enhancing the thermal performance of polymers, the reasons why annealing is performed above the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer and the ways in which annealing improves elevated-temperature performance and reduces the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of polymers.

The article features Wanhua Chemical, a Chinese firm headquartered in Yantai, described as the world's top producer of a key isocyanate, the methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). Topics discussed include how the company entered the polyurethane business, the challenges it had to overcome through the years, and its intensification of its commitment to polyurethanes. A timeline showing Wanhua's rise to become a major chemical company from 1980 to April 2015 is also presented.

The article presents an overview of the major types of tubing materials for pneumatics. It includes polyurethane, which combines the best properties for both plastic and rubber and manifests limitless flexural abilities as well. It mentions polyethylene, which is widely used with pneumatics and one of the inexpensive plastic materials. It also adds polypropylene, the lightest thermoplastics which can be sterilized at temperatures above 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

The article discusses challenges in the manufacture of polyurethanes with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and reduced global warming potential (GWP) introduced in the 51st annual conference of the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) held in December 2008 in Texas. Topics discussed were low-GWP insulation foams, NOPS for Rigid Foams, and other construction news. Featured companies in the conference includes Arkema, DuPont Fluoroproducts, and Honeywell International.

The article discusses the significance of polyurethane adhesives to manufacturing industries in the U.S. Due to the use of plastic replacements for metal parts and assemblies in automotive and aerospace manufacturers to cut weight and boost fuel efficiency, adhesives are important in joining such parts together, like adhesive bonding. Industry preferred such type of bonding because it is leakproof, continuous and resist corrosion.

The article looks at different polyurethane (PUR) equipment presented at K 2007 in Dusseldorf, Germany, including KraussMaffei's MX SpinForm thermoplastic injection machine, Impianti OMS SpA's Eco-line RRIM systems, and Hennecke's MT 22-6 head system for molding car seats.

The article discusses the thermoplastic pultrusion process. The patented thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) developed by Dow Chemical Co. and spun off in 2004 to Fulcrum Composites have the ability to partially depolymerize at their processing temperature and rapidly repolymerize as they cool. The chemistry of Dow's TPU also exhibits greater toughness and damage tolerance than thermosets. Information on how Dow TPU is process is presented.

The article discusses the benefits and limitations of structural adhesives for replacing rivets, bolts, welding and other traditional fastening methods. Specialty-vehicle manufacturers used adhesives rather than fasteners to assemble frames, panels, booms, and cabs. Assembly is easily automated because adhesives are liquids prior to curing, and it is easy to meter the right amount of adhesive to ensure strong bonds with good aesthetics. These technologies also include epoxies, acrylics, methylmethacrylates, modified silanes and polyurethanes. INSET: Adhesive-bonded trucks take on Canadian roads.

The article discusses the impact of the new formulations of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) in sealing. It is stated that the need for longer service life and higher reliability to deal with leakage have driven the development of new and improved seal materials in mobile hydraulics. Since TPU has several outstanding mechanical properties, it has been opted to be used in sealing. Information about the process in using TPU for sealing is discussed.

The article focuses on product development of polyurethanes as cost effective thermal insulation. The use of polyurethanes as thermal insulators have become widely acceptable owing to better, more nature-friendly formulation of its products. Producers have began to focus more in reducing production cost through reformulating product composition and improving processing techniques.

The article presents the equipment used to control spills. Trans Environmental Systems Inc. introduces its lightweight Spill-Barrow that has 40 gallons capacity making it possible to capture large amount of drainback liquids. The OilZap from Complete Environmental Products is an absorbent pad with polypropylene backing that help prevent leaks and the Portable Hydroblast Spill Pad made by Rain For Rent can contain solid, sludge and liquid from equipment by its hydroblast operation and also has safety features and unique designs.

Deals with polyurethane (PUR) composites as a new alternative to polyester and vinyl ester. Information on how PUR composites are produced; Advantages of PUR composites; Details on PUR pultrusion.

Focuses on the commercial advances in the field of polyurethane (PUR)-based composites highlighted at the Composites 2005 trade show sponsored by the American Composites Manufacturers Association. Utilization of Baydur PUR system from Bayer MaterialScience by a new form of plastic lumber; Overview of fiberglass-reinforced utility poles from RS Technologies; Information on a process from custom thermoformer Plastics Unlimited that combines a thermoplastic skin and a thermoset composite backing that is cured in a closed mold. INSET: NEED TO KNOW MORE?.

The article focuses on issues discussed at the Polyurethanes 2005 Technical Conference and Trade Fair sponsored by the Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry held in Houston, Texas. Several presentations were conducted to address rigid foams for building and construction. The conversion to blowing agents with zero ozone-depletion potential is completed in major rigid foam sectors. The blowing agent that can be used for interior-wall sprayed insulation is HFC-245fa.

The article presents predictions of what will happen by 2055 in the plastics industry and a wish list of what should happen. Use of renewable natural resources to produce plastics will increase over the next half-century as oil and other energy sources become scarcer and more costly. Vegetable-oil-based polyols could replace petroleum-derived ingredients in a range of polyurethane foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives and sealants. Jack Avery, retired GE processing expert, predicted that nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes will become affordable.

Discusses efforts and approaches that are being directed toward improving the cost and performance of polyurethane (PUR) foam to achieve cleaner blowing agents as required by environmental regulations. Presentations addressing PUR foams that were featured at the Polyurethanes Conference 2004; Disadvantage of pentanes and pentane-extended polyols; Technologies made by Linden Industries for high-pressure PUR mixheads.

The article focuses on the vacuum products available in the marketplace. Vacuum ejector is a multi-inlet ejector which is electronically controlled with eight independent vacuum connections. It features an integrated controller with three solenoid valves and an electronic vacuum switch. Also standard are air filters for incoming air at each of the vacuum connections and exhaust silencers. Dual-durometer suction cups are made of Duraflex, a polyurethane material that combines the soft elasticity of rubber with the wear resistance of polyurethane. The material also reduces microleakage. Full line of small oval suction cups and nonrotating suspensions, are designed to stay aligned for precise placement of long loads or lifting surfaces, and are offered in a wide range of sizes.

Presents news briefs on the technology industry in the U.S. as of May 6, 2004. Addition of representative firms by Bishop-Wisecarver; Expansion of the polyurethane production capabilities of Bayer Polymers; Decision of Panel Components Corp. to change its name into Interpower Corp.

Discusses matters related to the polyurethane sector in the U.S. as of December 2003. Approaches to reduce the cost of hydrofluorocarbon-245fa appliance foams; Information on pluracel foam formulations; Overview of the innovative application of the Foam-in-Place gasket technology from Cannon.

Features several products for engineering design. P571 small-diameter pressure sensor from Strain Measurement Devices Inc.; Simatic MP 370 touchscreen from Siemens Energy & Automation Inc.; Noveon Estane ETE thermoplastic polyurethanes from Noveon Inc.

Highlights the Polyurethanes 2000 conference, held in Boston, Massachusetts. Focus on the cost-effectiveness of cleaner alternatives for rigid foams; Sponsorship of the conference by the Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry; Method for foaming sandwich insulation panels using vacuum-assisted injection.

Focuses on engineered thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) used for air bladders and other applications which need abrasion-resistant materials. Description of TPU; Types of TPU; Developments in TPU; How a TPU can be identified. INSET: Recent Developments in TPUs.