Lilli Manolis Sherman Contributing Editor

Multiscrew 1 Nov 2004

Chasing Nanocomposites

Nano-sized particles have mega-potential in plastics because just a pinch does so much more than heavy loadings of other additives. Three recent conferences presented almost 200 papers on the feverish pace of ‘nano’ R&D on boosting plastics’ mechanical and barrier properties, flame retardancy, and electrical conductivity.

Multiscrew 1 Oct 2004

'Cleaner,' More Efficient Additives for Flexible and Rigid PVC

New vinyl additives designed to be more environmentally friendly while offering improved performance are available from Crompton Corp., Middlebury, Conn.

Additives 1 Sep 2004

Loads of New Additives and Colorants to Debut at K 2004

Several categories of new polymer additives will be unveiled at this year’s largest plastics show—K 2004 in Dusseldorf, Germany, next month.

All Electric & Hybrid Machines 1 Aug 2004

3D Printers Lead Growth of Rapid Prototyping

Bringing rapid prototyping capabilities in-house is becoming a reality for many plastics manufacturers, thanks to more affordable, faster, and easy-to-use 3D printers.

Biopolymers 1 Jul 2004

Wood-Filled Plastics: They Need the Right Additives for Strength, Good Looks, and Long Life

Wood-plastic composites, or WPCs, are already a 1.3-billion-lb market and are growing at 20% annually.

Testing 1 May 2004

Rheometers: Which Type Is Right for You?

Capillary and torque rheometers are good for simulating processing conditions, troubleshooting, and QC. But dynamic rotational instruments can tell you more about a resin's molecular structure.

Additives 30 Mar 2004

New Clarifiers & Nucleators: They Make Polypropylene Run Clearer and Faster

New packaging opportunities are opening up for PP, thanks to a new crop of additives that boost clarity, stiffness, HDT, and processing rates.

Multiscrew 25 Mar 2004

The New Polypropylenes - They've Got More of Everything

Whether it’s toughness, stiffness, heat resistance, clarity, barrier properties, high flow, or high melt strength—you’ll find more of what you’re looking for in new breeds of PP resins from all suppliers.

Additives 24 Mar 2004

Polyurethanes 2000: The Clock is Ticking For HCFCs

The polyurethanes industry appears to have entered a new phase in its decade-long struggle to meet approaching deadlines for phasing out HCFC blowing agents in favor of “cleaner” alternatives for rigid foams.

Testing 24 Mar 2004

How to Buy Universal Testing Machines

More processors today are buyingso-called ‘universal’ testers to measure tensile, flexural, compressive, and shear properties for materials evaluation, application development, and quality control. Advanced electronics have improved these instruments’ performance and ease of use—and even led to lower prices.

Postprocessing 1 Jan 2004

Where the Action Is: Decorating with Formable Films

Plastics processors are eyeing form able films as an economical, durable, and environmentally friendly means of producing fully decorated parts right out of the mold.