Materials Plastics & Composites

  Top Product

Styrofoam packaging substitute

• bio-degradable
• rigid
• inexpensive

Compared to traditional food service packaging materials, this composite is cost-competitive while maintaining performance requirements for disposable packaging. The composite is comprised of limestone, reclaimed potato starches from commercial processing, cellulose fiber from post-consumer paper, biodegradable polymer and wax protective coatings, manufacturing release agents and a thickener. After use, the material physically disintegrates in water when crushed or broken and can be composted in backyards and commercial recycling stations. It uses less total energy and results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional packaging. The material meets Green Seal’s standards for rigid food containers. EarthShell Corp, Santa Barbara, CA. Free info—Circle 640. www.RSLeads.com/110df-640

Heat transfer fluid. Designed for plastics processes that require broad and rapid changes in temperature, MR heat transfer fluid is non-toxic and odorless, providing precise and uniform temperature control from -1° to 288°C, with a 10-centipose viscosity at -1°C. Spills may be handled with the same simple procedures as for light lubricating oils, and may be combined with spent lubricating oils for local recycling. Paratherm Corp, Conshohocken, PA. Free info—Circle 645. www.RSLeads.com/110df-645

Simulation software. LCMFLOT simulates and optimizes RTM manufacturing processes, allowing the number of injection gates and their positions to be determined. Transmission forces can be predicted to improve tooling. ESI North America, Shelby Twp, MI. Free info—Circle 641. www.RSLeads.com/110df-641

Acoustical composite. E-25-16-50SM foam-barrier-foam composite both blocks and absorbs noise in one product. The material features a 1.6 pcf flexible, non-lead noise barrier sandwiched between layers of ¼-in. decoupling foam and ½-in. sound-absorbing foam. For added soil and grease resistance, the composite is faced with aluminized polyester. It comes standard with pressure-sensitive adhesive for peel-and-stick installation. E-A-R Specialty Composites, Indianapolis, IN. Free info—Circle 649. www.RSLeads.com/110df-649

LFT process. This process for continuous in-line compounding of long fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites achieves a cost savings averaging 40% when used to generate feedstocks for a wide range of part configurations. Composite Products Inc, Winona, MN. Free info—Circle 642. www.RSLeads.com/110df-642

Plastic substrates. Available in polyester, polycarbonate, rigid vinyl, pressure-sensitive label stocks, Teslin and other materials, Dura-Go plastic substrates for digital presses ensure good ink anchorage, color definition and shelf-life. Tekra Corp, New Berlin, WI. Free info—Circle 644. www.RSLeads.com/110df-644

Flame-retardant nylons. Anticipating new environmental standards, this company has extended its line of non-halogenated antimony- and phosphorous-free, flame-retardant nylons, available at glass loadings up to 25%. LATI USA, Mount Pleasant, SC. Free info—Circle 648. www.RSLeads.com/110df-648

UV-protected PET. HEATWAVE polymer CF746 hotfill polyethylene terephthalate provides UV protection for vitamins and flavors in beverage containers. Through a combination of co-monomer and processing optimization, the polymer enables 2-stage heatset blow molding at different temperature conditions than standard polymer., and does not affect cycle times when used in existing injection molding tooling. Eastman Chemical Co, Kingsport, TN. Free info—Circle 643. www.RSLeads.com/110df-655

Application Xtras

Optical-grade, Attractive Alloy Resin Resists UV 

“We wanted to kick up the visual impact of our Rake glasses to help them stand out in the marketplace,” said Craig Mattei, program manager for Dragon Optical, Carlsbad, CA. “XYLEX resin gives the transparency and clarity we need for bold new colors and special effects.” GE Plastics recently introduced this resin to maximize the use of transparent or opaque special effects while maintaining ductility and chemical resistance. XYLEX X7200 resin was selected for the Rake riding glasses because of its UV resistance, weatherability, chemical resistance, special effect opportunities and competitive cost. According to Dan Oberle, GE Plastics product manager, “Dragon was getting the basic performance requirements of flexibility and durability they needed with nylon. However, they just couldn’t achieve the design differentiation they wanted with color and special effects. Most traditional clear materials were not suitable as they either lacked ductility, chemical resistance or both.” Mattei adds, “[The material has] enabled us to immediately add two new colors¾translucent blue and translucent black¾to the product line. We plan to further expand our color palette as the year progresses.”

For more information:

GE Plastics, Pittsfield, MA. Free info—Circle 646. www.RSLeads.com/110df-646