- Clay-filled 'nanocomposites' offer
extraordinary properties.
They are generating a lot of excitement despite the secrecy surrounding their development. They are said to exhibit dramatic improvements in mechanical, thermal, barrier, and flame-retardant properties, all without significant loss of toughness or clarity. These new reinforced plastics, known as nanocomposites, contain very tiny platelets of a special type ......
- Joint ventures and alliances
Dow Forms Alliance with Marcus Oil & Chemical The polyolefins and elastomers (PO&E) group of Dow Chemical (Midland, MI; www.dow.com) has entered into a commercial agreement to supply polyethylene (PE) waxes to Marcus Oil & Chemical, Inc. (Houston, TX; www.marcusoil.com). Marcus will be the exclusive marketer of the PE wax ......
- What's new at the show in
materials.
The major thrust in new materials at K is engineering thermoplastics for automotive, appliance, medical, and electrical/electronic parts. There are plenty of new nylons, acetals, PBTs, and LCPs. There's also news in TPEs, including crosslinkable TPUs with properties closer to thermoset rubber. Also look for a brand-new, high-heat amorphous ......
- NEWS IN BRIEF.
Huntsman ICI Chemicals LLC has acquired the Polyurethane business from Orica of Australia. The business will be integrated into Huntsman Polyurethanes, which was created following Huntsman's acquisition of the Polyurethane business from ICI of the UK. Tosoh Corporation reports its operating Income before extraordinary items and tax exceeded expectations for ......
- Prospecting paydirt.
Researchers are using nanoparticles of clay to raise polymers to new capabilities. IN THE LATE 1980s, Toyota Central Research Labs in Japan teamed up with Ube Industries Ltd., a Japanese resin supplier, to produce a new composite polymer, consisting of nylon 6 interspersed with layers of montmorillonite, a layered silicate ......
- People ...
Following the announcement that ICI was to reshape it businesses, the group has made a number of board and management changes. Brendan O'Neill, who joined ICI in May 1998 as chief operating officer, has been appointed chief executive. John McAdam, executive vice-president of Coatings and chief executive of ICI Paints, ......
- JOINT VENTURES AND ALLIANCES
Wave Biotech and ILC Dover Launch Novel Disposable Mixer Wave Biotech, Inc. (Bridgewater, NJ; www.wavebiotech.com) and ILC Dover (Frederica, DE; www.ilcdover.com) have teamed up to commercialize the first single-use mixing bag that mixes materials of any viscosity or density difference at capacities of 10,000 L or more without the use ......