Originally Published MDDI June 2001
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License agreement reached. RTP Co. (Winona, MN; 507/454-6900) has finalized an exclusive North American licensing agreement with Panipol Ltd. (Parvoo, Finland; +358 19 5244793) to manufacture melt-processible thermoplastic compounds containing inherently conducting polymers (ICPs). RTP will also manufacture and sell ICP compounds in Europe and Asia. According to the company, it is the first to offer these materials commercially. ICP compounds provide a solution to ESD problems, with reproducible surface resistivity in the range of 106 to 109 W/sq. The compounds are polymeric and contain no carbon particles; their physical characteristics resemble those of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene neat resins. The compounds also are nonsloughing, and they offer good electrical, mechanical, and flow properties. Six standard colors are available. The material can be formulated for injection or blow molding, blown film, or sheet extrusion.
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Nanocomposite Nylons Offer Strength and Rigidity Nanocomposite nylons marketed by Foster Corp. (Dayville, CT; 860/774-3964) offer increased rigidity and stiffness over traditional nylons while maintaining the base polymer's ability to stretch and lengthen. Additionally, the material's transparency is not compromised. Nanocomposites are materials that incorporate particles less than 1 nm thick into a base polymer. The high length-to-thickness ratios of the particles result in low loadings, which help to maintain the nanocomposite materials' ability to elongate. The incorporation of particles measuring <1nm into nylon 12, for example, increases the nylon's flexural modulus by 65%, while maintaining its 135% elongation capabilities, according to the company. The enhanced rigidity provided by nanocomposites makes them well suited to tubing and film applications. |
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Company chosen to distribute rotational molding resins. The General Polymers Div. of Ashland Distribution Co. (Dublin, OH; 800/828-7659) has reached an agreement with Equistar Chemicals LP (Houston; 712/652-7300) to distribute the latter's natural polyethylene resins for use in rotational molding. General Polymers is a North American distributor of thermoplastic raw materials and offers related technical services. Under the agreement, Equistar will take advantage of General Polymers' extensive sales network. General Polymers will manage sales, customer service, and technical support for customers who order the resins through the distributor.
Molecularly imprinted polymers studied. A class of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can bind to small organic molecules as readily as—or more readily than—natural antibodies. MIPs are effective at lower concentrations than their natural counterparts, and the polymers display potential for greater stability, lower cost, and more customized manufacture than has previously been possible, according to Semorex Inc. (Jerusalem, Israel; +972 8 9725539). The company's MIPs comprise a proprietary combination of functional monomers and other components. During MIP synthesis, the polymers are imprinted to match the size, shape, charge, and functional groups of the target molecules by using the molecules themselves as a template. Development of MIPs is expected to facilitate new treatments for heart disease and cancers.
Thermoplastics manufacturer offers product literature. A 12-page brochure offered by Tri-Mack Plastics Manufacturing Corp. (Bristol, RI; 401/253-2140) describes the company's custom manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and custom thermoplastic development services. Included in the brochure are profiles of Tri-Mack's thermoplastic parts, injection molding capabilities, CNC machining equipment, in-house tool design, CAD programs, part assembly and packaging, and materials. Also featured is a section describing proprietary Maxtherm thermally conductive plastics and Maxton high-speed bearings. The brochure is available free of charge from the company.
Polyurethane processor opens training center. Linden/EMB (Cuyahoga Falls, OH; 800/966-0176), a manufacturer of polyurethane processing systems, recently completed construction of a training center at its corporate headquarters. Staffed by two industry experts in PUR foam processing, the center will offer 3- to 5-day training classes that will include both classroom and hands-on processing instruction. Class sizes will be limited to 10 students per session. The topics scheduled to be covered are PUR processing basics, machine operation, troubleshooting, and machine repair and maintenance. Students will operate a Linden/EMB Innovator system equipped with ProVu data acquisition and control. All training-course graduates will receive a certificate. Interested individuals can contact the company for more information.
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Coatings literature available. A full-color brochure describing the advantages of Hydak-brand hydrophilic coatings is available from Biocoat Inc. (Fort Washington, PA; 215/654-1377). Hydak coatings are designed specifically for catheters, guidewires, and other interventional medical devices. Hyaluronan, a hydrophilic biopolymer found in all mammal tissue, is the main ingredient in the coatings. Hyaluronan increases the lubricity, flexibility, and abrasion resistance of medical devices. The coatings are compatible with most commonly used polymers and metals, and, when combined with antibacterial compounds, can help reduce the risk of device-related infections. The free brochure provides details about the technology used to manufacture the coatings and spells out the company's R&D capabilities. Customers can obtain the brochure by calling the company or visiting its Web site at http://www.biocoat.com. |
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