Silicone elastomers, sometimes incorrectly known as silicone rubbers, are silicon-based polymers that have been vulcanized. They offer unique performance characteristics such as serviceability over a wide temperature range of -150°F to above +500°F and are readily available in a variety of forms such as solids, open cell foams, closed cell sponges, and are thermally and…
DetailsAs discussed last month, polymers are increasingly designed keeping very specific properties in mind. Thus, multi-layered polymers are often required when multiple properties are needed in a single structure. Depending on the type of polymer used for the targeted properties, tie layer resins are often required to produce these multi-layered structures. Exhibit 1 below shows…
DetailsPolymers are increasingly being designed keeping very specific properties in mind. This often requires multi-layered polymers when multiple properties are needed in a single structure. Depending on the characteristics desired, the final structure can include anywhere from three to 11 layers. Multi-layered structures using different resins are difficult to manufacture especially when two dissimilar layers,…
DetailsGrowing concerns from environmentalist consumers, and businesses, China’s ban on imported recyclables, and a lack of a domestic market for U.S. recyclables are driving efforts to reduce plastic waste. Plastics have been an essential component of our daily lives for many years as they are used in countless items we use everyday. Applications and top…
DetailsPlastic recycling is the process of recovering scrap or waste plastic and reprocessing the material into useful products. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only 10% of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream is being recycled, and the rest is being accumulated in landfills or dumped into the natural environment as litter. There are two basic approaches to…
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