Archer Daniels Midland Co. quietly announced in August the commercialization of a potential bio replacement for bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate called isosorbide. Polycarbonate has been phased out of some baby bottles and other applications because of concern about the potential health effects associated with BPA.
Isosorbide is made from corn and joins ADM’s Evolution Chemicals line of biobased industrial ingredients that are derived from renewable resources like corn and soy. The Evolution line includes propylene glycol, glycerin, industrial ethanol and ethylene glycol.
ADM offers isosorbide in both a technical grade (97 percent pure) and a polymer grade (99 percent pure). ADM is a JV partner in Telles, a major bioplastics player in the United States.
The largest American-based producer of polycarbonate is Sabic Innovative Plastics in Pittsfield MA. In response to a question from Design News about the potential use of isosorbide, a Sabic IP spokesperson said: “SABIC Innovative Plastics’ policy is not to discuss future technology consideration/plans for competitive reasons.”
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
Engineers at the University of California, San Diego are designing a robotic arm that takes inspiration from the loose, flexible, yet very strong structure of the armored plates on a seahorse's tail.
Researchers at the Missouri University of Science & Technology have designed a new nanoscale material that can transmit light faster than the 186,000 miles per second it usually takes to travel through air.
It has often been said that as California goes, so goes the nation. This spring, the state's wind power is setting energy generation records and solar energy generation is expected to rise sharply during the second half of 2013.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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