Engineering thermoplastics (ETPs): They cost more, but they really deliver on performance. In a demonstration car developed for K 2007 in Düsseldorf, Germany, polycarbonate provides toughness for an off-road vehicle, yet allows use of a smaller engine, providing significant fuel economies. Use of carbon nanotubes in high-performance compounds provides performance at yet-another level of magnitude.
Improved Properties from Nanotubes
Specialty Compounder RTP Co. introduced new carbon nanotube (CNT) compounds available in multiple resin systems including: polycarbonate (PC), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The new compounds are said to deliver superior electrical conductivity, eliminate residual voltage (hot spots) and are ideal for applications requiring strict liquid particle count (LPC) standards for cleanliness. CNT compounds also provide processing benefits, including the elimination of isotropic affects, moldability comparable to neat resins and wide processing latitude.
The Look of Burled Maple
Radel R polyphenylsulfone is used to make an enhanced video bezel for the interior of the Emirates B777 aircraft. B/E Aerospace, a leading manufacturer of aircraft interior products, said it chose the material because it meets federal flammability standards and processes well while providing high heat resistance and good surface qualities. Emirates wanted a bezel that imitated the look of burled maple.
Fun, Fast and Fuel-Efficient
A new European concept car is very lightweight (750 kg) and extremely fuel efficient (6.3 lbioethanol per 1,200 km). Sheathed in transparent polycarbonate, the car was jointly developed by Bayer MaterialScience and Rinspeed, a Swiss auto design company. What's its acceleration? 0 to 100 kph in 4.8 sec. “Cars must become even lighter to save carbon dioxide and there's no way of doing this without modern plastics,” says Frank M. Rinderknecht, the head of Rinspeed. “Nor must environmentally compatible cars be seen as an exercise in self-denial.” Called the eXasis, the vehicle is powered by a two-cylinder Weber engine. A typical off-road vehicle with a large engine emits more than 300 g/km. This vehicle emits just 20 gm/km.
Single Pellets Pack Processing Punch
Steelcase is evaluating injection-molded Verton XC compound to produce the seat back frame of its Leap office chair. Verton Xtreme is a new compound in which additives are blended into pellets, thus avoiding inconsistencies that can result from on-site blending. By replacing a two-pellet alternative, Steelcase says it has seen an improvement in surface finish and color consistency. Verton XC is available in nylon resins.
Tweet This
6 
