Articles tagged with Plastics
Richard W. Rees, a Wilmington researcher, has been awarded the Hero of Chemistry title by the American Chemical Society for his work on laminated safety glass technology that protects people from flying glass shards and other debris in explosions.
Grubbs's specialty is designing catalysts that can selectively target specific parts of molecules, critical for making pharmaceuticals. The award recognizes his work on improving the precision and control of these catalysts.
A new company, SafeView Inc., has licensed technology from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to detect hidden plastic and ceramic weapons. The system uses millimeter waves to generate holographic images that allow operators to screen for suspicious materials.
Researchers develop heat-sensitive polymers that change color at various temperatures, providing a safety application to prevent burns, food poisoning, and accidents. The polymers can be added to products such as plastics, paints, inks, and rubbers, enabling smart packaging that warns consumers of potential hazards.
Agricultural plastics, such as mulch films and nursery pots, are difficult to recycle due to their varied types and dirtiness. Penn State researcher James Garthe has developed a method to convert these plastics into plastic nuggets that can be burned with coal, producing energy 20 times greater than conventional recycling methods.
Ford researchers Ellen C. Lee and Deborah F. Mielewski discover a new process to evenly distribute silicate clay particles in plastic matrices, resulting in improved strength, lightness, and design flexibility.
General Motors researchers have developed a new generation of automobile plastics using molecule-size mineral fillers like clay. The new nanocomposites are stronger, lighter, and offer more design flexibility for automakers.
Kurt W. Swogger, Dow vice president of research and development, received the American Chemical Society's Earle B. Barnes Award for Leadership in Chemical Research Management. The award recognizes his innovative approach to developing customer-specific plastics using molecular architecture, which has led to increased efficiency and suc...
Krzysztof Matyjaszewski's innovative approach to making finely crafted polymers, known as 'living polymerization,' allows for tailor-made structures and properties. His technique enables the creation of complex polymer shapes and arrangements with precise control.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a dense plastic foam material reinforced with tiny clay particles, increasing its density and strength. The new technology aims to replace solid plastics in structural applications, making products lighter while maintaining their appearance.
A UCLA-led team of chemists and engineers has developed a transparent plastic that can mend itself when heated, offering potential use in industries such as electronics, radar and communications. The material, called Automend, retains 60% of its original strength after healing.
Scientists at Ohio State University developed a plastic material that becomes highly magnetic when exposed to blue light, but loses some magnetism with green light. The technology has potential for future applications in magneto-optical systems for writing and erasing data from computer hard drives.
Researchers at UMass challenged a 60-year-old theory on polymer crystallization, finding that lengthy polymers never achieve total crystallinity due to reaching equilibrium. This breakthrough may lead to better control of material flexibility and shed light on the protein-folding problem.
A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University is developing computer simulated models to predict the performance of new implant designs before they are implanted into patients. They aim to uncover how damage occurs in plastic used in total joint replacements and identify potential design concerns.
Dougherty and DeBord developed a new process for producing di-t-octylhydroquinone (DOH) using two catalysts, resulting in good quality yields over short reaction times. The process also reduces the need for solvents, which can be recovered and recycled.
Joseph R. Webster receives American Chemical Society's Industrial Innovation Award for improving thermoplastic polyester processing and stabilization, enhancing product durability and UV resistance. He also develops environmentally friendly pigment technology to color thermoplastics without chromium premetallized dyes.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a method to seal tiny plastic parts in medical devices, improving the flow of medicine and fluids through these devices. The technique, called resin-gas injection assisted bonding, alters the surface characteristics of the plastic to suit different medical applications.
Researchers at Purdue University have successfully linked two tiny structures called quantum dots to create a semiconductor-based quantum computer. The device uses quantum bits that exist in both on and off states simultaneously, enabling faster processing of information than conventional computers.
Virginia Tech researchers have made a breakthrough in creating polymers that can be reversed using heat, opening up new possibilities for thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and novel adhesives. The team synthesized nano-phase separated polystyrene and polyisoprene based materials containing reversible linkages.
A team of researchers has developed a novel treatment for spinal cord injuries using a plastic tube filled with chemicals that promote nerve growth. The tube, designed to mimic the flexibility of the spinal cord, provides a pathway for neurons to grow and potentially reconnect severed nerves.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing biocomposites using plant-based materials and sustainable plastic alternatives. These innovative materials have the potential to reduce environmental impact, cost, and production energy while maintaining performance and competitiveness.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed tiny artificial muscles that can dispense medication through microscopic holes in a prototype 'smart pill' implant. The capsules measure only a few micrometers across and can be used to power micro-sized medical devices or separate chemicals.
A new synthetic rubber material has been developed that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact, making it ideal for medical supplies and consumer products. The material uses a different mechanism to fight infection than conventional coatings and protective plastics.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a new patterning technology called Lithographically Induced Self Assembly (LISA), which creates arrays of ultrasmall pillars without the need for a carefully engineered mask. The technique has potential applications in computer memory chips, flat-panel displays, and DNA sorting.
A Virginia Tech research group is studying secondary crystallization in semicrystalline plastics to understand how their properties change over time. They aim to create models that help chemists design new materials with improved long-term properties.
Researchers found that contaminants can have very little impact on the physical properties of plastics, allowing for more functional products to be made from recycled materials. This could increase production of recycled plastic products like car bumpers and street furniture.
Researchers have developed cost-effective methods for manufacturing ultralight porous metals that can be used in various applications including cooling motor drives and reinforcing aircraft parts. The new materials are lightweight, extremely heat resistant and strong in three dimensions.
Researchers propose a novel approach using shock waves to detect plastic land mines, leveraging acoustic signals reflected off buried objects in granular beds like soil. The system could provide critical information about the size and shape of an object, helping identify land mines.
Scientists have discovered a new catalyst that enables the production of alpha-olefins at lower temperatures and pressures, resulting in higher-purity products. The modified metallocene catalyst simplifies the manufacturing process for plastics and other consumer goods, potentially reducing costs and improving safety.
Scientists develop polymers that can emit patterns of light using microlithographic technique, opening door to plastic LEDs in displays. The new technology has potential to replace silicon-based electronics with plastics.
Researchers have developed a new polymer-based LED that can change color with ease, making it suitable for flat-panel computer and television screens. The device outshines traditional materials in terms of brightness and efficiency, offering potential power savings in traffic lights.