The growth of plastics in China's doors and windows industry is expected to surpass that of convntional materials through 2011. Though plastics have rivaled both metal and wood in the residential market due to several factors, non-residential doors and windows market will exert a greater force. Read inDemand for windows and doors to register double digit gains through 2011 in Chinato know the essential factors shaping the doors and windows market in the mainland.

An emerging trend in fiber-cement and construction industry is increasing replacement of asbestos in cementitious composites. The low costs and ease of processing of PP fibers after required modifications, could replace asbestos fibers for roofing and other external construction applications. Read more inPP fibre could replace asbestos after modification in construction industry

Though hindered by the weak economy and upward polymer costs in 2008, large blow moulded plastic products are expected to grow well. Within this segment, large industrial containers and drums and automotive fuel tanks will grow faster due to an upswing in costs of alternative materials, light weight, fuel efficiency, etc. Read inLarge blow moulded products to recover in 2009 after a loss of 5-10% in 2008

DEHP is the most widely used plasticizer in PVC medical devices for ensuring flexibility of parts required for a number of medical procedures. However, this plasticizer is increasingly coming under scanner of think-tanks and governmental bodies owing to its health and environmental concerns. ReadA new study on use of PVC based on DEHP and alternate plasticizers is not decisiveto stay aware of the alternative plasticizers for use in PVC, their relative benefits and shortcomings.

Conventionally, PMMA is manufactured by polymerising methyl methacrylate (MMA). In a new breakthrough development, scientists have found an enzyme which could be used for the biotechnological production of a precursor of MMA. This implies that renewable raw materials can also be used as a basis for MMA synthesis in the near future consistent with the search for environment-friendly approaches. Read inA new enzyme to manufacture PMMA from sugar, alcohol or fatty acid

As the number of insulin-dependent diabetics surge, the need for convenient, portable, durable and quick insulin delivery systems are sure to gain ground. Engineering polymers have come to the rescue for this very purpose as we report on the development of a standard compliant insulin pen. Read more inInsulin pen made from engineering polymers contributes to convenient diabetes care.

灵活的电子产品的世界s and bendable displays is set to chiefly benefit from the recent progress achieved with transparent graphene sheets characterized by high-rate thermal properties, electrical conductivity and mechanical stiffness. Researchers believes the stage is set for flexible, foldable plastic electronics to propel. ReadAdvances in graphene and plastics to shape next generation flexible electronicsto know significant developments that will open up innumerable possibilities ahead.

Optical clarity and resistance to the outdoor environment makes acrylic plastic sheets the material of choice for a number of applications. Transparent PMMA sheets, most common form of acrylic plastics, are formed by a process known as bulk polymerization. Read more inBatch cell and continuous bulk polymerization to produce transparent PMMA sheets.

In injection molding, one unnecessary drag on productivity is gas and air entrapment in the mould, which is not always cured by conventional venting approaches. ReadVenting increases productivity due to lack of stoppage of mouldingto know more about a self-contained air/gas evacuation system with a patented blowback feature that reduces mold maintenance and increases productivity of injection molding