Market overview Bactericidal or germicidal (biocidal) additives are widely used in plastics to prevent the growth of microorganisms. In 2001, these special additives were produced to the value of USD 130 M and used to the value of USD 231 M. The average growth rate of the industry is 3.5-4%/year.
Testing of bonded joints by vibration Bonding as a bonding method is often used in the automotive industry and in the construction of railway vehicles, but practical experimental methods to determine the strength of bonded joints under vibration or similar stresses to those of the application have been largely lacking. The life of components subjected to vibration is often estimated by fracture mechanics methods. However, calculating such methods using finite element methods (FEM) is much more difficult than the continuum mechanical approach.
Microchips, pharmaceutical packaging, electronic data storage, mobile phones, medical technology, optical and other technical devices are being manufactured to meet new quality requirements never before imagined. An important part of this is the extreme cleanliness that can only be achieved in cleanroom or equivalent cleanroom conditions. No dust or other contamination of any kind may be deposited in the cavities of the production tool or on the surface of the product.
In an increasingly competitive market, manufacturers are doing everything they can to make their products stand out and attract attention. One important means of doing this can be the unique, distinctive appearance of the product, which can be achieved in part through a well-chosen colour effect. It is no coincidence that manufacturers of colourants are constantly developing new ideas and technologies to meet the needs of their customers.
The conditions for mobility in the 21st century Two factors will have a major impact on transport and energy policy in the 21st century: the scale of climate change and the expected increase in the price of energy due to the gradual depletion of oil. Many expect that the switch to fuel cells and hydrogen will provide a lasting solution for future transport.
Modern industrial products require modern, high-performance plastics. Two new products from Ticona, Fortron PPS and Hostaform POM, are recommended for automotive applications, while Rhodia's special TechnylStar polyamide is recommended for the manufacture of household appliance engines. Ticona's new polymers New fuels for road vehicles require particularly resistant plastics.
In 1995, the market for polyolefins was dominated by US producers, with prices determined by the oil and gas production conditions in the Gulf of Mexico, with the Middle East playing a subordinate role. Over the next ten years, new polyolefin production capacity will be built mainly in regions where large quantities of natural gas and oil can be extracted at relatively low cost.
