In this article we give an overview of the competition between the different types of bulk plastics (polyolefins, PVC, polystyrene) and the latest types. Processors can only choose the optimum raw material for the products they manufacture if they have a broader knowledge of the range of materials available. Plastics databases are a useful aid in the selection of raw materials.
Plastics with new properties that meet today's requirements can in many cases only be produced by using functional additives. In the stabilisation of PVC, acid-binding mineral fillers are used in formulations replacing lead-containing stabilisers. In the field of flame retardants, melamine derivatives have been the main focus, but there have also been significant changes in the use of additives for anti-static, anti-bacterial, surface scratch resistance, recycling of plastics and pest repellent additives.
Natural cellular substances have the ability to heal themselves. Researchers want to make this capability a reality for plastics, as it would be of great importance in practice, especially for composite structures designed for long life. The results achieved so far are not yet applicable in practice, but the experiments are encouraging.
The use of RFID (radio frequency identification), a contactless identification system based on radio frequency waves, is becoming increasingly widespread in the movement of goods. The most common form is the surface-attachable tag, but there are also injection-moulded versions. This form of identification is still in its infancy, but its development is unforeseen.
Instead of post-painting and lettering of injection-moulded or injection-blasted products, more and more use is being made of pre-printed foil together with moulding for more economical in-mould decoration. This process was first used on an industrial scale to make the housings of mobile phones, but is also spreading to the automotive and household appliance industries. IMD and IML can also be used to produce very special effects on surfaces.
Today, tissue engineering also includes the development of tools for biological testing. Plastics are also playing an increasingly important role in this field, as combinations of techniques can be used, for example, to create special microstructures for cell culture studies.
It is well known that more expensive polymers than cement-based components can be used to improve many properties of cements and mortars, such as strength, elasticity, insulating properties and durability. The effects of epoxy resin on mortars and concrete modified with expanded polystyrene (EPS) are described below.
Today, the most exciting area of plastics use in the automotive industry is in the field of co-russerie. Leading raw material manufacturers are offering new types, and developers are exploring the potential of component design and innovative joining technology to create a body made entirely of plastic.
Traditional management practice was characterised by setting goals, breaking down tasks into units or work-partners and monitoring and evaluating performance. Below we describe two modern management models that rely more than before on the initiative and sense of responsibility of employees.
Although pre-registration has already started, many questions about Reach still need to be answered. There is no doubt that there will be changes in the supply of chemicals, in the supply chain. There is no doubt that companies need to start preparing for registration and approval in good time, using all possible sources of data and continuously working together. The pre-registration period is almost over and everything must be done without delay to ensure that at least the most important raw materials remain available to the company.
In addition to general engineering needs, the market for semi-finished engineering plastics is increasingly important for fast-growing specialised applications such as human and veterinary medicine.
Csaba Kenyó student, Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Laboratory of Plastics and Rubber Industry Supervisor: Dr. János Móczó research fellow, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Applied Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences
