Latest Technologies
Ionomer-free plastic for vacuum packaging applications results from collaboration
Ionomers (polymers that can form cross-links between chains due to ionized functional groups) are often used for vacuum-packaged products because they have the strength needed to resist puncture and tearing when vacuum is applied. Due to material shortages for ionomer…
Patent granted on system for feeding biomass to high-pressure reactors
One of the challenges for biofuels manufacturing is reliably feeding low-density feedstocks into high-pressure reactors, because it is difficult to feed agricultural and forest residue, as well as municipal solid waste, into pressurized systems without bridging, compaction and flow instability.…
New insights into graphene oxide’s strengthening effects in concrete could accelerate commercial development
The nanomaterial graphene oxide (GO) has been investigated as a way to improve concrete strength, but reported results of GO’s effects have been inconsistent and detailed understanding of the mechanisms of its strength-enhancing effects has been elusive. New studies by…
Circular-loop recycling for disposable baby diapers demonstrated in Europe
Disposable baby diapers are a challenging waste stream, because the absorbent polymers, non-woven fibers and organic material prevent them from mechanical-recycling processes. However, a three-way partnership has demonstrated a circular system for chemical recycling of disposable diapers. The project, involving…
Novel forward osmosis–membrane distillation system deployed for pharma ingredients production
Japanese pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) Peptistar has integrated Asahi Kasei Corp.'s novel forward osmosis–membrane distillation (FO–MD) system into its facility for trial production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Asahi Kasei announced in 2018 the development of a…
New self-regulating electrolyzer supports artificial photosynthesis
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed an artificial photosynthesis system capable of producing solar fuels more stably by integrating a self-regulating chemical component directly into the electrolyzer itself. The new device doesn’t rely on a battery-powered control method, removing…
QuantumScape announces agreement with Honda on solid-state battery technology
QuantumScape Corp. announced a joint research agreement with Honda R&D Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment, aimed at advancing the QS solid-state lithium-metal battery platform…
New project will use AEM electrolysis in the production of zero-emission acetone
Power to Hydrogen (P2H2), a developer of anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer systems, announced a binding commercial order from SINTEF, one of Europe's largest research institutes, for a half-megawatt AEM electrolyzer system scheduled to be delivered in Q4 2026. The…
Novel bio-based adipic acid pathway leads the way to waste-based nylon materials
Toray Industries, Inc. (Tokyo) and PTT Global Chemical PLC (PTTGC; Bangkok, Thailand) have established a first-of-a-kind series of manufacturing technologies for bio-based adipic acid (the main raw material of nylon 66) through the fermentation of bio-muconic acid using starch residues,…
A scalable method for recovering molybdenum from end-of-life catalysts
Molybdenum is a crucial element in many industrial catalysts used in the production of steels, alloys and specialty chemicals. Much of the global supply chain for molybdenum relies on mining operations in China and Russia, so various efforts are underway…