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This inexpensive bioplastic takes the heat

New bio-based polyimides (PIs) that withstand temperatures up to 390°C — the highest ever reported for a bioplastic — have been developed by Tatsuo Kaneko at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST, Nomi City; www.jaist.ac.jp), in collaboration…

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New polymer is said to be first-ever recyclable thermoset

A new thermoset polymer has been discovered by researchers at IBM Research Almaden (San Jose, Calif.; www.research.ibm.com). The new material, polyhexahydrotriazine (PHT), has a very high Young’s Modulus (up to 14 GPa, compared with a Young’s Modulus of 4 GPa…

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A new route to a cellulose-based bioplastic

NEC Corp. (Tokyo, Japan; www.nec.com) has developed a two-stage, heterogeneous synthesis for making a high-functionality bioplastic (70 wt.% plant content) from non-edible plant cellulose. The new bioplastic is said to have excellent thermo-plasticity (275 MFR), heat resistance (140°C glass transition…

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This fatty-acid conversion process results in synthetic lubricant base oils

Biosynthetic Technologies (Irvine, Calif.; www.biosynthetic.com) has developed a continuous-flow process to convert any animal- or plant-based fatty acids with high oleic-acid content into synthetic esters that can be used in formulations for motor oils and industrial lubricants. These biosynthetic esters…

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This on-purpose butadiene process takes a step closer to commercialization

Last month, The Linde Group (Pullach, Germany; www.linde.com) and BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com) announced plans to cooperate in developing and licensing processes for the on-purpose production of linear butenes and butadiene. BASF has developed process technology and catalysts as…

A new slurry pump that handles high volumes

The new Wirth triplex double-acting piston diaphragm (TDPM) pump combines two well established and proven pumping principles for the transport of high volumes of abrasive slurry. The Wirth TDPM works on the triplex double-acting principle. It has flowrates of up…

This recirculation pump doesn’t need external cooling

Early this month, this company launched a new generation of hot-water recirculation pumps for large industrial heating systems as well as forced-circulation boilers and district heating systems. The horizontal, radially split single-stage volute casing pumps feature a back pull-out design.…

This blower is now even more energy efficient

The E-Blower extends the high-efficiency solution provided by the company’s Delta Hybrid series in the low volume flow range. The new E-Design delivers a reduction of power demand of up to 4%, depending on volume flow and pressure difference, says…

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Bio-based adipic acid

Adipic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that is widely applied to the production of nylon, polyurethanes, plasticizers and other polymers. Its main use is as one of the raw materials for the manufacture of the polyamide nylon 6,6. In 2012,…

Precise, fast response when controlling large valves

Larger valves (200 mm and above, with flowrates in excess of 200 m3/h) tend to be fitted with pneumatic actuators. However, the air-output capacity required to achieve fast positioning in larger actuators is simply too high for normal positioners and…