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Plastics technology – Chinese scientists have successfully developed a revolutionary knittable fiber, drawing inspiration from the insulating properties of polar bear fur 26-12-2023
Plastics technology
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NEXTCHEM (MAIRE) awarded licensing, process design and catalyst supply for biodegradable plastics intermediates in China
NEXTCHEM’s subsidiary CONSER, biodegradable plastics technology licensor, will provide the licensing, the process design and technical assistance expertise for its proprietary Duetto technology to produce added value products from maleic anhydride
This is the first award reflecting CONSER’s extended technology package, including hydrogenation catalyst supply
MAIRE (MAIRE.MI) announces that NEXTCHEM (Sustainable Technology Solutions BU), through its biodegradable plastics technology licensor CONSER, has been awarded technology licensing and catalyst supply by a prominent client, as part of a larger project located in Northwestern China. Plastics technology
The scope of work entails licensing, process design package for CONSER proprietary Duetto technology and technical assistance during project execution, up to commissioning and start-up. As part of the agreement, CONSER will also supply the hydrogenation catalyst[1]. The Duetto technology offers a valuable solution in terms of CapEx, OpEx and energy efficiency to produce, with the same process, both butanediol[2] and dimethyl-succinate, the two intermediates needed to obtain biodegradable polymers.
Alessandro Bernini, MAIRE CEO, commented: “Since the acquisition of CONSER in April 2023, we have been working to further strengthen our technology package for the production of biodegradable polymers, which now spans from technology licensing and high-value process design services to the supply of catalysts. This award is a further demonstration of our top-class and broad portfolio of leading technologies that support our clients in the energy transition process.” Plastics technology
[1] Hydrogenation Catalyst is a catalyst that activates a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another compound or element.
KAIST Unveils Eco-Friendly Strategies for Polyamides Production
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
– Provides current research trends in bio-based polyamide production
– Research on bio-based polyamides production gains importance for achieving a carbon-neutral society
Global industries focused on carbon neutrality, under the slogan “Net-Zero,” are gaining increasing attention. In particular, research on microbial production of polymers, replacing traditional chemical methods with biological approaches, is actively progressing.
Polyamides, represented by nylon, are linear polymers widely used in various industries such as automotive, electronics, textiles, and medical fields. They possess beneficial properties such as high tensile strength, electrical insulation, heat resistance, wear resistance, and biocompatibility. Plastics technology
Since the commercialization of nylon in 1938, approximately 7 million tons of polyamides are produced worldwide annually. Considering their broad applications and significance, producing polyamides through bio-based methods holds considerable environmental and industrial importance.
KAIST (President Kwang-Hyung Lee) announced that a research team led by Distinguished Professor Sang Yup Lee, including Dr. Jong An Lee and doctoral candidate Ji Yeon Kim from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, published a paper titled “Current Advancements in Bio-Based Production of Polyamides”.
The paper was featured on the cover of the monthly issue of “Trends in Chemistry” by Cell Press. Plastics technology
As part of climate change response technologies, bio-refineries involve using biotechnological and chemical methods to produce industrially important chemicals and biofuels from renewable biomass without relying on fossil resources.
In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive choices, safety has become a paramount consideration for discerning consumers
Beyond the usual factors like design, power, and comfort, the reliability and safety of a vehicle are now in the spotlight. Recent crash tests in 2023 have brought forth surprising revelations, positioning China at the forefront of car safety rankings.
While Chinese cars traditionally target the domestic market, their global influence is rapidly expanding. Notably, Chinese electric cars, navigating the delicate equilibrium between technological innovation and cost-effectiveness, are making a substantial impact. Despite lingering perceptions of affordability and high-tech features, there’s a newfound recognition of the safety prowess exhibited by Chinese vehicles.
In the latest crash tests conducted by Euro NCAP, a prominent independent safety assessment body, Chinese BYD emerged among the safest cars on the road. Traditionally lauded European brands such as Volkswagen and BMW still maintain their reliability status, but the inclusion of Chinese BYD Tang in the upper echelons of safety rankings signals a significant shift. Plastics technology
As the automotive landscape continues to transform, the importance of feeling secure behind the wheel is escalating. The 2023 crash tests underscore that safety considerations are no longer confined to renowned European brands, with Chinese electric cars demonstrating commendable performance in protecting occupants during collisions.
This paradigm shift signifies the maturation of the Chinese automotive market, positioning it as a formidable contender on a global scale. Beyond mere aesthetics and speed, consumers are increasingly prioritizing safety, especially those with families or those who have experienced past accidents. Plastics technology
The resilience exhibited by Chinese electric cars in crash tests is a testament to the industry’s maturity and its readiness to engage on equal terms in Western markets. In an era where safety is non-negotiable, China has overtaken its competitors and claimed its spot at the pinnacle of car safety rankings.
EU economy emissions in 2022: down 22% since 2008
In 2022, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by economic activities of EU resident units stood at 3.6 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalents (CO2-eq), indicating a 22% decrease compared with 2008.
The activities with the highest GHG emissions in 2022 were the manufacturing industry and the supply of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning, both with 745 million tonnes of CO2-eq, representing 21% of total greenhouse gases emitted. These were followed by households (718 million tonnes of CO2-eq; 20%), which are emitters of greenhouse gases related to transportation, heating and other purposes. Plastics technology
Looking back, between 2008 (the first available year of data) and 2022, the largest relative decrease in GHG emissions was recorded in mining and quarrying (-40%), followed by the supply of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning (-37%) and manufacturing (-28%).
These are estimates for the EU economy according to the air emissions accounts, which show the environmental impact of the whole economy, including international transport.
