MATERIALS OF INTEREST AT THE NATIONAL PLASTICS EXPOSITION IN CHICAGO

Our Charlie O’Bosky attended NPE in Chicago in June. He saw several interesting material developments. Biopolymers were everywhere. R&D Plastics will be presenting a Lunch & Learn on biopolymers later this year, sorting out what might make sense for our customers. SABIC Innovative Plastics (formerly GE Plastics) showcased several interesting materials: Thermocomp HSG (high specific gravity) compounds that allow designers to tailor mass for management of momentum, weight distribution, and feel. Its specific gravity range is from 1.7 to 10. This is a great replacement for lead parts that are being eliminated through global and domestic initiatives. Konduit High Temperature Resins bringing temperature control to higher limits. Konduit thermally conductive compounds provide more thermal conductivity than conventional unfilled thermoplastics while retaining key physical properties at elevated temperatures. Stat-Kon TR composites contain electrically conductive additives. They span a broad range of surface resistivity and electrical activity, from antistatic, through conductive, to electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The sample at the show had power attached to two painted silver strips on the part, which provided a consistent heat across the part. Some possible applications include heated seats and cases for electronics in very extreme cold applications.SABIC presented a seminar on “Turning Metal into Plastic”, focusing on which metal components could be replaced with plastic. Look for this SABIC presentation as a Lunch & Learn at R&D Plastics in the near future.