POLYMERS Communiqué April - May 2015

A CUSTAGE I N I T I A T I V E Apr - May 2015 l Issue 1.4 l ` 150

The Road Ahead for Material Sciences

Padma Vibhushan

CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow

Prof. M. M. Sharma

Dr. S. Sivaram

EXPERTS OPINE Polymer Additives the Indian Context

High Performance Polymers on a New High

Flex Packaging Technology the Future

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CL 850

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POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

3

CONTENTS

Apr-May 2015 l Issue 1.4

22

38 22

48

35

F E ATURE

Invent, Innovate, Inspire: Morning Walk for Every Corporate in the Petchem Business

56 33

The pharmaceutical companies underwent a cultural change then, which the polymer industry should emulate today. The journey from invention to commercialisation is very challenging, one that is riddled with failures; it is something every corporate must be prepared for, highlights Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma during an interaction with POLYMERS Communiqué.

52

Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma

27

Material Science of Polymers: What Lies Ahead?

31

4

27

Emeritus Professor of Eminence, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai

56

I n tera c t io n

Plastics in Automotives: The Changing Scenario

Prabir Das, Business Director - South Asia

Performance Materials, BASF India Ltd., Gurgaon

Changing Lifestyles, Changing Packaging, Changing Solutions Vipul Babu, Sales Director - India

Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Mumbai

Moulding Away to Glory

Dr. S. Sivaram talks about the future of the science of polymers materials which is now entering a second wave increasing the importance of ‘convergence research’.

Girish Handigol, Jt. General Manager (Marketing) Toshiba Machine Chennai Pvt. Ltd., Chennai

Dr. S. Sivaram, CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow Polymers

35

High Performance Polymers, on a New High

and Advanced Materials Laboratory CSIR - National Chemical Laboratory, Pune

Speci al Feature

The Wonderful World of Polymer Additives, the Indian Context

54

En g in eerin g D e light

Tushar Parida, General Manager Polymer Business and Application Developments Gharda Chemicals Ltd., Mumbai

Surinder S. Ahluwalia, Industry Advisor Consultant – Polymers and Additives, Mumbai

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

Printed and Published by Manish Chawla manish@polymerscommunique.com

Designed by Custage Marketing Solutions Pvt Ltd 401, Vikas Classic Building No 4 4th Floor, Near Basant Cinema Chembur, Mumbai 400 074, INDIA

38

61

Editorial Advisory Board

P rojec t

OPaL: Set to Go Live!

Arvind Mehta Chairman and Managing Director Welset Plast Extrusions Pvt. Ltd.

Indian Oil: Expanding Horizons in Petrochemicals

Prof. (Dr.) N. C. Saha Director, Indian Institute of Packaging

40

Growing Demands on Pelletisation

Gala Industries, USA

43

Future of Flex Packaging Technology, a Viewpoint

Eric Pavone, Business Director BOBST Business Unit Web-fed BOBST Mex SA, Switzerland

Experience and Expertise to Support Excellence

Vikas Vij, Managing Director

PolyOne Polymers India Pvt. Ltd., Pune

54

Kandui: A Fast Paced Growth

62

Polymer Developments, the Journey Captured

Mumbai Sanjana Chugh +91-99872 62726 sanjana@polymerscommunique.com

Rajesh Nath Managing Director VDMA German Engineering Federation India Liaison Office

Hyderabad Vani Sulakhe +91-93924 28927 vani@polymerscommunique.com New Delhi Vijay Babbar +91-98100 15111 vijay@polymerscommunique.com Vadodara Devindra Bhumra +91-81289 90887 devindra@polymerscommunique.com

Notes

Prof. D. D. Kale, Industry Consultant

Ex-Professor, Mumbai University’s Department of Chemical Technology, Mumbai

60

Advertising Sales - National

Pushp Raj Singhvi formerly Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Borouge (India) Pvt. Ltd.

David Bryan, President / CEO

Corporate Insi ght

48

N. K. Balgi formerly President & Director at Ferromatik Milacron India Pvt. Ltd.

P roc essors Corner

E VE NT

Rakesh Shah Managing Director Windmöller and Hölscher India Pvt. Ltd. S. K. Ray Sr. Executive Vice President (Polymers) Reliance Industries Ltd.

Printed at

Silverpoint Press Pvt. Ltd. A-403, TTC Industrial Area Near Anthony Motors Mahape, Navi Mumbai - 400709 District - Thane

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Content Alliance Partners

USA Manisha Janjikhel +1-908-720-3510 manisha@polymerscommunique.com

IPLEX 2015: The Southern Delight

Subscriptions

News

10

Produc ts

15

Events

66

Bhavesh Brahamaniya +91-22-25204436 bhavesh@polymerscommunique.com Printed and Published by Manish Chawla, printed at Silverpoint Press Pvt. Ltd., A-403, TTC Industrial Area, Near Anthony Motors, Mahape, Navi Mumbai - 400709, District - Thane and published from 401, Vikas Classic Building No 4, 4th Floor, Near Basant Cinema, Chembur, Mumbai 400 074, INDIA. Editor: Manish Chawla.

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Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of POLYMERS Communiqué. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances and so POLYMERS Communiqué does not take any responsibility for any loss or damage incurred or suffered by any of its subscribers / readers / advertisers of this magazine. The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct but do not take any responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. Subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction.

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publisher in writing.

POLYMERS Communiqué reserves the right to use the information published herein in any manner whatsoever. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged.

5

Mind Speak pment

Rakesh Shah

Managing Director

Windmöller and Hölscher India Pvt. Ltd.

Pushp Raj Singhvi

formerly Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Borouge (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Prof. (Dr.) N. C. Saha Director

y to all develo

e ke ckbone Materials are thien ces form the ba

Indian Institute of Packaging

and material sc w materials d progress. Ne of all industry an rds greater wa to to develop will continue and lower ht ig reduced we sustainability, plications ap r flexibility in waste, greate ocessing and pr re g, sin es as well as proc vestments in osal. Most in eventual disp ials both, in er at m w ne of development er sectors, lym po nno and the polymer e targets os th e pursu will need to d profit. an y ilit ab r sustain relentlessly fo

h its / Polymers - wit of innovation lity abi cap nt ere inh journey as a commenced its to glass, wood, ial ter ma ute substit r - has acquired the lea and paper, tin ispensability, ind of the status rigid and in n tio be it applica , to its use in flexible packaging tions to space automotive applica s to appliances, ter pu com to ft cra . A very casual just to name a few that polymer eal rev l wil ion observat the status ed ng cha e hav scientists modity com m fro ry ust of this ind e to du s stic pla g to engineerin material science. innovations in the

Plastics

f erties o al prop y rheologic ials pla er at m raw the polymeric determine al role to finished f o the cruci s propertie raw olymeric functional hence, p nal d io an ct n s fu d o go od with go igh h e ls ia th er re su mat n only en er ca th s ei , tie ls er ia prop mater packaging . quality of rm fo flexible in rigid or

The

Rajesh Nath

Managing Director

VDMA German Engineering Federation India Liaison Office

N. K. Balgi

In recent years, materials scien become mor ce has e widely know n and covers a broad rang e of applicatio ns sectors like in various automotive, construction, defense, aerospace, ele ctrical electronics. and Whether transportatio is taking pl n ace on lan d, sea or plastics are a air, long-establish ed part of a vehicle’s mat erial inventor y. Innovation of conductiv e polymers and high conductivity superconduct ors are used no loss conduc as tors for lighter and cheaper wires and nano -materials like carbon nanotubes are str onger and lig hter structura materials used l in aerospace.

formerly President & Director at Ferromatik Milacron India Pvt. Ltd.

hta

Innovations in material sciences are driven by the objective to find alternates to ensure balanced consumption of resources so as to make them last for long e.g. shale gas to replace crude in energy generation.

Possibilities with polymeric materials in substituting the natural materials - wood, cotton, glass, ceramics and metals has brought about wide variety of variants with specific properties.

Innovations are also be driven by giving consideration to health and environmental sustainability.

Thus, material sciences are on constant renewal.

Me irector aging D and Man an . Ltd. vt Chairm P s n rusio Plast Ext t e ls e W

Arvind

was a great Mars Mission ovation in inn of e is success becaus ere nearly 50% wh ce en sci ial mater ms, has opened for nt ere diff in polymer for the opportunities big vistas of more than we ia Ind of try us plastics ind can imagine.

India’s

Feedback I found POLYMERS Communiqué aesthetically very pleasing and fresh in its outlook with emphasis on high performance segments of the plastics industry. Introduction of such high quality coverage bodes well for the mega developments in the plastics engineering and manufacturing scenario in tomorrow’s India.

Jitendra Devlia

It is well presented magazine and one would love to go through it.

J. R. Shah

Plastindia Foundation

The magazine com es with a rich look and feel, and nourishing co ntent.

Kailash Murar

Plastivision In

Engel Machinery India Pvt. Ltd.

ew your n s on niqué. tulation u ra m g n m o First, c , POLYMERS Co looks like ine copy, it magaz ou e hard I wish y g at th e, and in z Lookin a g a m s s -cla cess. a world r its suc best fo luwalia all the r er S. Ah Surind Industry Adviso s ditive d A d n a olymers ant – P Consult

Jayesh

ces

I have se en the last iss magaz ue; I s ine ha ee this s all becom the po e a wo tential rld-clas to s maga zine.

A . Chakr

8

s India

PennWell

Vikas K.

s Ltd.

Windsor Machine

t

nferen

Ecoblis

Roy Markum

Sampa

Elite Co

. V. P. S

the subject the contents of ation with orm inf of e vast coverag issue due to its plastics the s in latest happening t the respect to the ou ab ts igh ins ry, thorough field processing indust the in leaders s by the market ssing future of plastic ce pro s stic pla nufacturers, t of polymer ma as the end-produc facturers as well nu ma ry ine ch nce in ma elle exc ir the of o by virtue in manufacturers, wh path of progress ld, enlighten the fie ve cti pe res the ! me co to e during the tim the plastics world cs of the cover least, the aestheti Last but not the y along with the the printing qualit page as well as ding of this issue rea per makes the selection of the pa se! sen e tru its in erience a delighting exp e to come! tim g lon the ppppp for Please keep it up ns to you and to iest congratulatio Manish, my heart CUSTAGE! the entire team of Deo

I am delighted to read

Very impressive.

Congratu lations world-c on p lass m roducin agazin g a is very e. The though conten covers tfully t drafted import ant is and the ind sues c ustry. oncern ing

ka

dia 2017

avarth

Pvt. Ltd

i

.

It’s the communication channel of the plastics industry, partnering innovation with business.

Dr. R. Rangaprasad

SIES School of Packaging

ed e, inde agazin ia in nted m e d s e re m p t It is a well ark effort in prin future of hm r the a benc ishes fo value to . Best w s c dding a ti s f la o p rt o ff e luable this va shi ustry. d in P. C. Jo ed e th imit L rp o Lohia C

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

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9

16.04.15 09:02

News Brückner Maschinenbau at Chinaplas 2015

Digest APS Elastomers develops thermoplastic elastomer for flat cables

A

t Chinaplas 2015 in Guangzhou

(Booth 5.1B63) German manufacturer

Brückner

Maschinenbau

will

focus

mainly on two areas of modern plastic film

production

-

reduced

energy

consumption and raw material usage as well the manufacture of special functional plastic films.

Reduced Energy Consumption and Raw BASF to increase prices for Polyamide 6 base polymers and Caprolactam in Europe

Material Usage

In all lines, Brückner Maschinenbau

line. Brückner’s film stretching lines

offer working widths up to 10.4m with production speeds above 500 m/

min resulting in output and efficiency

unrivalled within the industry. Visitors at the Brückner booth will see the latest

solutions for improved operating stability and high line uptime.

continues to optimise the possibilities for

Value Added Technical Films for Various

CO2 emissions.

The demand for innovative oriented

energy savings and thus to also reduce

Industries

specialty films in technical applications is Carbon dioxide is a convincing alternative source of carbon for polyurethane production, affirms Bayer MaterialScience

rising. For the production of added value The highlight of Chinaplas 2015 will be

the ‘Intelligent Line Management’ (ILM)

including an energy monitor for measuring and analysing the energy consumption

of the film production process based on

the international standard ISO 50001. ILM Canadian Plastics Industry Association creates living walls... with help from plastics

will support the operator to optimise the

energy consumption of each product to

achieve the highest film quality on the lowest energy input.

Additionally, Brückner presents more

A-C

solutions for sustainable film production

of bio-based resin, either as a new

investment or as a modification of existing lines for bio-plastics processing,

down gauging of films to reduce raw

material usage or the development

of ultra-high barrier films to reduce subsequent process steps.

A decisive factor for energy and raw

material efficiency of film production

is the efficiency of the production

10

specialty films in such areas, Brückner

will present the latest technological

developments that will help Chinese film producers to diversify and enlarge their portfolio and enter into high quality

technical film areas - battery, electronic, solar, optical.

New FICCI Organises a Conference on Potential of Plastics Industry in Northern India with Focus on Plasticulture

I

ndian Plastics industry is making significant

contribution

to

the

economic development and growth

of various key sectors in the country.

However its usage in the country is very low compared to international

levels. It is important that for increasing the usage of plastics in the country, a focus should be given to their

applications in micro-irrigation and post-harvest packaging.

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

Speciality Colour Masterbatches l

Endless Shade Possibilities

Next Generation Metallics

l

White Masterbatches ‘High Loading

l l

Path Breaking Colouring & Compounding Solutions

High Quality Packaging Film

High Performance Blacks l

High Strength Blacks

High Dispersability

l

Additive Masterbatches Exhaustive Range to Modify and Enhance Polymer Properties

GOI Recognised Export House

Welset Plast Extrusions Pvt Ltd Arvind Mehta Group Company

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

8, New Metalage Industrial Premises, Subhash Marg, Off Caves Road, Jogeshwari (E), Mumbai 400 060.

INDIA

T F E W

info@custage.com

l

: +91-22-2821 5734, 2838 7054 : +91-22-2838 1088 : info@welset.com : www.welset.com 11

To bring focus to the role of plasticulture

l

and related issues, FICCI jointly with

Digest Croda China launches IncroMold™ K for automotive antiscratch applications at Chinaplas 2015

Recycling Industry.

Dept of Chemicals & Petrochemicals,

l

of various industry associations &

l

Govt. of India and with the support Media Partners, is organising the 4 th

Plastics Waste Management and To Highlight Application Technologies Enhancing Productivity.

To Provide a Platform of Interaction between Policy makers / Industry /

Conference on ‘Potential of Plastics

Industry in Northern India with focus

End-users.

on Plasticulture (Micro Irrigation and

Who Should Participate

June, 2015 at Chandigarh.

l

Post-harvest Management)’ on 26 th

Farmers / Processing Industry / Plastic Manufacturing Industry.

l

Datacolor® launches CHECK III portable spectrophotometer, continues tradition of best-in-class colourimetric performance

EVONIK introduces TEGO® Dispers 673, the new superior dispersing agent for solventborne plastic coatings

l

C-I

infrastructure

Academic-State

Agriculture

Universities / Financial Institutions / Marketing Professionals / Head R&D

Event Objectives Opportunities of Plastic Processing Industry in Northern India.

l

Focus areas in Micro Irrigation and Post-harvest Packaging.

l

Welset Wins Plasticon Award 2015

W

elset is the proud winner of

Plasticon Award 2015 – Silver, for

Efficiency in water usage by Plasticulture

use of plastics in healthcare / personal

Clariant in India Announces Acquisition of Lanxess Black Pigment Preparations Portfolio

(India) Ltd says, ‘Over the last couple of

and New Developments.

C

lariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, announced that it has

acquired the black pigment preparations portfolio of Lanxess, located at Nagda,

This product line of Lanxess manufactures black pigment preparations used for processing of viscose fibre, which goes

care. This prestigious award was given for

years we have made significant strides

in building a value proposition for our

stakeholders by sharpening our business focus and increasing our footprint in

India. This was achieved through organic resource optimisation and capitalising on inorganic value opportunities’.

Sambit

Roy,

business has been the mainstay of our

India operations and product offerings to

knitwear,

suit evolving customer

With this acquisition, Clariant in India gains additional pigment preparation capacity to cater to a larger, wider customer base. on

the

–

we continuously adapt

towels, bed linen etc.

Commenting

Director

in India says, ‘The pigment preparations

mainly viscose-based apparels,

Regional

Marketing and Sales (Pigments), Clariant

in the manufacture of

acquisition,

Dr. Deepak Parikh, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Clariant Chemicals

12

and

Chief Executive Officers / Consultants /

Madhya Pradesh.

INVISTA expands production of TERRIN™ aliphatic polyols into Europe

agriculture

development.

l

Dow VORAGUARD™ polyurethane innovation brings high-resilience foam production to the next level

Policy Makers-reps of state Industry,

needs. This acquisition is a strategic decision

to

expand

distribution

networks. We will upgrade technical

services and provide state-of-theart technology in order to generate

high quality products to support our customers’ business growth’.

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

the development of PVC compounds for

Welset is a well known and highly

is a leader in catering to this demanding

available a wide range of colouring and

medical disposables – blood bags. Welset

market. These grades are supplied for applications such as blood administration

systems, CAPD kits for dialysis, IV sets, nose masks and catheters. In addition to the above, Welset was also nominated for ‘Innovative Raw Material Award’.

trusted name in plastics industry making

compounding solutions to the industry.

Welset has entrenched its name as a high quality manufacturer and supplier

of a wide range of Colour, White, Black Masterbatches; Filler Masterbatches and Speciality Additive Masterbatches for the plastics industry.

Vinyl India 2015

T

Plastindia Foundation has instituted the

‘Plasticon Awards’ to felicitate excellence

and innovation in the field of plastics.

The award function was held during

the Plastindia International Exhibition & Conference. Plasticon Awards are the most

prestigious awards for the plastic industry,

he 5 th Vinyl India conference was

organised by ElitePlus Business

Services and CPMA on 10 th-11th April,

2015 at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.

Like all previous Vinyl conferences,

ElitePlus

ELITE PLUS BUSINESS SERVICES PVT.LTD

practicing professionals and students. The

this was a great success and attracted

excellence and innovation in plastics.

India

Plasticon Awards have been a symbol of

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

even higher participation. The Vinyl 2015

attracted

approx.

Digest Lehmann & Voss & Co. introduces new generation of PTFEmodified compounds

Lubrizol introduces Two New Chemical and Heat Resistance TPU

L

700

13

Digest Perstorp launches Capa™ Lactide 8000 Series polyols for high-performance sustainable polyurethanes

PlastiComp and Xenia partner to develop applications for carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites

Reliance Commissions 650 KTA PET Resin Plant

R

eliance

Industries

The plant is equipped with state-of-the-

art technology for consistent quality

Limited

(RIL) announced the successful

commissioning of PET resin (Polyethylene

plant consists of two

demand from India and

manufacturing capacity

of the fastest growing

has been built with

with demand growing by

at Dahej, Gujarat. The

in meeting the increasing

lines with a combined

the region. India is one

of 650 KTA. The plant

markets for PET packaging

Invista

15 - 20% annually.

Technology

for continuous polymerisation and Buhler

AG

Technology

state polymerisation.

for

solid

This is one of the largest bottle-grade PET resin capacity at a single location position as a leading PET resin

producer with a global capacity of 1.15 MMTPA. Current global effective

Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG), the two feedstock for the new PET plant are available within the Dahej complex. This

offers significant logistics advantages in the form of lower freight costs along with consistent product quality due to in-house raw material linkages.

In line with the ‘Make in India’

capacity would find applications in

Shri Narendra Modi, this world-class

30 MMTPA. PET resin from the new

initiative of Hon’ble Prime Minister

packaging for water, carbonated soft

PET

drinks, pharmaceuticals and other food and beverages. from

15

countries

and

335 companies. The conference had 43 eminent speakers representing

entire chain of Vinyl Industry, economy and Government sectors.

facility

will

enable

further

investments in downstream PET bottle manufacturing capacities.

In a glittering awards function in the

evening, The Life Time Achievement Award Shri

was

conferred

Jayantibhai

recognition

of

his

S.

upon

Chheda

contribution

to

in

to

Indian Plastic fraternity and especially to the Vinyl Industry.

Padma Vibhushan Prof. Man Mohan Sharma was felicitated as the special

guest. In his response, he observed that carbide process followed in China

is not eco-friendly as the catalyst is mercury-based.

The delegates participated in a quiz on PVC which was very exciting and widely

participated. In a thought provoking,

Ethylene-based

PVC

process is more economical. He also

observed that PVC is a good product for Indian conditions.

inspirational and lively Dinner Speech on

A

world, Mr. Rahul Kapoor emphasised on

across the two days helped address

Work life happiness in today’s business stress relaxation.

14

Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) and

PET resin capacity is estimated at

TSRC’s new product high flow / low styrene SEBS to be launched

P-T

greatly help the downstream bottle and packaging industry

delegates RTP Company provides improved low friction plastic technology for single-use drug delivery devices

New capacity addition by Reliance will

Terephthalate) capacity

globally. This consolidates Reliance’s Reifenhäuser further expands manufacturing knowhow and innovative capacity by acquiring the German spinneret manufacturer, Enka Tecnica

and reliable production capability.

number

of

panel

discussions

and question and answer sessions various concerns.

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

Products Innovative ANDRITZ Solutions for the Production of Biaxially Oriented Plastic Films

A

NDRITZ Biax, a member of

the

international

technology Group ANDRITZ, presents its wide range of

solutions for the production

of biaxially oriented films at

CHINAPLAS

2015.

The

complete product range for

made from BOPP or BOPET. For high quality products at

high capacity, ANDRITZ offers biaXline SEDYN eXcelle. This

line configuration is capable

of producing biaxially oriented films at 525 m/min.

(designed for high capacity

excellent optical and shrink

packaging film).

plastic films.

production of BOPP flexible

properties for high quality

sequential stretching lines with

Recently, ANDRITZ extended

Biax supplies a full range of

generation of sequential lines,

The new biaXline MESIM

For further details please

to the plastic film industry

solution for biaxially oriented

ANDRITZ, Austria

SEDYN technology, ANDRITZ lines for the production of commodity

and

specialty

films, such as capacitor film

its portfolio to include latest

providing proven solutions -

biaXline

SEDYN

aXcess

Acmeplas System Technologies, offers Super-high Speed IML Systems

A

cmeplas has specialised in researching and manufacturing

IML automation systems for about five years and now the

automation into standardised production. There are four

series automation system of a, c, m, e which are researched and developed for different products and requirements of customers.

l

A-type is flexible in design, which can shorten the opening

M-type can be used in a wide range and is suitable for taking

E-type is light and can be installed on the top of a machine,

stroke and reduce the tonnage of machine. out of stack mould.

which not only reduces the areas efficiently, but is also an economical choice.

l

C-type automation system is simplified and has only one axis so that it can achieve superhigh speed operation.

For further details please

efficient

contact:

film stretching to achieve

Web: www.andritz.com

B

OBST is a leading supplier of machinery and services to

packaging manufacturers in the folding carton, corrugated

board and flexible material industries.

BOBST web-fed equipment for flexible materials encompasses solutions in CI flexo printing, gravure printing, laminating, extrusion

coating and laminating, coating, and vacuum metallising; from

standalone machines to fully integrated, tailor-made lines, each converting companies need.

BOBST provides solutions and technical expertise to its customers

operating in the flexible material industries in the sectors of

flexible packaging for food and non-food applications, labels,

label stock, release liners, sacks and bags, PSA tapes, security printing,

decorative

printing,

industrial

applications,

tobacco applications, siliconising, aluminium coating and printed electronics.

Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, BOBST has production facilities in three continents, and a sales and

services network with facilities in over 50 countries.

contact:

For further details

Technologies Ltd., China

BOBST Mex SA, Switzerland

Acmeplas System

Web: www.acmeplas.com

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

an

offering exacting quality and high performance that printing and

Four series of automated systems have their own features:

l

is

End-to-End Solutions from BOBST

IML automation system has gradually turned non-standard

l

concept

please contact:

Web: www.bobst.com

15

Container Sets the Right Image

SIBUR Launches Production of New PP Grades

T

A

his year, SIBUR has added new advanced

polypropylene

(PP)

16 litre SuperLift container from RPC Containers Oakham, featuring a striking

new design and the use of recycled material,

grades to its product mix. The grades

are included into the production plans of

is helping Colas Ltd. convey its premium image

available to customers.

to sustainability.

the company’s facilities and are already

and underline the company’s commitment

SIBUR’s

Colas provides sustainable solutions for the

Tomsk-based

facility,

Tomskneftekhim, has developed and

launched PP H263 FF, a grade used in the production of non-woven geo textiles as a component for personal hygiene products, including diapers. In this unique solution, PP is 100 per cent

the needs of processing companies that

use PP with higher melt flow rates. On top of that, the new grade contributes

to a better tactile quality and softness of hygiene product textiles.

free of substances such as phthalates, in

Going forward, SIBUR plans to launch

of hygiene and other sensitive products.

solution for cast polypropylene (CPP)

line with best practices in the segments Another product added to the mix of

the PP H081 CF grade, a specialised films.

For further details please contact:

non-woven geo textile segment to meet

Web: www.sibur.com

SIBUR, Moscow

NDC Technologies Showcases Complete System Solution at Chinaplas 2015 DC Technologies, a leading global

N

and control of thickness, weight and

and control solutions, exhibits its complete system solution for on-line

properties that NDC’s sensors can

measure include the thickness of

provider of precision measurement

and off-line gauging of plastic products at this year’s Chinaplas trade fair.

Film/Sheet Extrusion and Calendaring Solutions

NDC Technologies will present its

range of solutions for the sheet and film industries for online measurement

co-extrusion layers. Other specialty

clear, voided, cavitated, porous and

translucent films. In addition, NDC’s unique

infrared

technologies

can

measure oil content in PE battery films

including wet cast film, after the biax stretch and in the final film itself.

Plastic Pipe and Tube Extrusion Solutions NDC

will

display

its

complete

plastic pipe and tube extrusion line

measurement and control system with

Beta LaserMike gauges in place from

reinstatement product is used for the sealing of new vertical joints in freshly laid asphalt or macadam.

Bitukold is arguably one of the market leaders and Colas required a packaging solution that

would emphasise this distinction and create the right image and positioning in the market. of all Colas offerings, and it was therefore

important that the packaging supported this position.

RPC Oakham’s SuperLift container is injection moulded

in

polypropylene,

including

25 per cent recycled material. The inclusion of the recycled content produces a grey finish

which in itself creates on-shelf distinction and this is further enhanced by the use of metallic

inks that ensure an attractive, eye-catching

look. The plastic handle makes the entire pack mono material.

The re-sealable SuperLift container is also lightweight,

easy to handle, waterproof

and does not dent easily, all

essential

practical

advantages for a product used outdoors.

‘Bitukold is a quality product and it was important

that this was reflected in its packaging’, explains Arthur Millington of Colas Ltd.

the extruder through the puller station.

‘The combination of a high-impact design

the new AccuScan 6012, industry’s first

practical benefits of the SuperLift range,

The integrated system solution includes

four-axis diameter and ovality gauge for products up to 12 mm.

and recycled material, along with the proven ideally

demonstrate

and leadership’.

our

professionalism

For further details please contact:

For further details please contact:

Web: www.ndc.com

Web: www.rpc-group.com

NDC Technologies, USA

16

UK’s transport infrastructure. Its Bitukold

At the same time, sustainability is a major part

SIBUR’s facilities in Tomsk and Tobolsk is

PP H350 FF. The grade is designed for the

design, building and maintenance of the

RPC, UK

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

Email: sales@toshiba-machine.co.in POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

43 April 2015 Plastics News 17

COPEC for the new Astrospec 2.0 Safety Glasses

T

he

new

Astrospec

while

2.0

safety glasses which combine innovative functionality with

risk

ear pieces are made of COPEC®,

custom set-ups that maximise efficiency and resources. No

slashes

They remain firmly in place, on

cycle

eliminates

any face, while retaining a silky-

times

the

need

and for

additional work procedures.

smooth feeling against the skin,

The material resists dirt and

for unbeatable wearer comfort.

withstands

The ear pieces also feature triple

the

everyday

external stresses to which it

adjustment and the glasses fold

is exposed – including UV

flat after use.

radiation as well as skin oils and lubricating greases. It is

Eyes are protected using a flattened curve wraparound

lens made of polycarbonate and

packaging to automotive and beyond’.

DE-STA-CO booth featured a series of end effectors built with Accelerate® Collection and

MicroTooling lightweight components. Accelerate Collection parts are made with high strength aircraft aluminium, which means they are up to

50 per cent lighter than traditional steel parts. This allows users to increase production line speed without stressing other automation equipment.

free of all latex, PVC and heavy

the plastic injection moulding market. MicroTooling products

recyclable. KRAIBURG TPE has

robotic automation equipment. MicroTooling and Accelerate

division, to get the colour of

end effectors for nearly any size need.

wearer of the glasses. TPE is

weight-saving benefits, but its parts are specifically sized for

metals. Moreover, COPEC is also

are compact, modular and flexible, enabling users to build

its own in-house colouristic

Collection components can be combined to create lightweight

the material exactly as the

In addition to MicroTooling and Accelerate Collection end effectors, the DE-STA-CO booth at NPE 2015 included vacuum

For further details please contact:

a ventilation system keeps the

KG, Germany

climate comfortable for eyes

matter what industry the customer operates in, from plastic

DE-STA-CO’s MicroTooling line features the same

The lens coating prevents

fogging and scratching. Finally,

combination of products for our customers, so they can build

also totally harmless to the

customer wants.

with built-in side protection.

built for speed and precision. Rob Pitera, DE-STA-CO Global

moulding with polycarbonate which simplifies manufacturing,

developed by KRAIBURG TPE.

E-STA-CO offers a diverse line of automation equipment

Product Director, end effectors says ‘Our goal is to find the right

(PC). A production approach

elastomer

D

COPEC is processed as part of dual-component injection

high safety standards. Its flexible thermoplastic

any

entering into the eye area.

tech materials into a set of

a

preventing

of liquids or foreign bodies

involved processing high-

DE-STA-CO Showcases Automation Tools and Custom Solutions at NPE 2015

cup and tool changer demos and more.

KRAIBURG TPE GmbH & Co.

For further details please contact:

Web: www.kraiburg-tpe.com

Web: www.destaco.com

New Light Mountaineering Shoe from Salomon has High Performance Chassis Made Out of EcoPaXX from DSM

R

life

provide good grip on narrow ledges-

company, announces that its high

longitudinal direction to accommodate

oyal

DSM,

sciences

the

and

performance

global

material

bio-based

sciences

EcoPaXX®

polyamide has been chosen for the ‘Edging Chassis’ of an innovative new mountaineering

shoe

specialist Salomon.

from

sports

but also allows enough flexibility in a the natural flexing of the foot. This requires a material with the right combination

DE-STA-CO, USA

EcoPaXX has enabled Salomon to produce

a chassis with an intricate design that is light, has the necessary mix of flexibility

and rigidity, retains its properties at very low temperatures typical of mountain environments and has reduced moisture uptake, despite being a polyamide.

of appropriate mechanical properties

The material is very suitable for injection

processed easily.

from cradle to gate.

and toughness, and which can also be

moulding and is certified as carbon neutral

Light mountaineering shoes fit with one

DSM EcoPaXX has these excellent flow

They provide users with very comfortable

mechanical properties and also processes

of the latest trends in outdoor sports. lightweight equipment that lets them be quick, agile and safe.

The Edging Chassis provides stability for the foot in the transverse direction-to

18

characteristics, together with outstanding very well.

For further details please contact: DSM, Netherlands

Web: www.dsm.com

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

Kandui Industries Pvt. Ltd.

a sustained Performer WITH EXPANSIVE CAPABILITIES Exports to over 28 countries Capacity of 30000 MTPA High performance to price ratio ISO 9001:2008 certified Customised solutions to address specific needs

FilKan: Filler Masterbatches KoloKan: Color Masterbatches

AddKan: Additive Masterbatches

KoloKan: Black Masterbatches

KoloKan: White Masterbatches

Kandui Industries Pvt. Ltd., Plot No. 112, Minerva Ind. Estate, P. K. Road, Near Hercules Hoist, Mulund (West), Mumbai - 400080. (India) Tel: +91-22-61510500, Fax: +91-22-61510505, Email: masterbatchinfo@kandui.in URL: www.additivemasterbatches.com POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

19

SABIC’s Thermoplastic Roof Fairing Concept to Deliver Substantial Fuel Savings

S

ABIC

has

thermoplastic

concept

that

unveiled roof

can

a

fairing

potentially

reduce annual fuel consumption

of a heavy-duty truck by at least 3 per cent. SABIC’s design concept

is aerodynamically optimised to

accelerate

airflow

both

over

the surface and through the fairing itself. Conventional roof fairings,

in

contrast,

achieve

aerodynamic efficiencies simply by

maximising airflow over smooth, closed surfaces.

This novel roof fairing concept

will also be of interest to truck

operators around the world as

several other countries and regions have either set new fuel efficiency and emission standards for heavyduty trucks or are poised to do so. deflect air by accelerating airflow

SABIC used Computational Fluid

sides of the roof fairing. The result is

technology

through and across the top and a drop in drag, up to 5.9 per cent, significantly

improving

the

aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency of a heavy-duty truck.

The concept incorporates air ducts

to reduce front end pressure and

Dynamics quantify

(CFD) to

the

performance

fairing concept.

simulation

evaluate

of

and

aerodynamic its

roof

For further details please contact:

SABIC Innovative Plastics, Europe Web: www.sabic-ip.com

Brilliance Tube for Tomorrow’s Effervescent Tablets

E

ffervescent tablets are still the most effective and most reliable dosage form in the highly competitive market for food supplements.

Customers particularly appreciate the easy handling of effervescent

UK Closed-loop Fuel Cell Component Recycling is a Step Closer

A

dvanced techniques for recovering a high-value

polymer from fuel cell membrane electrode

assemblies (MEAs) has brought closed-loop recycling of these components a step closer.

Axion Consulting developed the process in the

collaborative RECOVER R&D project with fuel cell

components supplier Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells (JMFC) and nonwoven materials manufacturer Technical Fibre

Products (TFP). The project was co-funded by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK. The financially viable process is

low hazard and extracts PFSA (Perfluorosulfonic

Acid),

a

fluorinated membrane polymer,

from the MEAs of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel

cells without incineration or the

creation of hydrogen fluoride gas, a corrosive and toxic

substance. This membrane acts

as a proton conductor, allowing

the passage of electrical current to provide power. The current

incineration route does not

recover the membrane as it is

burned and lost. Platinum recovery from the MEAs is

also easier with no loss of yield as the process generates a metal-rich material for further refining.

tubes. Equipped with a convenience closure like the FOG from Sanner,

Axion Consulting Director, Roger Morton explains, ‘The

against light and moisture with a long shelf-life. In contrast to other

co-polymer ensures the successful recovery of both

the tubes remain tightly closed at all times, while the tablets are protected packaging solutions, the tubes do not tear or bend and the tablets cannot

crumble. Yet, to date the packages are mainly used for their functionality and can rarely impress with an appealing design.

Sanner launched the Brilliance® Tube last year. The tubes, which are produced using in-mould labelling (IML) technology, can be combined with desiccant closures from Sanner to form a complete packaging solution. Apart from the optimal tablet protection, the development

focused on the visual appearance. Compared with conventionally

printed packages, the IML tubes offer a high-

platinum and PFSA without any nasty by-products. This is now being processed commercially for Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells’.

The process, he says, offers three major benefits - economic recovery of valuable and critical materials; preservation of resources for reuse in new fuel cell products and elimination of the technical challenges and cost of tackling harmful emissions.

quality photorealistic printing with endless

Roger adds, ‘Significant quantities of fuel cells will

effects are available; the shock-proof and scratch-

the technological capability to recover their valuable

design varieties. Up to eight colours and metallic

reach the end of their lives in 10 to 15 years’ time so

resistant material is extremely durable.

resources will be crucial’.

For further details please contact:

Sanner GmbH, Germany

Web: www.sanner-group.com

20

unique aspect of our recycling route for this challenging

For further details please contact:

Axion Polymers Ltd., Manchester England

Web: www.axionpolymers.com

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

Aerospace: The Economic Beauty of Achieving More With Less

U

nique processing technology allows

parts. Secondary treatments for corrosion

manufacturing. A combination of Egmond

protection, such as anodising, can be

Plastic’s Fusible-Core Technology and a

eliminated. Lead times can be reduced

VICTREX® PEEK polymer solution result in

by 50 per cent. These factors collectively

more than 30 per cent cost and up to

result in part cost savings of over

50 per cent weight reductions.

30 per cent versus metal equivalents.

In the manufacturing of complex fuel cost savings of more than 30 per cent

and weight savings of up to 50 per cent

can be achieved as opposed to existing metal designs. The efficient production,

including part consolidation, is the result of Egmond Plastic BV, a leading injection

moulding specialist, combining their own

Fusible-Core Technology with a highperformance polymer solution provided

by Victrex. Carbon-fibre grades of VICTREX

PEEK polymer eliminate the use of a

separate bearing, for example, since this is now integrated into the overall design of the housing.

Fuel housings for aerospace applications have very complex inner geometries which

are not mouldable using conventional

process for the fusible core allows for an

80 per cent time saving versus machined

for part consolidation and efficient

housings for the global aircraft industry,

Utilising a near net-shape manufacturing

Previously, the end-user had generally injection-moulding technology. Egmond

specified aluminium for the production of

mouldings of complex hollow housings,

fibre reinforced polymer demonstrates

Managing Director, Egmond Plastic BV,

to aluminium. It does this whilst meeting

combination with carbon-fibre reinforced

this

benefits. These include cost reduction,

performance, resistance to aggressive

in addition, weight reduction leading to

aerospace application, resistance to jet fuel

emissions. Along with part consolidation,

in size all the way up to 30 cm x 30 cm x

combination enables the design of very

for production runs of up to 2,000 parts.

of standard injection-moulding and

Victrex Manufacturing Limited, UK

Plastic’s Fusible-Core Technology enables

fuel containing parts, but a PEEK carbon-

manifolds and pipes. Richard Brandwijk,

superior fatigue performance, compared

explains, ‘Our Fusible-Core Technology, in

all the engineering requirements for

VICTREX PEEK polymer, delivers numerous

effective flame, smoke and toxicity (FST)

enhanced manufacturing speed, and,

chemicals, including notably, for this

improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2

and Skydrol hydraulic fluid. Parts can range

this exceptional technology and material

40 cm and typically the process is used

application,

including

stiffness,

For further details please contact:

complex parts, beyond the capabilities

Web: www.victrex.com

metal processes’.

Milliken’s Advanced Hyperform HPN Hyper-Nucleating Agent Helps Reinvent the Pharmaceutical Bottle

M

Company

thinner-gauge bottles that are

oxygen. In effect, a permeant

manufacturing

2015, a breakthrough in over-

broader options when these

a maze of crystals that are

offering the option to down

illiken

&

announced

at

NPE

the-counter pharmaceutical and

nutraceutical

bottles.

The development of a highdensity polyethylene (HDPE)

15 per cent lighter or even benefits are combined. This

innovative application, using Hyperform HPN-20E hypernucleating agent, is expected

hyper-nucleated

to drive greater sustainability

HPN-20E agent enables a

and nutraceutical bottles and

in

consumers alike.

resin

molecule must move through linear and encircle the side walls of the bottle – a process

that slows down permeation

significantly. In contrast, HDPE that does not incorporate the

with Milliken’s Hyperform®

and quality in pharmaceutical

30 per cent improvement

appeal to manufacturers and

barrier performance versus

Milliken’s Hyperform HPN-20E

the transport of oxygen and

injection

barrier properties of HDPE

Milliken’s

crystal orientation to create a

enhances

moisture

and

oxygen

conventional HDPE. Using blow

moulding

produces

standard-

(IBM), this enhanced HDPE resin

gauge bottles that deliver longer product shelf-life or

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

hyper-nucleator

raises

the

resins to a new level by altering

tortuous path that inhibits the passage of moisture and

Hyperform HPN-20E hypernucleating forms

agent

large,

typically

spherulitic

crystals that do little to inhibit moisture across the bottle.

Hyperform

HPN

productivity

through faster cycle times and gauge bottle designs.

The combination of improved barrier

performance

to

sustain product quality and the potential for thinner wall

designs that use less plastic – and thus reduce processing

emissions – provides even greater value to customers

in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

agent

For further details please

benefits of injection blow

Milliken Chemical, USA

hyper-nucleating

moulding

the

by

economic raising

contact:

Web: www.millikenchemical.com

21

FEATURE

Invent, Innovate, Inspire

Morning Walk for Every Corporate in the Petchem Business ‘The pharmaceutical companies underwent a cultural change then, which the polymer industry should emulate today. The journey from invention to commercialisation is very challenging, one that is riddled with failures; it is something every corporate must be prepared for’, highlights Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma during an interaction with POLYMERS Communiqué.

22

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

Q. What approaches do you see for capacity augmentation in India?

Onsite propylene generation is one major trend that we see today.

Using propane dehydrogenation, a very large number of such plants are coming up in the US, thanks to shale gas; with a single plant of capacity 1 MMTPA. A few similar plants have also come up in China; still more are in the pipeline.

In fact, this idea was mooted in India many years ago, a cause which is

today being championed. By following the process of dehydrogenation, it is easy to achieve selectivity levels of over 85%, specifically in the

Indian context. In India (when compared to China), propylene can now come by increasing the severity of CAT-Cracker (by operating a CAT-Cracker as a petrochemical unit). A unit based on this approach is now coming up in India. This approach generates significantly higher yield.

China has moved significantly ahead in the conversion of coal to methanol and methanol to ethylene / propylene. Today, in China, a lot

of propylene is produced via coal to methanol. The prospects of such

an approach in India remain bleak. India still does not have even one large methanol plant. I do not see MTO (Methanol to Olefins) coming

to India. Personally, I see propylene dehydrogenation coming to India within the next 3 – 5 years. It is, thus, time to take a decision now.

Propylene production can further be augmented by using a new

technology, which is actually a reverse of what was originally practiced.

Butylene and ethylene giving propylene. It is an apt time that India should commercialise this proven technology. Globally, there are plants running using this technology.

The world is today also looking at ways to augment butadiene production

by dehydrogenation of butenes to butadiene. There are two technologies for this; catalytic dehydrogenation and oxy-dehydrogenation. These technologies have also been commercialised.

Another, huge potential for ethane in India is the LNG terminals. LNG terminals could provide sufficient feed to put up dedicated plants for

PVC or ethylene oxide glycol or polyethylene (high and low density).

This valuable source is hardly being utilised.

Another need of today is a large acrylic acid plant. Polyacrylate is

essential for diapers and sanitary towels; expensive today, the costs can significantly reduce depending on the availability of material. Sheer

lack of acrylic acid in India is coming in way of this price reduction.

This entire product is nothing, but plastic (super absorbent material).

Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma Emeritus Professor of Eminence Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

23

To add, all surface coatings require acrylic emulsions.

Today, we have about 60,000 tonnes of butyl acrylate being imported. There is proven technology in the

world for converting isobutylene (available through CAT-Cracker) to methacrylic acid.

There is also a significant need of polycarbonate units in India. Used from ballot boxes to street lights, polycarbonate is the need-of-the-hour.

Production of phenol is another opportunity which

the industry should look for. It boasts of a variety of applications.

Q. The journey from inventions to commercialisation in context of polymer materials. What are your thoughts on managing innovations?

reasonably good, but is no comparison

China

, which to according to me is

higher by a factor of 4.

as the Chief Innovation Officer. Mind you, this, I feel to

is a position above the R&D President. This approach

that is riddled with failures; it is something every

need to innovate right in the beginning and has

The

journey

commercialisation

is

from

very

invention

challenging,

one

corporate must be prepared for.

I see inventions difficult in India due to lack of culture of

owning up failures. If a corporate wants to do something original (and not just repeat or modify what is done), it

is imperative to appoint a person who is designated

24

Our size is

indicates that the company has recognised the appointed a person whose target is just that. It should To know more, please subscribe to Polymers CommuniquĂŠ at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

FEATURE

Dr. S. Sivaram talks about the future of the science of polymers materials which is now entering a second wave increasing the importance of ‘convergence research’.

Dr. S. Sivaram CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow Polymers and Advanced Materials Laboratory CSIR - National Chemical Laboratory, Pune

Material Science of Polymers

What Lies Ahead?

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

27

The Progression

industrial R&D laboratories in the area

Polymers were the product of post war renaissance in the chemical industry

driven by the promise of inexpensive

petroleum derived feed-stocks. The fifties and sixties saw the introduction of many polymers that changed the face of human

civilisation. From early curiosities polymers became an indispensable part of our daily life, and so ubiquitous, that we no longer realise how addicted we are to polymer

materials! Today, the world produces in

excess of 250 million tonnes of polymers, providing livelihood to billions of people

and has a business value exceeding USD 1.5 trillion per annum.

of polymer science.

Since the early nineties, the world has

seen far less revolutionary discoveries

in polymer science. The entry barriers for a new polymer in the market has increased,

driven

by

the

relentless

forces of globalisation, easier diffusion

of technologies, issues of sustainability,

the business. This has resulted in major downsizing of the research efforts as

polymers is less than 100 years old and

The

20 years for the science and engineering

consumption, namely, China, India and

products began to emerge. World War

in these regions have been content to

1940, the world witnessed in rapid

that is underserved, rather than push the

considers the fact that the science of emerged only in 1920. It took another

progressively

to mature before the first commercial

the Far East. Manufacturing companies

II provided the impetus and beginning

exploit the economies of scale in a market

succession, the introduction of several

frontiers of science and technology.

transformed

clothing, transportation, human health and

hygiene,

technology,

energy,

information

communication,

leisure and entertainment.

sports,

The rapid rise of a new industry in the early fifties spurred, both, academic and

industrial

research.

Polymer

science began to emerge as a new interdisciplinary subject, taught in universities around the world, melding

seamlessly the disciplines of chemistry, physics and engineering. A new breed of scientists and engineers emerged to work in academic research and in large

orphaned now. Is there an emerging

science, industry or an unmet application need which needs greater attention

now? What lies ahead for the science of polymer materials?

regarding polymer materials. I believe

development in polymers have exited

more developed parts of the world.

which

of this branch of science feel a little

that pioneered discovery driven product

rapid commoditisation. Most companies

This progress is truly spectacular if one

polymers

it is only natural that many practitioners

Issue of Sustainability

well as opportunities for employment

all walks of human life, be it shelter,

of the polymer industry. Consequently,

pressure from regulatory agencies and

to those trained in this discipline in the

new

intimately intertwined with the growth

manufacturing

geography

shifted

to

regions

has

of

So it is pertinent to ask, what is the future

of this science in an environment where industry is probably not challenged anymore

by

a

compelling

This is one of the most discussed issues that the issue is a little overstated.

We consume less than 10 per cent of

the global output of oil and gas for the manufacture of polymers. This apart,

converting

hydrocarbon

to

useful materials with substantial value addition makes eminent sense. It is the

combustion of the hydrocarbons to

generate electricity and in the engines of the automobiles which is unsustainable.

Consequently, the feverish activity to shift the resource base of the polymers

from hydrocarbons to carbohydrates

(biomass) is not entirely founded on To know more, please subscribe to Polymers CommuniquĂŠ at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

need for discovery and innovation to protect or grow its bottom lines? It should be recognised more

other of

the

than

that

any

branch

science, growth

of the science of

polymer

materials

was

Today, the world produces in excess of

250 million tonnes of polymers, providing livelihood to billions of people and has a

business value exceeding USD 1.5 trillion per annum.

28

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

Gala’s innovative pellet production processes and robust equipment maximizes production, opening doors to greater possibilities. Not only does Gala’s reputation for service distinguish the brand, but Gala pelletizers are designed to minimize down time. Gala products require less cleaning, produce fewer fines, and reduce instances of cross-polymer contamination.

Call today to learn how Gala’s products increase production efficiency.

gala-industries.com

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

540.884.2589

29

SPECIAL FEATURE

The Wonderful World of Polymer Additives

the Indian Context

The list of additives is endless. The future too is limitless, as long as plastics continue to grow, which undoubtedly they will, as they must with increase in Nation’s GDP, highlights Surinder S. Ahluwalia.

Surinder S. Ahluwalia Industry Advisor Consultant – Polymers and Additives Mumbai

Adding Capabilities Today, there are thousands of additives used in

polymers to enhance their properties. In a manner

of speaking, polymer additives provide the means to

incorporate special characteristics to polymers. Newer additives continue to provide improvements; not only

in their performance, but also in enhancing productivity,

cost efficiency and recyclability. They are also being developed to improve sustainability of the concerned

polymers. A case in point is the replacement of lead and cadmium based additives such as heat stabilisers in PVC formulations, and pigmentation systems in many

Some of the exciting new developments have been in the pigments being offered today. This

class of pigments reflects infra-red radiation when

used in exterior service conditions. These are mixed metal oxides, which when used, will reduce the surface temperature by as much as 15° C.

At the same time, being inorganic in nature, they will also exhibit improved colour permanence when exposed to exterior environments. These

are especially useful in U-PVC window systems, where

accumulated

damage the windows.

heat

can

distort

and

polymers. These are all developments being practiced,

A still more recent development has been in the

systems. A brand new field of polymers conversion is

pigment, titanium dioxide. As we have known,

and have been accepted and established in polymer the area of 3-D printing. In time I am sure, there will be

surface characteristics of the workhorse white

a whole family of additives for polymers used in 3-D

To know more, please subscribe

production rates through this new process.

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

printing which will be specifically used in increasing

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

to Polymers Communiqué at

31

INTERACTION

Plastics in Automotives The Changing Scenario In conversation with Prabir Das, POLYMERS Communiqué explores the future of plastics in the automotive industry as well as the company’s plans .

Prabir Das Business Director - South Asia Performance Materials BASF India Ltd., Gurgaon

Q. What role can plastics play in helping to adhere to the increasingly stringent global standards as regards auto emissions?

Q. According to you, what could be the next revolution in the replacement of metal by plastics?

A key trend that has boosted the use of

technology enables good designs to materialise

especially in the automotive industry which

innovation creates customer value, shapes

reduced CO 2 emission. Plastics can lead to a

customer demand.

steel and 30 per cent versus aluminum. Cars

vehicles, which come with a multitude of

Plastics open up new design possibilities. Plastics

plastics or composites is weight saving,

and drives product innovation. Design and

is driven by stringent requirements for

customer experience and ultimately, influences

weight reduction of about 50 per cent versus

This is particularly critical for next generation

already contain 15 per cent plastic, a shift

other requirements including safety, cost

from steel that reduces fuel consumption by 5 - 10 per cent. There are many more

opportunities for making a car even lighter (with high performing plastics). We see a lot of

opportunities for a significant further weight reduction, reducing fuel consumption by another 10 per cent or so in the next decade.

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

considerations, functionality, weight reduction, resource savings, comfort and ergonomics.

With plastics, multiple parts can be moulded To know more, please subscribe to Polymers Communiqué at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

33

ENGINEERING DELIGHT

High Performance Polymers

on a New High

Tushar Parida shares his views about high performance polymers and their growing applications.

HPP - The Premium Segment The demand for engineering plastics is in a fast

upto 180° C continuously. Excellent dimensional stability with see-through properties is their forte.

growth lane and within the segment of engineering

Polyketones (PEEK, PEK, PEKK) are a unique range

(HPP) which is considered as a premium segment

mechanical strength, having excellent chemical

plastics is a zone called High Performance Polymers and most sought-after today, in all application zones

from industrial to automotives...to medical and appliance sectors.

High performance polymers and their compounds

have high heat deflection temperature, higher

continuous use temperature, high impact strength, chemical resistance and excellent thermal stability.

Some of the HPPs which are growing in their applications are PEK, PEEK, PEKK, PBI, PES, PEI etc.

PEEK: Polyether Ether Ketone (Tg 143° C and

PEK: Polyether Ketone (Tg 152° C, Tm 370° C)

PEKK: Polyether Ketone Ketone (Tg 170° C and

PES: Polyethersulfone (Tg 225° C)

PEI: Polyetherimide (Tg 217° C)

PBI: Polybenzimidiazole (Tg 470° C)

l

l l

l l l

Tm 340° C)

Tm 390° C)

Polyethersulfone (PES) and Polyetherimide (PEI)

are amber, transparent heat resistance amorphous thermoplastics which can withstand temperatures

of polymers which combine heat resistance with

and wear resistance. They are thermoplastics which can be processed on conventional plastic processing machines.

Polybenzimidiazole (PBI) is the highest heat resistant engineering plastics in the HPP group. They are

thermosetting in nature and can be sintered using very high pressures and temperatures upto 500° C. The maximum continuous use temperatures of PBI are upto 400° C. They provide outstanding friction

and wear properties and compressive strength upto

400 MPa which is unheard of in any other engineering thermoplastics. PBI is available in fine powder form and can be blended with other melt processable

engineering thermoplastics like PEK, PEEK, PEKK, PPS and LCP to improve the friction and wear behaviour of the blend composites.

This article discusses of some applications of selected HPP like PES, PEI, PEEK, PEK and PEKK.

PES and PEI PES / PEI are amorphous, transparent thermoplastic resins that combine excellent thermal properties,

exceptional dimensional stability, inherent flame Tushar Parida General Manager Polymer Business and Application Developments Gharda Chemicals Ltd., Mumbai

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

retardance and good chemical resistance.

Key attributes include:

Amorphous thermoplastic

Glass transition temperature upto 225° C

l

l

35

Food Processing Equipments

Coffee Machine Makers

Business Appliances

Very low outgassing making it safe for

Maximum continuous use temperature upto 180° C

Excellent hydrolytic stability

Excellent dimensional stability

Amber transparent

l

l l l l

semiconductor applications

PEEK, PEK and PEKK These polymers are from the family of polyketones,

which are the most demanding engineering thermoplastics today. They offer excellent melt

processability along with very high heat resistance,

making them ideal for replacing metals in many

desired applications. Some key attributes of

Know their Applications

polyketones include:

Applications of PES include semiconductor wafer carrier trays, food trays, baby feeding bottles, electrical switchgear applications etc.

Applications of PEI include medical and food

High heat resistance upto 300° C

Retention of mechanical properties at elevated

l

l

temperatures

trays, medical sterlisable parts, high temperature

To know more, please subscribe

applications etc.

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

connectors and terminal blocks, electrical switchgear

to Polymers Communiqué at

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36

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

PROJECT

OPaL: Set to Go Live!

Having both state-of-the-art technology and locational advantage under its arsenal, OPaL has all the key ingredients to become a successful player in the petrochemical industry.

O

NGC Petro additions Limited

scheme;

and

capacity to produce 1100 kTPA Ethylene,

venture

(PCPIR) which is an indigenised version

units consisting of Pyrolysis Gasoline

(OPaL),

a

multi-billion company

joint was

incorporated in 2006, promoted by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited

(ONGC), co-promoted by Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and Gujarat State Petroleum

Corporation

(GSPC).

venture was founded as a

The

Petrochemical

minded PSUs at 15.5%, 0.5% and 8% respectively.

Remaining 50% stake is

envisaged to be placed to

either to strategic investors or through Initial Public Offering

mega petrochemical project, the

(IPO) or in combination.

significantly

petrochemical

sector. The project is being

Regions

is pegged at 26%, GAIL, GSPC and like-

Dahej complex, a grassroot

boost

Investment

The envisaged stake of ONGC in OPaL

for the construction of the

to

Chemicals

of International Chemical Clusters.

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)

destined

Petroleum,

OPaL’s

implemented under the government

petrochemical

integrated

complex

mothers a Dual Feed Cracker with the

400 kTPA Propylene and associated Hydrogenation

Unit,

a

Butadiene

Extraction Unit and a Benzene Extraction

Unit. Downstream polymer plants of OPaL

include 2X360 KTPA of LLDPE/HDPE Swing unit, 1X340 KTPA of Dedicated HDPE and 1x340 KTPA of PP. Chemical plants include

Benzene 150kTPA, Butadiene 115kTPA,

Pyrolysis Gasoline 165kTPA and Carbon Black Feed Stock (CBFS) 70kTPA. To know more, please subscribe to Polymers Communiqué at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

Quadrant EPP Surlon India Limited is a Joint venture of Quadrant EPP Switzerland Global leader in Engineering Plastics & Surlon India Ltd. Delhi.

QEPPSIL - IS A ONE STOP SOLUTION for all the engineering plastic needs offering semi-finished and finished parts in various grades of our wide range Product Portfolio.

Our Product range:-

General Engineering Plastic Advance Engineering Plastic Linings Plastic

Meditech

ERTALON NYLATRON METALON ERTACETAL ERTALYTE TIVAR POLY CARBONATE

CHIRULENE 1020/1050 XLPE XLPE with Vitamin-E

KETRON FLUOROSINT 500/207 DURATRON PAI PEI PI PVDF SYMALIT

TIVAR 88 TIVAR 88ESD SYMALIT PVDF ETFE PFA / FEP MFA ECTFE

Composites

GMT GMTEX

Our products have various compliance can be checked on our website www.quadrantplastics.com

For any specific needs please contact at:Mr Sameer Bhogate Quadrant EPP Surlon India Ltd. 54/11, Site - IV, Industrial Area, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad - 201010 (U.P.) Office: +91 0120 4755555 &501 Fax: +91 0120 4755525 e-mail: reception@quadrantsurlon.com Website: www.quadrantsurlon.com

38

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

39

PROCESSORS CORNER

Q. The changing role of pellet processing systems in today’s context. Please comment.

The once simple task of cutting a pellet from plastic

has changed over the years. No longer can a pelletising equipment supplier satisfy the complete demands

and expectations of customers who are processing complex modern formulations. Investing heavily in

technical facilities, engineers and chemists, as well

as having these resources in the neighbourhood of customers, is mandatory. Without expanding

their knowledge and awareness of pre- and post-

pelletisation processing, and being in a position to integrate other systems as necessary, the average ‘machine manufacturer’ will bring little, if any, value to the customer’s table. Without a commanding

knowledge of product rheology, the sales transaction may directly and indirectly incur commercial liabilities for the supplier.

David Bryan talks about the changing role of pellet processing systems, challenges and other issues related to pelletising, in dialogue with POLYMERS Communiqué.

Growing Demands on

Pelletisation David Bryan President / CEO Gala Industries, USA

40

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

Q. What are the more desirable attributes of processors (in our case, machine manufacturers) of today?

One of the most significant attributes is the ability of being prepared to discuss pre- and post-pelletisation engineering reviews; being able to present to the customer an in-depth understanding of the melt delivery conditions that are required for successful pelletisation. Also, providing insight on post-pelletisation handling of pelletised products; as many high value processes often require a number

of

technologies

centered

around conditioning elements - such as crystallisation, coatings, tempering, and of course, drying. Both discussions inevitably lead to application review points that properly focus not only on the entire process, but also helps define and hopefully broaden the operational window of the system, and help the customer clearly define the total financial investment of

the entire process - not just the

Pawan Kumar

OPINES

Territory Sales

and Project Manager for Au stralia, India, Middle East, Ne w Zealand Gala Industries

Q. How has th e Indian marke t been for Gal this far? a In

dustries

Gala has been very fortunate in that we ha supplying eq ve been workin uipment in th g and e Indian marke have experienc t since the mid ed a significan -1 980s. We t increase in gr years. This grow owth over the th has been w past seven ith expansions of as well as a sig existing custom nificant increa ers se in ne projects have w market shar been very dive e growth. The rse in applicat which really ha ions and capa s provided Ga cities la with a broa installations an d spectrum of d an opportu equipment ni ty for us to show asset, that be case our strong ing product kn est owledge and technical expe rtise.

Q. Do we

see Gala inve

sting

further in the Yes, Gala is co Indian marke ntinuously in t? ve st ing in India w participation ith our consta in trade show nt s an d co nferences, no extensive trave t to mention l throughout the country to and applicatio provide techni n training spec cal support ific to each cu We have also stomer’s requ established Ga ire ments. la As ia (Thailand) to response tim provide even e as required by the growin faster g market.

pelletisation portion.

Q. What do you see as the biggest challenge to equipment suppliers as you?

The biggest challenge will be the ability to economically equip our companies with the resources that accomplish the point that I have just spoken about, and then to be able to communicate

to our customers that we are bringing more value to the table than would typically be delivered by a company as only an ‘equipment supplier’.

We must take the role of process provider and sell those services along with the equipment

in order to recoup the capital investment.

Many processors in the 1980s had internal engineering staff that would integrate equipment

supply into their process, and in doing so,

handled all the questions centering on polymer management. Over the years, as such staffing

was reduced or eliminated, this engineering

Q. Pellet quality and consistency are continued concerns of the market.

How do you address these issues?

Proper

application

of

underwater

pelletising

technology takes advantage of higher polymer

velocities through more streamlined and symmetrical extrusion devices that will minimise degradation.

Conventional strand and hot face configurations typically process polymers through adapter and

die configurations, at lower flow velocities, with

inherent dead areas which cause polymer burning.

If you minimise or eliminate degradation, polymer melt consistency and quality is a byproduct. Another

broader point is the pre-application engineering discussions and resultant technical facility trials

that enhance the melt delivery conditions that are provided to the pelletising system. The underwater

pelletising system is much like a computer - you glean from it what you put into it.

burden, in many cases, shifted to the equipment supplier, and thus the increased reliance on

Q. What are the key differences of underwater pelletising versus traditional pelletising?

manufacturing shops to be process engineering

companies. These shifts in expectation can be

There are distinct differences between traditional,

seen daily in commercial terms and conditions

or strand pelletising, and underwater pelletising.

Once started, an underwater pelletising system

of purchase.

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

can operate safely unattended and shut itself

41

down automatically in the event of a problem.

A water bath based strand pelletising system is not likely to run unattended, as dropped strands

can become quite messy. The melt viscosity

and pellet size ranges that are possible with an underwater pelletising system is without question

the broadest available, but with this flexibility

comes a price. Strand technology is a very appropriate, economical and necessary technology

in many applications where melt viscosity allows,

where labour is always at hand and where the

customer does not anticipate changes in polymers being processed.

Q. What are the specific requirements of masterbatch manufacturers as regards pelletising?

Masterbatch customers require stringent pellet size specifications. Size ranges typically from

0.5 mm to 3.2 mm through the same system.

Dust-free production and easy cleaning features

are also required to be facilitated with equipment occupying as small a floor space as possible.

Further, off-line testing requirements featuring the pelletising segment of the technology, as well

upstream processing devices, assembled in such a way that any of the three units can be coupled

with any of the three tempered water systems and dryers. This challenging control process was running

a proprietary polymer formulation where cleaning and cross process operation was required. Our largest application was a completely engineered

system of pelletisation which required two complete

pelletisation processes, including pellet crystallisation, installed at a refinery.

as the upstream compounding process, needs to

Q. Specifically, how do innovations in material sciences impact your equipment?

sale of a pelletising system.

Parallel to our standard equipment offerings and

be available at any time before, during or after the

Q. For the readers of POLYMERS Communiqué, would you like to share the most unique installation that you have executed this far?

Gala’s most recent unique installation is a combination of three complete pelletising systems including

refinements, our format in process research and

development is driven by material science, which results in new equipment and processes. We are investing heavily in 13 technical processing test lines

and support staff to be able to provide an answer to our customers when they ask us, ‘Can you make a pellet out of THIS?’

It’s our country, let’s keep it clean!

42

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

CORPORATE INSIGHT

Eric Pavone Business Director BOBST Business Unit Web-fed BOBST Mex SA, Switzerland

Future of Flex Packaging Technology, a Viewpoint

Eric Pavone shares his insights about the flexible packaging industry and why automation

and technology are deciding factors in the future of this field through its solutions offered, in dialogue with POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ.

Q. What are key impacts of adoption of automation in flexible packaging?

Automation is instrumental in helping converters satisfy market demands

whilst maintaining their operations at a profitable level. Printing runs are getting increasingly shorter due to packaging customising for special

offers, communication messages etc. Fully automatic trolley change and integrated washing in gravure, off-line or onboard automatic registration

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

43

and printing pressure regulation systems in flexo

uptime will be utilised. To improve the operational

costs. Also, in the emerging markets automation

advancement has been the smart GPSTM system.

are very effective solutions to curtail production in flexo (e.g. automatic impression setting) and gravure technologies (e.g. doctor blade settings / pre-register

settings)

reduces

dependence

on operator skills. Automation should always be designed in a way that increasingly,

operator dependence is reduced. Also with the gradual increase of wages in the emerging

markets, the effect of automation will become more significant.

Due to the

increase of

on-demand

printing and high customisation of

packaging, digital is a technology

that will increase

its reach alongside conventional

printing methods.

BOBST has been

investing in digital for the past 10 years.

Q. What changes in the flexible materials industry in India excites BOBST? A trend of interest for BOBST in India, as well as

globally, is the increase in the use of high barrier films. Thin substrates which nevertheless have very high barrier properties against agents such as

oxygen, water vapour, light and the like that can

deteriorate a packaged item. High barrier films require printing and converting machines that are able to handle them. BOBST printing solutions,

most particularly CI flexo printing presses are

ideally placed to handle these productions delivering high quality output with flexo HD. Our

new generation ES Rotogravure presses with the

latest drying technologies and most compact web lengths combined with several other features like the patented HDI drastically reduces operation

cost and ‘on-print’ wastage of film. This becomes

It is an off press impression and registration set-up

system that reduces set-up waste of substrate,

machine time, ink, solvent and labour costs next to zero and as a consequence, dramatically increases productivity. BOBST LEO (Low Energy

Operation) system that has been specifically

developed for the F&K 20SIX CI flexo press platform, considerably reduces energy. We have also developed a new integrated colour matching

system which is easy to operate and brings economic value to flexo printing operations.

In gravure printing, BOBST presses provide a unique competitive advantage due to the

acknowledged superior register performance.

This is due to integration of the BOBST electronic

shaft with BOBST Registron® register control via the HDI (High Dynamic Interface) system which achieves a much faster correction than

conventional systems during the press speed variations. To further improve performance at make-ready and changeover, most BOBST presses

can be equipped with the Total Automatic Pre-register Setting (TAPS) which works by a

single operator touch to move all cylinders into register position. The procedure is completed in just a few minutes, whether it is a new or repeat job.

an important tool for the converters in a market

In gravure, we have also been working on

of the total cost and competition is intense.

integrate all the leading-edge features of

where raw material constitutes around 75 per cent

Q. What new technological advancements do you see being incorporated in flexible printing machines?

As I said before, basically all systems that enable to

reduce ‘on-print’ wastage and improve machine

44

efficiency in flexo printing, the most remarkable

developing market-dedicated solutions which BOBST technology combined with the specific

requirements of local printing operations. In this framework, we have recently launched the

new BOBST RS 5002 gravure press. Configured for shaftless cylinders (reduces drastically

cylinder preparation time and cost), this

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

press delivers operational excellence and top quality output in flexible packaging. Moreover,

as I mentioned earlier, the RS 5002 press has

the most compact footprint (minimum web

length vis-à-vis printing speed) and also offers features which enable converters in the Indian

subcontinent to print at the lowest operational cost / square metre.

Q. What new technologies need to be introduced / implemented with the ever increasing demand on e-retail?

Due to the increase of on-demand printing and

high customisation of packaging, digital is a technology that will increase its reach alongside

conventional printing methods. BOBST has been investing in digital for the past 10 years or so and

Fully automatic trolley change

and integrated

are about to unveil the very first industrial BOBST

machine for corrugated board. We have based

this solution on a Kodak development and we are working on the same platform for folding carton

washing in

and flexible packaging.

line or onboard

Q. Can you please share with the readers of POLYMERS Communiqué, the global trends in coating and lamination?

registration and

In addition to packaging diversity, there is also

gravure, offautomatic

printing pressure regulation

systems in flexo

are very effective

solutions to curtail production costs.

a growing awareness on the part of consumers about reducing waste for environmental

protection reasons. Our latest developments in barrier coating for food packaging go in this direction. BOBST’s AlOx is a process

which results in clear film with good water

and oxygen barrier. AlOx also enables lower production costs as the process requires only

a fraction of the thickness of the equivalent atmospheric coatings. The process can be used

for goods where product visibility is required

such as baked goods and microwaveable food.

We also focus on high barrier films and their machinability. The core competences for the

AlOx process are at BOBST Manchester in the UK where our specialists work together with

BOBST specialists in printing technologies to develop clear films with high barrier properties that can be printed in flexo and gravure.

In coating equipment, we are focused on three main market sectors: industrial goods, consumers

goods and flexible packaging for food applications.

In the last 12 months, we have recorded a strong increase in sales of equipment for the last two

46

sectors, namely flexible packaging for food and consumers goods.

In lamination, the trend is to invest in combimachines for multi-process solvent-based / solventless applications.

Q. What are the challenges that would need to be addressed by the plastics processing industry of today?

As I said before, the reduction of waste in

all its forms: of material during all stages of

packaging production and beyond - be it by

increasing the shelf-life of perishable goods or by decreasing the environmental impact of the packaging to be disposed of. As a machine

manufacturer, we endeavour to improve the technical aspects of our engineering

that have a bearing on saving and cutting waste, namely machines that work at their

peak whilst consuming less energy and less

consumables. Also, the need-of-the-hour is to

develop technologies which can cater to the ever increasing requirements of down gauging of all leading global brand owners along with increase in mileage / yield.

Q. What do you consider as your major landmarks in India for BOBST? Achieving

market

leadership

of

BOBST

ES gravure printing equipment as well as vacuum metallising equipment is a major

highlight for us. In gravure, most particularly, we hold approximately 70 per cent of the

market share of all imported electronic

shaft gravure presses installed in the Indian sub-continent. When looking at the aggregate

sales of ES equipment in India, i.e. foreign and Indian ES press manufacturers, BOBST market share is approximately 50 per cent.

Q. What are the future plans of BOBST in India?

To position ourselves in the entry-medium level with the new range of products that we have

recently launched, such as the RS 5002 gravure printing press and many more we have in the pipeline that will be launched in the short term, again in the entry-medium level segment. We

also want to continue as the technological and

innovation leader in the subcontinent with the highest level of trust and respect.

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

47

CORPORATE INSIGHT

Experience and Expertise to Support Excellence As India’s plastics industry grows, the new opportunities that arise also create new challenges. Vikas Vij highlights how manufacturers can count on its National capabilities and global expertise to help them overcome these challenges.

India Today

The plastics industry in India continues to grow at a rapid pace. According

to the apex organisation for the country’s industry trade groups, Plastindia

Foundation, the country’s total consumption of plastics is expected to double to 20 million tonnes by 2020. Most of that growth will be driven by consumer demand for new products.

Clearly the quantity of plastics required to meet the demand in India is increasing, but so also is the quality of products manufactured.

Multi-layer films, multi-component mouldings, lightweighting, more efficient Vikas Vij Managing Director PolyOne Polymers India Pvt. Ltd. Pune

48

manufacturing technologies are on top of the mind among the leaders of India’s plastics industry, as across the globe.

Striving to improve product quality brings with it challenges, of course.

Manufacturers can solve some of these on their own through employee

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

training, investment in new equipment, among other

The company, with its global headquarters in the

collaborate with experts from other companies.

feedback from customers and high growth projections

steps. However, for some challenges they may want to

The PolyOne Approach plastics manufacturers to bring their toughest

India: The Roadmap

of additive and colourant concentrates - liquid

at MIDC Ranjangaon Industrial Park, near Pune. The

challenges to them. As one of the leading suppliers

PolyOne last year officially opened its new facility

and solid - as well as thermoplastic elastomers,

new facility includes laboratories and manufacturing

engineering thermoplastics and more, the company

offers support to Indian manufacturers as well as

provides access to PolyOne’s global pool of experts in thermoplastics compounding.

Prevent Fogging to Make Packaging More Attractive to Consumers Processors and converters of flexible thermoplastic film often do an excellent job of meeting the requirements for

protection and attractive design, but are still challenged to prevent fogging from spoiling food and turning away

consumers. Fogging is most frequently seen on packaging films around fruit and vegetables in fridges and chiller cabinets. Fogging reduces a consumer’s ability to see the contents and, depending on the product, could lead to spoilage.

There are two ways to obtain anti-fog properties in polyolefin films:

l

for the Indian market encouraged the company to invest even further in India.

The plastics experts here encourage the country’s

l

U.S., opened a facility at Mumbai in 2009. The positive

Use of a coating sprayed onto the surface of the film

Incorporation of a special additive into the film

after extrusion

during extrusion

dedicated to solid and liquid colour and additive solutions, and has ample capacity to accommodate

future growth and expansion. With greater capacity and enhanced manufacturing flexibility, the new

system reduces the differences in surface energies by

increasing that of the film and decreasing that of the water (which means that the additive has to be present on the surface of the film and be at least slightly water-soluble).

The contact angle of the water droplets is then much lower, and they spread out into a thin continuous film.

Good Looks and a Simpler Process The addition of just a small amount of additive during the compound - or film production process can make

the difference between a product ending up in the shopping cart, or staying on the shelf - possibly until it has to be thrown away for other reasons.

In 2010, PolyOne introduced the first anti-fog additive for polypropylene films that enabled sealant film conversion without need for corona treatment.

It simplified production of anti-fog films for the

flexible food packaging industry and improved Whether it is a coating or an additive,

the

anti­

fogging

production efficiencies for both, cast and blown film producers.

PolyOne

still

offers

these,

and

development

has continued to make them even more efficient and

easier to add to processing lines. Recently, the company developed a new range of anti-fog additives that

do not interact with two-component polyurethane

adhesives, maintain their properties after lamination of the films, and maintain the sealability of the laminate.

Collaborating with an experienced supplier such as

PolyOne

can

help

compounders

and

film

manufacturers play their part in limiting food waste and New developments in anti-fog solutions help manufacturers create even better food packaging film.

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

pleasing consumers.

49

facility offers customers in India an even broader array

ColorMatrix collection of liquid colour concentrates

crossroads of three of India’s largest highways, is well

and frost effects, iridescent colour movements

of solutions and reduced delivery times. Pune, at the positioned to support India’s plastics industry.

The company opines that the plastics industry in

apex organisation for the country’s industry trade

groups, Plastindia

and increasing the range of solutions available to

elastomers (TPEs) that enable manufacturers to

customers, the company has positioned itself to offer even more support to its customers. PolyOne

sees significant opportunities for its advanced thermoplastic formulations in India, for example in

the packaging, automotive, wire and cable as well as

Foundation, the consumption

expanded capacity, but also allowed offering

of plastics is

expected to double to

20 million tonnes by 2020. Most

of that growth will be driven by consumer

demand for new products.

shelf impact.

GLS™ Thermoplastic Elastomers, another PolyOne

healthcare industries.

country’s total

and surfaces that enhance brand recognition and

India is developing in size and thus in the demand for advanced solutions from PolyOne. By adding capacity

According to the

lets brand owners infuse PET containers with shimmer

This new facility has not only resulted in an

customers speciality solutions, such as liquid colour and additive formulations that were previously not

business, develops and markets thermoplastic enhance applications through ease of opening

and reclosing, along with better grip and sensory experiences for consumers.

Technical Showcase at Plastindia 2015 During the Plastindia trade show earlier this year at

Ahmedabad, PolyOne invited attendees to participate in

daily technical presentations on the following subjects:

Replacing metal with speciality polymers

Using moulded-in colour to replace painting of

Creating world-class packaging with advanced

l

manufactured Nationally in the quality required for

l

PolyOne Solutions

l

high-end applications.

PolyOne’s portfolio covers the needs of almost every industry that requires plastics. The company is a technology leader in colour and additive concentrates for packaging, automotive and healthcare applications,

as well as for wire and cable, E/E, appliances and other uses.

The ColorMatrix™ business owned by PolyOne

develops high-performance light and gas barrier additives for packaging and protecting food, beverages and personal care products to extend their shelf-life with consistent container clarity. A new

plastic parts

colourants and effect additives

‘We were very pleased at the response to these

presentations’, says Vikas Vij. ‘It was clear from the

attendees’ engagement and from their questions that we selected appropriate topics. Packaging remains the largest end-use industry for plastics in India, and we have a very strong presence in this

space. However, we decided to offer presentations on other topics as well, related to technical moulding, to make clear that we also can provide excellent support to manufacturers engaged in those types of applications’.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Educate Every Child...

50

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

Supported by

Ministry of Commerce & Industry Government of India

Presents

World Packaging Congress Packaging Strategies for Global Competitiveness 9th – 10th October, 2015 Hotel Renaissance Convention Centre, Mumbai, India

Indian Institute of Packaging Plot no. E-2, MIDC Area, Andheri (E), Mumbai- 400 093.

Tel: 022-28219803, 28219469, 28216751, Ext: 201, Fax: 022-28375302, 28254631 Email: wpc2015@iip-in.com; www.worldpackagingcongress.com POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

51

INTERACTION

Q. What is the general packaging growth trends you see based on the shifting lifestyles in Asia?

continue to drive a stronger demand for packaging

The middle class in Asia is expected to surge to

Dow is positioned for growth in the Asia Pacific region

1.75 billion by 2020 and will account for over 40 per cent of global middle class consumption by 2030. This rising affluence, changing lifestyles and growing consumption will drive demand for packaging

which provides increased convenience, integrity and

functionality – especially in food, beverages as well as home and personal care space.

This demand underscores the need for brand owners, retailers as well as transportation and

solutions that provide increased convenience and functionality.

with a new capacity from Sadara later this year to

meet growing customer demand in fast growing geographies like India and China.

Q. How would you compare the Indian packaging market with those in the developed countries? What is your organisation doing to fill in the gaps?

The Indian packaging industry has been leading in

logistics providers to utilise the latest packaging technologies in order to stay ahead of the competitive market. Asia Pacific is expected to

generate 71 per cent of the flexible packaging

To know more, please subscribe to Polymers Communiqué at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

unit growth between 2012 and 2017. India’s

plastics market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 14.8 per cent to USD 12.5 billion in FY 2015.

The flexible packaging market in India has burgeoned

in recent years to become Asia’s third largest - valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2013, and the rising affluence and changing lifestyles of India’s middle class will

Changing Lifestyles, Changing Packaging, Changing Solutions Vipul Babu Sales Director - India Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics Mumbai

Vipul Babu talks about the company’s plans to synergise with the changing trends as

evident from the changing lifestyles and how

its revolutionary technological innovations are

supporting customers adapt to these demands, in dialogue with POLYMERS Communiqué.

52

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

CORPORATE INSIGHT

Kandui

A Fast Paced Growth State-of-the-art technology, meaningful automation and an adept workforce are cornerstones of the Kandui growth story, since its establishment in 2006.

F

or Kandui, user experience has empowered

Kandui growth story, since its establishment in 2006.

in manufacture of woven sacks earlier, Kandui

KIPL is today a dominant player in India for

is today recognised as a sustained performer in the

masterbatches. FY 2014-2015 has seen the company

manufacturing expertise. With significant skill

Industries Pvt. Ltd. (KIPL) has backward integrated and field of masterbatches with a high performance-to price ratio.

The company is in the business of manufacturing filler, black, white, colour and additive masterbatches for

varied processes such as raffia, blown film, moulding, non-woven, thermoforming, pipes, POY/FDY/PSF and many more.

Growth Story State-of-the-art technology, meaningful automation and an adept workforce are cornerstones of the

54

With one of the fastest business growth in its category,

polyester

POY/FDY/PSF

black

and

white

turnover cross the USD 25 Million mark, with a

forecast to touch USD 40 Million within the next

3 years. Having commenced exports in 2008, the company products are today being used in 28

countries across 4 continents. In order to further boost exports, this year KIPL has setup its export office in East Africa. The company is a Government recognised Export House.

Manufacturing Excellence To meet the needs of today and tomorrow, the

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

manufacturing facility (9001:2008 certified

and styrenics); special effect; white, black

Mumbai), has a constructed area of over 1,25,000

universal masterbatches.

by TUV Sud), based in Daman (150 kms from

square feet with a production capacity of 30,000 MT per annum, which is further going to be augmented to meet growing domestic and export demand.

Investment in technology coupled with stringent

quality processes and well-trained human

capital allow the company to meet the most challenging market demands. The tried and tested manufacturing processes, stringent quality

norms ensure a product that you, a customer, is confident of.

Continuous initiatives in R&D provide the cutting edge (technology and price) to

and colour (for engineering polymers) and The AddKan range of additive masterbatches include slip, high slip shiner, UV stabiliser,

antistatic, nucleating, high gloss, antioxidant,

PPR-PP LTHA, anti oxidant, antimicrobial, polymer processing aid, optical brightener, anti block-

cum-slip, desiccant, flame retardant, purging compound, biodegradable, speciality compounds and more.

FilKan range includes opaque and transparent

fillers for raffia, films, mouldings, thermoformings and non-woven.

Value Proposition

solutions offered by KIPL. Infact, the company

Competitive markets have driven the company

for nylon spinning (POY/FDY), breathable film

a provider of consistent quality products at

application. The company is soon to launch

has led to its wide acceptance across spectrum of

PSF for polyester, nylon and polypropylene

and a comprehension of market needs are other

has pioneered production of masterbatches

to form a niche for itself and position itself as

compounds and fillers for blow moulding

aggressive prices. This performance-to-price ratio

colour

user segments world-over. Operational efficiency

masterbatches

for

POY/FDY/BCF/

base resins.

in such a short time.

A Repertoire of Products

Offering customised solutions remains an area

KIPL’s range of products include: l

KoloKan

–

Colour,

Masterbatches

Black

and

l

AddKan – Additive Masterbatches

l

FilKan – Filler Masterbatches

White

The KoloKan range of masterbatches include white,

black

and

colour

(for

attributes that have helped KIPL achieve success

polyolefins

of strength. With a strong customer orientation,

the handholding stretches from pre-sale, to sale

to post sale. The technical support team go that extra mile to ensure that customer processes are

optimised for enhanced productivity as well as minimal cost of operation.

With this fast paced growth, newer markets and a growing existing business, the company

continues to work hard to further improve product availability so as to meet challenging customer timelines.

Corporate plans indicate that the company is going to move very strongly in the field of valueadded products.

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

55

INTERACTION

Moulding

Away to Glory In a candid chat with POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ, Girish Handigol talks about energy efficient fast cycling machines and their growth in the Indian market.

Q. How do you see India being positioned as a global processing hub for plastics?

Today, globally India is looked in as the destination for any business due its

growing demand in every product and

plastics is no exception. Global processing hub many not today be a reality, but a very Girish Handigol Jt. General Manager (Marketing) Toshiba Machine Chennai Pvt. Ltd. Chennai

56

big consumption is truly happening.

There are a lot of MNC players in the

foray who would like to take a pie in

the Indian growth story and are present

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

wholly or through joint ventures and

plastics industry in India

like personal care, consumer electronics

path with new products

collaborations. The major applications and medical are flourishing this way with markets mostly within India. While there is a different segment which produces for

both, domestic market and also have an

eye for focused export, those are the likes

of automotive and high-end engineering companies. Both will only grow with the

plastics Industry. Financial support from the Government of India improves as clouds of uncertainties are clear.

Q. According to you, how does the future of the plastics industry in India look like?

As we see today, the Indian plastics industry growth is certain as we see plastic

consumption is much lower in India than the world or the developed countries

average. This gives potential for growth in India. Packaging is one industry which

will always grow as there is no bound for development and innovation. The

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

has been on a growing and

which

new

will

innovations lead

definitive growth.

to

Q. How is the market changing for energy efficient and fast cycling machines in India?

Energy efficiency is the

key to any machinery sale today. Customers tend to compare the running costs

before making a purchase

systems have been in focus. Toshiba

focused mainly around this. Japanese

series of machines with servo hydraulics as

decision. Hence, new developments are

companies are pioneers in power saving technologies with all-electric machines

that run devoid of any hydraulics. The

Machine would soon launch their all new standard. Fast cycling is a need for many applications like in packaging; machine

developing countries needed power

To know more, please subscribe

lower costs and hence, hydraulic servo

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

consumption matching that, but at a

to Polymers CommuniquĂŠ at

57

B2B Marketing Communication Specialists RELATIONSHIPS

Key Services l

l

Corporate Communication Consultancy Content Development

Adeka India Pvt. Ltd.

All India Plastics Manufacturers Association

Arihant Industrial Corporation Ltd.

Asian Packaging Federation

AVI Global Plast Pvt. Ltd.

Bennett, Coleman and Company Ltd.

Blend Colours Pvt. Ltd.

Brückner Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG

Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology

Chemicals & Petrochemicals Manufacturers’ Association of India

Ferromatik Milacron India Ltd.

Indian Centre for Plastics in the Environment

Indian Institute of Packaging

Indplas Exhibition

IPLEX Exhibition

J P Plaschem Ltd.

Kandui Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Mitsu Chem Pvt. Ltd.

Next Polymers Ltd.

Organization of Plastics Processors of India

Pennwell Publishing

Plastindia Foundation

Rajoo Engineers Ltd.

Reliance Industries Ltd.

Sintex Industries Ltd.

Technical Training and Research Institute

The Economic Times Polymers

Vasantha Tool Crafts Pvt. Ltd.

Welset Plast Extrusions Pvt. Ltd.

World Packaging Organisation

Building Mailing Lists

l

Media Dissemination

l

Developing Customer Case Studies

l

Sales Lead Qualification

l

And more...

l

and more...

CUSTAGE Marketing Solutions Pvt Ltd a

marcom

company

HO: 401, Vikas Classic, Building No.4, Near Basant Cinema, Dr. C. G. Road, Chembur, Mumbai 400 074 +91-22-2520 4436 l info@custage.com l www.custage.com Branches: Hyderabad l New Delhi l Vadodara 58

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

Venue 2015

Snapshots from IPLEX 2014, Hyderabad

The Southern Delight The purpose of this event is to focus on local entrepreneurs and give them global exposure to widen the scope of their business and gain from globalisation.

I

PLEX – 2015, the sixth edition of the

environment and the best investment

Initiative will be held in Bengaluru

Karnataka. With rapid developments in

Southern Regional Plastic Associations

between 25th and 27th September, 2015.

IPLEX 2015 comes with extremely strong industry support across India and globally.

climate for starting projects across IT, BT, aviation and knowledge intensive industries, it is a destination for progress and development.

We, the consortium of southern state

them global exposure to widen the

edition of IPLEX 2015 and request you to

local

scope

of

entrepreneurs

and

give

their

and

gain

from globalisation.

business

Bengaluru has an investor friendly

The Organiser

Karnataka State Pla stic Association, es tablished in 1996, is a no n-profit organis ation. The association has 60 0 members com prising of manufacturers, tra ders, vendors lik e mould and die makers, ma chinery manufac turers and raw material supp liers. The plastics industry in Karnataka cont ributes approxim ately 600 crores per annu m to the Govern ment exchequer throug h central excise, customs, VAT etc.; besides providing emplo yment to over 75000 peop le in the state. Ou r industry is primarily located in Bengaluru urba n and rural areas, Mangalore, Belgaum, Mysore and Hubli.

Some units are loc ated at Bellary, Ho spet. The major polymer pr oducts produced in Karnataka are used in food pa ckaging, fertilizers, cement, pharmaceuticals , automotive and FMCG. 60

Chairpersons of IPLEX 2015:

Dr. S. K. Nayak, Director General,

Mr.

l

l

The purpose of this event is to focus on

extensive supported by CIPET.

associations, welcome you to the sixth book your stall at the earliest.

l

landscaped over 34 acres, BIEC has

40,000 sq. m. of covered space divided

into

three

functionally

designed

exhibition halls; and 5000 sq. m. of open

Finished products, moulds and dies

Post processing equipment

Quality control and testing equipment

Trade

R&D, education and standards etc.

Recycling and plasticulture

Solid

Government agencies connected

l l

l l

Nadu Plastics Manufacturers Association,

l

Telangana

l

and

Andhra

Plastics

Manufacturers Association along with

and

Ancillary

l

Kerala Plastics Manufacturers Association,

fillers

A Conference Centre, food court and other

State Plastic Association, The Tamil

colourants,

Printing and packaging

l

states associations namely, Karnataka

additives,

Processing machinery

with every hall.

IPLEX is being organised by 5 southern

Speciality chemicals, masterbatches,

l

lounge and business centre is attached

comfort are all within the same complex.

intermediates, blends and alloys,

l

l

support services for exhibitor and visitor

Raw Material, polymer and resins,

reinforcements

display area, suitable for showcasing

large and heavy machines. A VIP

Convenor,

composites

BIEC offers its exhibitors services and with international standards. Beautifully

Thakkar,

People belonging to,

amenities of the highest quality on par

Hariram

IPLEX 2015

Who Should Participate? l

The Venue

CIPET and Chairman, IPLEX 2015

equipment

instrumentation

promotion

bodies

professional associations

waste

consultants

and

and

management

with industrial development

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

PROJECT

About Indian Oil Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. ranks at the

96th position (financial year 2013 - 14) in

the latest Fortune ‘Global 500’ listings.

Paraxylene / Purified Terephthalic Acid (PX/PTA) The PX/PTA plant marks Indian Oil’s major

step towards forward integration in the

Indian Oil has wide-ranging expertise

millions of people every day. Indian Oil offers innovative products, technologies and services covering the entire gamut

hydrocarbon value chain by manufacturing Paraxylene (PX) from captive Naphtha and thereafter, converting it into Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA).

capacity of 553 KTA, achieving economy

Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB)

Indian Oil made its big-ticket entry into

petrochemicals with the commissioning of the Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) plant

at its Gujarat refinery in August, 2004. It has the grassroots single train keroseneto-LAB unit with an installed capacity of 120 KTA using UOP Detal technology.

Currently, two grades of LAB - high and low molecular weight - are being produced for the manufacture of environment-friendly biodegradable detergents.

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

ethylene, 600 KTA of propylene, 125 KTA

of benzene and other products viz. LPG, and diesel.

The Polypropylene (PP) unit is designed

to produce high quality and high value

niche grades including high speed Bi-

A brief note about Indian Oil Corporation and its successful foray into petrochemicals.

PROPEL - Transforming the World

The cracker produces over 850 KTA of

pyrolysis fuel oil, components of gasoline

The PTA plant comes with a world-scale

Expanding Horizons in Petrochemicals backed by a cutting edge R&D centre.

(capacity:

plant (capacity: 325 KTA).

Indian Oil

of downstream petroleum operations

Polypropylene

600 KTA), High Density Polyethylene

HDPE), Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG)

know-how in India, and has over four

allowing petroleum products to reach

units:

(LLDPE) (350 KTA Swing unit with

has pioneered pipeline transportation

continent in different and difficult terrains,

comprises of the following downstream

and Linear Low Density Poly Ethylene

refineries and brown field expansions. It

marketing infrastructure across the sub-

USD 2.38 billion. The Naphtha cracker

(HDPE) (dedicated capacity: 300 KTA)

in setting up and operating greenfield

decades of experience in putting up

at Panipat was built at a cost of

axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP),

high clarity random co-polymers and super

impact

Polyethylene

co-polymer product

grades.

portfolio

includes Unimodal as well as Bimodal HDPE grades for various application

segments such as HMHDPE film, blow moulding, pressure pipes, general purpose LLDPE and HDPE grades, as

well as speciality LLDPE grades using

of scale. The Paraxylene plant is designed

to process 500 KTA of heart-cut Naphtha

Octene as a co-monomer for niche application segments.

to produce about 360 KTA of PX.

Research and Development

PROPEL is already touching billions of

The Product Application and Development

sectors. Indian Oil has plans to invest

is a state-of-the-art technology centre

lives every day with applications across

USD 5 five billion in the next six years in

petrochemicals with a vision to emerge as a major player in petrochemicals in

the world. Indian Oil endeavours to fulfill the promise of brand PROPEL i.e. 100 per

cent trust and value with each and every delivery and in the process add value to the stakeholders and society, in general.

Naphtha Cracker Plant, Panipat The

world-class

Naphtha

Cracker

Centre (PADC) of Indian Oil at Panipat

with sophisticated plastic processing and characterisation equipments. PADC

is dedicated towards providing top quality products to customers and give them the necessary technical support

and solutions. It is continuously working towards improving the existing product

line of Indian Oil and the development of new products and applications, breaking new grounds in energy efficiency and product performance.

61

NOTES

Polymer Developments, the

Journey Captured

Prof. D. D. Kale presents an interesting history of polymers - how they were created and their progress towards what we have in the market today.

Shale gas has

a bright future.

Availability of new

Prof. D. D. Kale Industry Consultant Ex-Professor, Mumbai University’s Department of Chemical Technology Mumbai

energy sources

will make existing

crude oil available for polymers and petrochemicals

which will reduce the cost of these materials still further.

T

he present era can be called the plastic

to inputs from various branches of science

about a century old has reached a global

Engineering and Mechanical Engineering have

age or polymer age. The industry just

consumption of about 180 million tonnes.

The rapid growth of polymers is mainly due

and engineering. The Chemistry, Chemical major contribution. The availability of this material at affordable cost has given a big boost

to this industry. Its journey over the last 100 years is captured here.

Before 1900 Prior to the start of the 19th century, natural

materials such as cotton, leather, paper, wood, glass etc. were used for objects of everyday use.

It was a known fact that a constituent of paper

or wood - cellulose - was made of a repeat unit.

It was believed that many units of cellulose were held together by some physical forces. Cellulose was modified to manufacture cellulose nitrate

or cellulose acetate by a chemical reaction. In ancient Egypt, mummies were wrapped in cloth which was dipped in a mixture of bitumen in oil

of lavender (Syrian Asphalt or Bitumen of Judea).

Exposure of the cloth to sunlight hardened

the coating through cross linking and made it insoluble.

62

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

In Central America, tribes knew the art of making

or moulded using heat and pressure. In 1865,

as the beginning of the 16th century. In the

billiard balls. Around 1870, the use of camphor

waterproof shoes using rubber latex, as early

early years, the concept of lamination: binding

of natural fibres or logs emerged. Layers were laminated together to build thicker products or

J. W. Hyatt used the collodion for coating

as a plasticiser for solutions of nitrocellulose

was patented by him. Towards the end of the 19th century, (1895 - 1900), reactions of casein with

pressed into wooden moulds to form buttons.

formaldehyde were studied to see if the resulting

with a binder (such as blood) before being

writing boards. The product was eventually used

The raw materials were also ground and mixed compression moulded into buttons.

resinous mass could be used for preparing white in buttons.

In 1820, the process of mastication of rubber to

1900 - 1930

The art of vulcanising rubber using few parts

Reactions of formaldehyde with phenol were

Goodyear in 1840. Heating 100 parts of rubber

these reactions. In 1910, Bakelite Company was

ease processing was discovered by T. Hancock. of sulphur was also developed by Charles with 50 parts of sulphur produced ivory elastic

studied and Bakeland mastered the control of

formed and the first commercial production

ebonite. This was investigated by T. Hancock and

of totally synthetic polymer was established

Alexander Parkes discovered that evaporation

resin. Later on, in 1918, urea formaldehyde

C. Goodyear around 1850. Around the same time,

for the manufacture of phenol-formaldehyde

of

resin was developed. Also, flammable celluloid

solvents

from

photographic

collodion

(a solution of nitrocellulose in alcohol-ether) left

behind a hard, horn like elastic product which

had water-proofing ability. The ‘wet’ material containing very little solvent could be shaped

To know more, please subscribe to Polymers Communiqué at

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63

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POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l April - May 2015

Events Chinaplas 2015

T-PLAS 2015

24th Fakuma

20th - 23rd May, 2015 China Import & Export Fair Complex, PR China

26th - 29th August, 2015 BITEC, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Bangkok, Thailand

13th – 17th October, 2015 Friedrichshafen, Germany

Saudi Plastics & Petrochem 2016 18th – 21st January, 2016 Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Riyadh

KENYA PLAST

Vietnam Manufacturing Expo 2015

10th – 12th June, 2015 KICC, Nairobi, Kenya

10th – 12th September, 2015 I.C.E. Hanoi, Vietnam

4th - 6th November, 2015 Expo Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

22nd - 25th February, 2016 Expo Centre Sharjah, Sharjah

InterPlas Thailand 2015

IPLEX 2015

Indplas’15

K 2016

25th - 27th September, 2015 BIEC, Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bengaluru

27th - 30th November, 2015 Science City Ground, Kolkata

19th – 26th October, 2016 Düsseldorf, Germany

9th – 12th July, 2015 BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand

Expo Plásticos 2015

Plastics Vietnam

IndiaPack 2015

Plexpo India

23rd - 25th July, 2015 Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8th - 11th October, 2015 Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai

7th - 11th January, 2016 Gandhinagar, Gujarat

68

PLASTIVISION ARABIA 2016

10th Plastivision India 2017 19th – 23rd January, 2017 Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai

POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2015

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