Category
Research & Development
Hair today, flexible displays for smart devices tomorrow
by Canadian PlasticsResearchers in Queensland, Australia have developed a process that mixes human hair waste in polymers to make flexible displays that could be used in future smart devices.
Researchers develop process to recycle thermoset plastics
by Canadian PlasticsA team at Case Western Reserve University has developed a new technology that could transform non-recyclable plastics into recyclable ones and reprocess them into new products with comparable or even higher value.
New stretchable, conductive composite material for wearable applications
by Canadian PlasticsDeveloped by researchers at Sweden’s Linköping University, the material may have widespread use in smart clothing, wearable electronics, and electronic skin.
New centre helps Quebec manufacturers adopt Industry 4.0 technology
by Canadian PlasticsCalled DigifabQG, this industrial expertise centre in Longueuil, Que. gives manufacturers a single point of contact with digitization experts.
Researchers develop solvent-free technique for plastic production that could reduce manufacturing costs
by Canadian PlasticsA team at Purdue University has developed a new way for manufacturers to mix polymers and nanocellulose in order to save material and production steps when using plant-based materials in auto part and food packaging molding.
Polymer composite could serve as lighter, non-toxic radiation shielding
by Canadian PlasticsResearchers at North Carolina State University have found that a polymer compound embedded with bismuth trioxide particles could replace conventional radiation shielding materials, such as lead.
New thermoset polymer-based camshaft module lightens automotive engine weight
by Canadian PlasticsAs an alternative to aluminum, a research team from the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany has successfully manufacturing a camshaft module from fibre-reinforced thermoset polymers.
Researchers use synthetic polymer for custom-made bone implants
by Canadian PlasticsThe material for craniofacial bone grafts can facilitate cell regrowth and be tailored to an individual’s unique face and skull structure.
Ontario researchers create tough, flexible sensor for wearable tech
by Canadian PlasticsScientists at the University of Waterloo have utilized 3D printing and nanotechnology to create a durable, flexible sensor for wearable devices to monitor everything from vital signs to athletic performance.
Chemical recycling makes useful product from waste bioplastic
by Canadian PlasticsA faster, more efficient way of recycling plant-based bioplastics has been developed by a team of scientists from the Universities of Birmingham and Bath in the UK.
MIT engineers use conducting polymers to 3D-print soft and flexible brain implants
by Canadian PlasticsThese softer brain electrodes are meant to replace traditional implants made from metal and other rigid materials that can cause inflammation and scarring in the brain.
Chemists create faster-degrading plastic to reduce marine litter and ghost fishing
by Canadian PlasticsThe new plastic is similar to nylon 6,6 in sturdiness but can degrade under any conditions with sunlight.
Using satellites to identify floating plastic waste
by Canadian PlasticsA new technique developed by English researchers uses satellites to detect plastics floating on the sea surface, and distinguish it from naturally occurring floating materials such as seaweed.
New technique uses fluorescent dye to identify aging polymers
by Canadian PlasticsResearchers have developed a method to visualize variations in polymers that arise with age, allowing for the possibility detect and replace aged parts before they fail.
Nova Chemicals and Enerkem collaborate to close the loop on plastics recycling
by Canadian PlasticsThe two Canadian firms are teaming up to explore turning non-recyclable and non-compostable municipal waste – including items made from #3-7 plastics – into ethylene at full commercial scale.
Researchers create a new way to paint 3D-printed objects
by Canadian PlasticsDeveloped by engineers at Rutgers University in New Jersey, the new coating technique reaches nooks and crannies.
New recycling method could make polyurethane materials sustainable
by Canadian PlasticsResearchers at Northwestern University and the University of Minnesota have improved the recycling process of polyurethane by developing a twin-screw extrusion process that improves mixing and air removal.
Israeli scientists develop polymer-based anti-COVID-19 surface coating
by Canadian PlasticsScientists from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are currently developing anti-viral coatings for surfaces that could potentially reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Toronto researchers turn waste cooking oil from McDonald’s into high-end 3D printing resin
by Canadian PlasticsUsing waste cooking oil has significant potential, the researchers say: it’s cheaper to make and the plastics made from it can break down naturally compared to conventional 3D printing resins.
FedDev Ontario investing $5.2 million for CME to deliver program to help small and mid-size businesses
by Canadian PlasticsCalled the Technology Assessment Program, CME will provide up to 175 SMEs in southern Ontario with in-depth productivity and technology assessments designed to encourage investments in new technologies.