Trends in additive technology

Obviously, there exists severe interplastics competition, e.g. PP vs. ABS, clarified PP vs. PS, PA, PVC, HDPE and PS (Table 10.7). A wide range of cross-linked and thermoplastic elastomer applications, from footware to automotive parts and toothbrushes, are adopting new metallocene-catalysed polyolefin elastomers (POEs). These low-density copolymers of ethylene and octene were first accepted as impact modifiers for TPOs, but now displace EPDM, (foamed) EVA, flexible PVC, and olefinic thermoplastic vulcanisates (TPVs). Interpolymer competition may also result from 

PC (aircraft interiors) PEI, PES, PEEK (inherent flame retardancy) 

The ability to downgauge, decrease part weight, improve barrier properties and reach new levels of product performance are propelling polyolefins into new markets previously dominated by other plastics. The high growth rate in PP production capacity is mainly being driven by the ability of PP to replace other resins on a cost/performance basis. For example, functionalisation of PP by incorporation of acrylic functionality has extended its weatherability performance. Interpolymer competition will have a significant impact on the amount and type of additives used. 

The US 16 billion plastics additives industry (2000) is expected to increase from a volume of 17 billion lbs (1998) to 21 billion lbs by 2004 [11]. The plastics additives market is particularly dynamic in China (from 

Intermaterial competition affects the additive business. For example, if metallocene polyolefins displace PVC markets, then the demand for heat stabilisers and plasticisers might decrease, while the need for products such as fluoropolymer processing aids, antiblocks and slip additives might increase. At present, PVC as the main user of additives is under threat as never before. However, green PVC, containing more environmentally friendly FRs and plasticisers as well as non-heavy-metal stabilisers, is now environmentally acceptable. 

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Future Trends. In addition to the commercialization of newer extraction/ decantation product/catalyst separations technology, there have been advances in the development of high reactivity 0x0 catalysts for the conversion of low reactivity feedstocks such as internal and a-alkyl substituted a-olefins. These catalysts contain (as ligands) ortho-/-butyl or similarly substituted arylphosphites, which combine high reactivity, vastiy improved hydrolytic stabiUty, and resistance to degradation by product aldehyde, which were deficiencies of eadier, unsubstituted phosphites. Diorganophosphites (28), such as stmcture (6), have enhanced stabiUty over similarly substituted triorganophosphites. 

Two additional projects, being developed with private funding for specific market applications, are appropriate to consider as representatives of future directions and trends. These two projects are the LFR-AS-200 project being developed by Hydromine, Inc., and the Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor (SEALER) reactor project being developed by LeadCold Reactors Inc. The descriptions below are based on private communications for these ongoing development efforts and are intended to illustrate the continuing process of innovation that is characteristic of current and future trends in LFR technology. 

The pitfalls of a computer model are obvious in that it is only a conceptual representation of the reactor and includes only as many aspects of the real reactor as present knowledge permits. In addition, even the most perfectly conceived description will still depend upon the accuracy of the physically measured constants used in the model for the quality of the process representation. The goal of this report is, however, only to show conceptual trends and the technological base is developed to the extent that the conceptual trends will be correct. In some respects the computer model is a better process development tool than the pilot plant used for the LDPE process since the pilot reactor does not yield directly scaleable information. The reader should take care to direct his attention to the trend information and conceptual differences developed in this work very little attention should be paid to the absolute values of the parameters given. 

Analysing the maintenance and repairs of vehicles shows that only a small part of the work will disappear, as there will be no more abrasion repairs on motors and motor electrics. Also, repairs on gears and the coupler will be reduced, as these parts will be simplified (see Fig. 13.15). On the other hand, it has not been estimated what kind of work the fuel-cell technology will bring in addition to the work done today. As the trend at present is towards more electronic components and control, fuel-cell... 

The workshop took place at the Los Alixares Hotel, where 45 lectures were given by prominent members of the scientific community in addition, 49 posters were presented in two very animated sessions. The success of this workshop is due, without doubt, to the excellent tradition initiated at the previous workshops, organised by Prof. R. McWeeny in San Miniato, Pisa (Italy), 1996, and by Prof. S. Wilson in Oxford (United Kingdom), 1997. These workshops create occasions for meetings and discussions on the current state of the art, emerging methods and applications and new trends in this area of science. The three meetings were sponsored and partially supported by the European Union (EU) in the frame of the Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) chemistry actions. 

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