Today in Plastics
Future Technologies
New plastics — including composites, nanoplastics and bio-plastics — are helping to create a future of endless possibilities. Plastics give us tougher, safer, cleaner, more comfortable homes, cars and airplanes in addition to sports gear, and hospitals that protect and enhance our lives.Imagine walls that respond to temperature and sound, floors that self-clean and chairs that adjust to the size and weight of the person sitting on them. We’re not there yet, but advancements in plastics are getting us closer. Plastics are allowing us to do so many things today that we couldn’t do before; and they will allow us to do things in the future that we haven’t imagined yet.
When Less is More: Plastic Nanotechnology
Read MoreNew Plastic Film With Multitouch Sensing Takes Technology Above and Beyond
Submitted on Feb 12, 2010
Displax is revealing a new plastic film with multitouch sensing. It can be placed over any display or even non-display surfaces, making them into interactive devices.
Category: Future Technologies
Synthetic, Dissolving Plates Ease Repairs Of Nasal Septum Defects
Submitted on Jan 25, 2010
New research finds that attaching cartilage to plates made of the resorbable material polydioxanone appears to facilitate corrective surgery on the nasal septum.
Category: Future Technologies • Medical & Safety
[Quiz] Plastic Helmets Can Help Save Lives. Do You Think They Should Be Mandatory?
Submitted on Jan 22, 2010
Every so often, tragic accidents in winter sports elevate public discussions of ski helmets – particularly debates on whether wearing them should be mandatory. International data show that although head injuries account for no more than 15 percent of injuries to skiers and snowboarders overall, they are accountable for an estimated 87 percent of de [...]
Category: Future Technologies • Medical & Safety • Winter Games
Plastics and the Future of Green Technology
Submitted on Jan 20, 2010
One columnist asks, "what's the future of green technology?"
Category: Eco Solutions • Future Technologies
Future Plans for Small, Light Computers Rely on Plastics
Submitted on Jan 13, 2010
A tablet style 8.5-by-11-inch screen laptop would get it’s size, structure and style from plastic. A tablet style 8.5-by-11-inch screen laptop would get it’s size, structure and style from plastic.
Category: Appliances & Gadgets • Future Technologies
Plastic That Conducts Electricity Holds Promise for Cheaper, Thinner and More Flexible Electronics
Submitted on Jan 13, 2010
In a recent study by the University of Washington, researchers found a new way to make plastics even more efficient. These findings mean that electronics have the potential to be cheaper, thinner, and flexible, all because of the use of plastic. In a recent study by the University of Washington, researchers found a new way to [...]
Category: Future Technologies
Stylish Solar Energy
Submitted on Jan 13, 2010
New solar tiles made of lightweight, recyclable plastic are now being developed in various architectural designs. Moving away from the ordinary tilt-up panels, these designer solar panels are created to complement California architecture, soon to be available this fall. New solar tiles made of lightweight, recyclable plastic are now being developed [...]
Category: Eco Solutions • Future Technologies
Plastic’s Role in the Waste-to-Energy Process
Submitted on Dec 7, 2009
Read on to find out how plastics bags and packaging are making the waste-to-energy process work better.
Category: Eco Solutions • Future Technologies
Carbon nanotubes help keep surfboards from being damaged
Submitted on Nov 3, 2009
Surfboards just got a lot more durable thanks to the innovative use of nanotubes.
Category: Future Technologies
UTSA Engineers Win $350K in Stimulus Funds to Develop Synthetic Roots
Submitted on Oct 1, 2009
Injecting polymers into plant root system can help to enhance soil reinforcement and protect from erosion.
Category: Future Technologies
