As of December 20th, 2014 the labeling requirement for products containing DINP in the state of California went into effect. Any product containing more than the established No Significant Risk Level (NSRL) of 146 micrograms per day must be labeled when sold in the state. The 45-day public comment period regarding the proposed NSRL was scheduled... Read more »
Evonik Industries, a chemical manufacturer based in Germany, has announced plans to increase production of plasticizer feedstock 2-propyl heptanol (2-PH). The plant located in Marl, North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany will be making use of a recently developed ligand called OxoPhos 64i make the oxo reaction used to produce the alcohol more efficient, allowing the plant... Read more »
A joint project between researchers from the University of Minnesota, Rice University, and Argonne National Laboratory has identified a set of promising new zeolites, materials used in the refining of ethanol and petrochemicals. Zeolites are molecules which enable the processing of crude feedstock to a more refined product. With more than 200 known, and hundreds... Read more »
Developers at Ford Motors have engineered a soy-based foam to replace traditional plastics in seat cushions. Ford first began using the sustainable technology beginning in 2008, and since the technology has taken over in all North American vehicles produced by the company. With about 300 pounds of petroleum based plastic in every vehicle, Ford was... Read more »
A truck driver shortage that plagued shippers in the 4thquarter of 2014 has carried over into the new year. The problem has lead to carriers being more likely to increase wages and hire more inexperienced drivers. Over 90% of carriers expect wage increases of 6-10%, and although 80% of the industry is open to hiring... Read more »
A Russian chemistry experiment is being run on the International Space Station to create polymer walls that form shells in the weightlessness of space. The experiment is being conducted in a contained glovebox with two hardening processes to ‘set’ the end structures. Not only does the experiment demonstrate this method of creating polymers, it also... Read more »
Although a federal mediator has been sent to help with disagreements, West Coast ports are still continuing to experience delays. International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) both sent out press releases earlier this month blaming each other for the delays and disagreements. On Jan. 16th, an industry coalition, including... Read more »
Last week, a group of local Boy Scouts visited ChemCeed’s facility to learn about chemistry in order to earn their science badge. ChemCeed’s vice president, Rolly Enderes, showed them lab equipment and taught them about exothermic reactions.
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) are a versatile chemical for formulating in a wide variety of manufacturing industries, from cosmetics to plastics. The properties of PEGs make them useful for enhancing solvency, lubricity, and hygroscopicity. While useful in production processes as mold release agents, lubricants, and anti-static process aids, PEGs are also chemical intermediates in the production... Read more »
The University of Wisconsin’s Mechanical Engineering department has found a way to use 3D printers to make 3D music scores for the blind. The 3D music scores are in its early stages and the engineers have to overcome some hurdles like how to mass-produce them. For more information: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/3d-printed-music-scores-help-the-blind-feel-every-note/ar-AA85MqO?ocid=UP97DHP
