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(Sabic) -- SABIC's Innovative Plastics strategic business unit today announced that ResMed - a global leader in medical products for treating and managing respiratory disorders - has selected Cycoloy and Lexan resins to enhance the performance, aesthetics and sustainability of the new ResMed S9 series of sleep apnea devices. SABIC's Cycoloy polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) resin, featuring non-halogenated flame retardance and high flow, is used to mold the complex, thin-wall S9 chassis. Lexan resin, a tough, biocompatible material with exceptional surface finish, is used for the S9 top case and H5i humidifier flip lid. Both materials helped ResMed create a sleek design and outstanding aesthetics for consumer appeal. The next-generation ResMed S9 device series demonstrates how SABIC's broad and growing portfolio of high-performance materials and value-added services help healthcare customers create new, innovative technologies.
Sabic's Cycoloy and Lexan resins to enhance performance of new ResMed S9 sleep apnea devices
Clariant added anti-microbial masterbatches to Mevopur family
(Clariant) -- Clariant announces the addition of anti-microbial masterbatches based on MedX anti-microbial agents from SANITIZED AG to its dedicated MEVOPUR range, to support the development of medical devices with surfaces that are active against bacteria. Independent testing of the active ingredients by Sanitized has shown them to be effective against antibiotic resistant strains.
The development responds to the increased need for anti-microbials in applications such as surgical instruments, catheters, connectors for tubing, and in-line filters to help reduce the transmission of bacteria that are potential causes of secondary infection. It has been noted in publications that there is a serious risk of death from catheter-related nosocomial infection. There is also increasing interest in evaluating anti-microbials for pharmaceutical packaging, such as inhalers and ophthalmic solutions.
Clariant's long-standing partnership with Sanitized benefits customers in a range of application sectors, including textiles and consumer goods.
For the new MEVOPUR masterbatches, Sanitized manufactures the active MedX anti-microbial ingredient - silver on a glass carrier - according to the strict quality control and impurity check requirements stipulated by Clariant.
In August PE imports in Russia increased by one third
(MRC) -- In August, there was a slight decline of PE imports in Russia. In general, following January - August results, the total PE import to the Russian market increased by one third and exceeded 350 KT, acсording to MRC ScanPlast.
Following August results, total import volume exceeded 45.6 KT. HDPE supplies reduced by almost 2KT and EVA copolymer - by 20%.
In August, HDPE imports dropped to 22.8 KT. Deliveries of HDPE for extrusion coating of large diameter steel pipes decreased to 5.3 KT. Also supplies of blown PE from external markets significantly dropped, in particular, from Shurtan GhK, Uzbekistan. In general, over the first eight months, total HDPE imports to the Russian market have grown by 36% year on year and made 194.5 KT.
Despite the increase of pipe HDPE production in Russia, import remains high. This summer, pipe PE imports to Russia exceeded 7 KT. Main volumes fall at producers from South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan, the share of European material does not exceed 30%.
Last month linear polyethylene imports actually remained at July's level - slightly more than 14 KT. Reduction of film PE imports for extrusion sector was compensated by increased LLDPE imports for rotational molding from Asia. In general, following January - August results, total LLDPE imports to the Russian market made nearly 93 KT, that was by 34% more year on year.
Following January - August results, total PE and its copolymers imports to the Russian market exceeded 350 KT, that was by 33% more year on year. Over the eight months, the total PE production in Russia exceeded 1 mln tons.
US butyl acetate sources expect prices to drop in October by 8-10%
(ICIS) -- US butyl acetate (butac) sources expect prices to drop in October by 8-10% because of falling propylene spot prices, sources said on Tuesday. OXEA is seeking a 3 cent/lb (USD 66/tonne, EUR 49/tonne) increase for 1 October, which buyers said has no chance for acceptance.
Germany-based OXEA, and Dow Chemical and Eastman of the US, tried to raise prices by 3 cents/lb in September, but the market rejected the proposals because of declining raw material costs.
Another buyer attributed the expected drop in October to the ongoing decline in feedstock US propylene. Butac distributor prices, the main consumer range, have hovered at 96-100 cents/lb since early August.
Spot chemical-grade propylene has slipped roughly 10% in price since early August, currently at 70.50-71.00 cents/lb, according to ICIS.
Asia EPS prices declined further this week following a sharp fall in SM values
(ICIS) -- Asia expandable polystyrene (EPS) prices declined further this week following a sharp fall in feedstock styrene monomer (SM) values, producers and buyers said on Wednesday. Spot SM prices tumbled to USD 1,350/tonne (EUR 986/tonne) CFR (cost & freight) China on 27 September, down from USD 1,500/tonne CFR China a month ago. The decline in feedstock prices put EPS producers under pressure to reduce resin prices. Offers of EPS resins declined to USD 1,600-1,610/tonne CFR China this week, down from USD 1,660-1,670/tonne last week. However, buying interest remains limited. ⌠Demand is still weak despite the lower offers as buyers are mostly non-committal, said a Taiwanese producer.
MRC