- Email: [email protected]
Mass production of graphene moves a step closer
LITERATURE/RESEARCH
rationalization programmes is delivering strong improvements in profitability. The Ferro organization is ready to pursue further opportunities for future growth’, he says. Net sales for Ferro’s Polymer Additives segment were $79.7 million for 2Q 2010, up 26.5% from $63.0 million the previous year. The segment also posted much improved operating income of $2.8 million, a rise of 79%. A similar pattern was seen for the first six months of 2010 compared with the first half of 2009. The company says that the increase in segment income was due to a combination of higher sales volumes, reduced manufacturing costs and expense reductions. Contact: Ferro Corp, Cleveland, OH, USA. Tel: +1 216 641 8580, Web: www.ferro.com
LITERATURE New title analyses Europe’s market for plastic additives
L
ondon, UK-based IAL Consultants, a division of Business Research Group (UK) Ltd (BRG), has released a new report The European Plastic Additives Market. According to the firm, this first-edition volume provides a detailed overview of the various additives used in the compounding of the wide variety of thermoplastics currently used in the European market. The report draws on the extensive database developed by IAL & BRG in the course of more than 30 years of research into the various additives and plastics markets. In addition, a programme of desk research and interviews with industry experts across Europe was conducted during the first quarter of 2010, IAL says. The publication covers all major classes of additives such as heat and light stabilizers, flame retardants and plasticizers, as well as newer and/or niche additive types such odour-reduction aids and nanotechnology additives. Colorants are not included. Each product sub-section includes discussion of technical and commercial trends; market statistics and forecasts (volume and value) from 2007 to 2015, trends and application data; legislation; and a competitive overview with a listing of global additives suppliers and trade names. The evolution of the plastics and thermoplastic polymers market in Europe is also discussed in a dedicated chapter, and there is a separate directory of international suppliers.
10
Additives for Polymers
The European Plastic Additives Market covers Europe as a whole, including the European Union bloc, other Nordic countries, Switzerland, Russia and the CIS countries, and Turkey. It is priced at E4500. Contact: IAL Consultants, CP House, 97-107 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London W5 5TL, UK. Tel: +44 20 8832 7780, Fax: +44 20 8566 4931, Email: [email protected], Web: www.ialconsultants.com
RESEARCH NEWS Mass production of graphene moves a step closer
S
cientists at the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research in Dresden, Germany, report that they have discovered a simple, inexpensive manufacturing method that offers the prospect of mass production of graphene, a material with the potential to revolutionize areas such as composites [see for example, ADPO, June 2010] and electronics. Graphene consists of atom-thick layers of graphite with unique properties. However, its significant potential is hindered by current cumbersome, expensive production methods, which result in poor-quality graphene and which are not practical for industrial-scale applications, according to Victor Aristov and his colleagues at the Leibniz Institute. They report that they have developed a ‘very simple procedure for making graphene on the cheap’ in which highquality graphene is grown on the surface of commercially available cubic silicon carbide (ȕ-SiC ) wafers to produce material with excellent properties. It had been thought that the ȕ-SiC substrate used would not be suitable on account of its cubic lattice structure (graphene of course having a hexagonal lattice). ‘Contrary to common belief, we succeeded in growing high-quality graphene on cubic ȕ-SiC and found that the interaction with the substrate is almost negligible, rendering this system a perfect candidate for future graphene-based electronics’, says the team in its report. This is a significant step forwards as ȕ-SiC wafers are widely grown commercially. The discovery ‘represents a huge step toward technological application of this material as the synthesis is compatible with industrial mass production’, notes their report ‘Graphene Synthesis on Cubic SiC/Si Wafers.
September 2010
HEALTH & SAFETY
Perspectives for Mass Production of Graphene-Based Electronic Devices’, published in the American Chemical Society’s journal Nano Letters. Contact: IFW Dresden, Helmholtzstraße 20, D-01069 Dresden, Germany. Tel: +49 351 4659 234, Web: www.ifw-dresden.de
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES Classification & labelling update required for melamine cyanurate flame retardant
T
he Brussels-based Phosphorus, Inorganic & Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association (PINFA) reports that new tests on melamine cyanurate (MC) reveal that the flame retardant demonstrates stronger kidney toxicity than previously realized. As part of the REACH registration process, MC (CAS 37640-57-6) was tested in 2010 according to certain environmental and toxicological aspects. As part of a pre-study, rats were fed melamine cyanurate for one week. The substance revealed a greater toxic hazard to the kidney than was previously known. Therefore, the classification and labelling of MC may need to be changed to ‘Xn; R48/22’, which indicates ‘harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if swallowed’, according to Directive 67/548/EWG or 1999/45/EC; and to ‘STOT (RE) Cat. 2 (H373)’ or ‘specific target organ toxicity (repeated or long term exposure)’, according to regulation (EC) 1272/2008. Further testing is now being carried out to confirm the findings, PINFA says. A 90-day feeding study is ongoing at the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) in the USA. Classification and labelling will be reviewed after the results of this study have been published. MC is a solid white powder. As a flame retardant it is employed in unfilled and mineral-filled polyamides used for electric and electronic parts such as connectors and switches.
September 2010
It is added to the polymer at a loading level of about 10–15% to achieve the necessary fire rating. MC is also often used as synergist in combination with phosphorus-based flame retardants. In addition, it finds minor use in formulations for polypropylene and thermoplastic polyesters for cables. Melamine and its derivatives show toxic effects on the kidney and sometimes the bladder, because salt crystals can form in the kidneys that clog the fine drainage tubes. The combination of melamine with cyanurate forms a particularly insoluble salt and therefore has a high tendency to cause this problem. MC is not genotoxic, it is not irritating and has no sensitizing properties. However, as a consequence of the new toxicity results, suppliers of MC have changed to the new labelling and are currently updating their safety data sheets. Production and polymer formulation workers and others that handle MC as a pure chemical are the most affected and should upgrade their workplace safety precautions accordingly, PINFA advises. Since the substance is often used as a powder with low particle sizes, breathing the dust should be avoided. A particle filter with high efficiency for solid and liquid particles (e.g. EN 143 or 149, Type P3 or FFPE) should be used. In addition, gloves as well as local exhaust and ventilation in place are recommended. Consumers and users of end products (e.g. electric and electronic equipment) that contain MC do not come into direct contact with the substance and ingestion is very unlikely, because it is firmly embedded in the polymer matrix. And there is no risk of evaporation because the vapour pressure of MC is extremely low. PINFA is a sector group within Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council. It represents the manufacturers and users of non-halogenated phosphorus, inorganic and nitrogen flame retardants. It also cooperates with national and supranational organizations (EU, OECD, United Nations) and other industry associations, consumer organizations and non-governmental organizations, and will ensure the development of scientific knowledge related to the whole life cycle of this group of flame retardants. Contact: PINFA Secretariat, Avenue E. van Nieuwenhuyse, 4 (Box 2), B-1160 Brussels, Belgium. Tel: +32 2 676 7286, Fax: +32 2 676 7392, Email: [email protected], Web: www.pinfa.eu
Additives for Polymers
11
rationalization programmes is delivering strong improvements in profitability. The Ferro organization is ready to pursue further opportunities for future growth’, he says. Net sales for Ferro’s Polymer Additives segment were $79.7 million for 2Q 2010, up 26.5% from $63.0 million the previous year. The segment also posted much improved operating income of $2.8 million, a rise of 79%. A similar pattern was seen for the first six months of 2010 compared with the first half of 2009. The company says that the increase in segment income was due to a combination of higher sales volumes, reduced manufacturing costs and expense reductions. Contact: Ferro Corp, Cleveland, OH, USA. Tel: +1 216 641 8580, Web: www.ferro.com
LITERATURE New title analyses Europe’s market for plastic additives
L
ondon, UK-based IAL Consultants, a division of Business Research Group (UK) Ltd (BRG), has released a new report The European Plastic Additives Market. According to the firm, this first-edition volume provides a detailed overview of the various additives used in the compounding of the wide variety of thermoplastics currently used in the European market. The report draws on the extensive database developed by IAL & BRG in the course of more than 30 years of research into the various additives and plastics markets. In addition, a programme of desk research and interviews with industry experts across Europe was conducted during the first quarter of 2010, IAL says. The publication covers all major classes of additives such as heat and light stabilizers, flame retardants and plasticizers, as well as newer and/or niche additive types such odour-reduction aids and nanotechnology additives. Colorants are not included. Each product sub-section includes discussion of technical and commercial trends; market statistics and forecasts (volume and value) from 2007 to 2015, trends and application data; legislation; and a competitive overview with a listing of global additives suppliers and trade names. The evolution of the plastics and thermoplastic polymers market in Europe is also discussed in a dedicated chapter, and there is a separate directory of international suppliers.
10
Additives for Polymers
The European Plastic Additives Market covers Europe as a whole, including the European Union bloc, other Nordic countries, Switzerland, Russia and the CIS countries, and Turkey. It is priced at E4500. Contact: IAL Consultants, CP House, 97-107 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London W5 5TL, UK. Tel: +44 20 8832 7780, Fax: +44 20 8566 4931, Email: [email protected], Web: www.ialconsultants.com
RESEARCH NEWS Mass production of graphene moves a step closer
S
cientists at the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research in Dresden, Germany, report that they have discovered a simple, inexpensive manufacturing method that offers the prospect of mass production of graphene, a material with the potential to revolutionize areas such as composites [see for example, ADPO, June 2010] and electronics. Graphene consists of atom-thick layers of graphite with unique properties. However, its significant potential is hindered by current cumbersome, expensive production methods, which result in poor-quality graphene and which are not practical for industrial-scale applications, according to Victor Aristov and his colleagues at the Leibniz Institute. They report that they have developed a ‘very simple procedure for making graphene on the cheap’ in which highquality graphene is grown on the surface of commercially available cubic silicon carbide (ȕ-SiC ) wafers to produce material with excellent properties. It had been thought that the ȕ-SiC substrate used would not be suitable on account of its cubic lattice structure (graphene of course having a hexagonal lattice). ‘Contrary to common belief, we succeeded in growing high-quality graphene on cubic ȕ-SiC and found that the interaction with the substrate is almost negligible, rendering this system a perfect candidate for future graphene-based electronics’, says the team in its report. This is a significant step forwards as ȕ-SiC wafers are widely grown commercially. The discovery ‘represents a huge step toward technological application of this material as the synthesis is compatible with industrial mass production’, notes their report ‘Graphene Synthesis on Cubic SiC/Si Wafers.
September 2010
HEALTH & SAFETY
Perspectives for Mass Production of Graphene-Based Electronic Devices’, published in the American Chemical Society’s journal Nano Letters. Contact: IFW Dresden, Helmholtzstraße 20, D-01069 Dresden, Germany. Tel: +49 351 4659 234, Web: www.ifw-dresden.de
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES Classification & labelling update required for melamine cyanurate flame retardant
T
he Brussels-based Phosphorus, Inorganic & Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association (PINFA) reports that new tests on melamine cyanurate (MC) reveal that the flame retardant demonstrates stronger kidney toxicity than previously realized. As part of the REACH registration process, MC (CAS 37640-57-6) was tested in 2010 according to certain environmental and toxicological aspects. As part of a pre-study, rats were fed melamine cyanurate for one week. The substance revealed a greater toxic hazard to the kidney than was previously known. Therefore, the classification and labelling of MC may need to be changed to ‘Xn; R48/22’, which indicates ‘harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if swallowed’, according to Directive 67/548/EWG or 1999/45/EC; and to ‘STOT (RE) Cat. 2 (H373)’ or ‘specific target organ toxicity (repeated or long term exposure)’, according to regulation (EC) 1272/2008. Further testing is now being carried out to confirm the findings, PINFA says. A 90-day feeding study is ongoing at the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) in the USA. Classification and labelling will be reviewed after the results of this study have been published. MC is a solid white powder. As a flame retardant it is employed in unfilled and mineral-filled polyamides used for electric and electronic parts such as connectors and switches.
September 2010
It is added to the polymer at a loading level of about 10–15% to achieve the necessary fire rating. MC is also often used as synergist in combination with phosphorus-based flame retardants. In addition, it finds minor use in formulations for polypropylene and thermoplastic polyesters for cables. Melamine and its derivatives show toxic effects on the kidney and sometimes the bladder, because salt crystals can form in the kidneys that clog the fine drainage tubes. The combination of melamine with cyanurate forms a particularly insoluble salt and therefore has a high tendency to cause this problem. MC is not genotoxic, it is not irritating and has no sensitizing properties. However, as a consequence of the new toxicity results, suppliers of MC have changed to the new labelling and are currently updating their safety data sheets. Production and polymer formulation workers and others that handle MC as a pure chemical are the most affected and should upgrade their workplace safety precautions accordingly, PINFA advises. Since the substance is often used as a powder with low particle sizes, breathing the dust should be avoided. A particle filter with high efficiency for solid and liquid particles (e.g. EN 143 or 149, Type P3 or FFPE) should be used. In addition, gloves as well as local exhaust and ventilation in place are recommended. Consumers and users of end products (e.g. electric and electronic equipment) that contain MC do not come into direct contact with the substance and ingestion is very unlikely, because it is firmly embedded in the polymer matrix. And there is no risk of evaporation because the vapour pressure of MC is extremely low. PINFA is a sector group within Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council. It represents the manufacturers and users of non-halogenated phosphorus, inorganic and nitrogen flame retardants. It also cooperates with national and supranational organizations (EU, OECD, United Nations) and other industry associations, consumer organizations and non-governmental organizations, and will ensure the development of scientific knowledge related to the whole life cycle of this group of flame retardants. Contact: PINFA Secretariat, Avenue E. van Nieuwenhuyse, 4 (Box 2), B-1160 Brussels, Belgium. Tel: +32 2 676 7286, Fax: +32 2 676 7392, Email: [email protected], Web: www.pinfa.eu
Additives for Polymers
11