WCA January 2024

Technology News

Polymers for long-lasting surfaces Backed by more than 30 years of experience in surface protection applications, Estane TPU from Lubrizol Engineered Polymers provides

Lubrizol has expanded its portfolio for long-lasting outdoor solutions, including the Estane ALR series for PPF and graphics. The new colour-stable grades are Estane 91F88 grade for surface protection applications such as flooring; and Estane ALR MC-93A-VE TPU for melt coating process, providing hydrolytic and UV stability. Dr Romina Marin, global business manager surface protection for Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, commented, “Estane ALR MC-93A-VE TPU was recently launched and is one of its kind designed to outperform other materials in abrasion and extreme weather

performance with transparency after long-term exposure to the elements, such as UV light, moisture, physical wear, chemicals and more. Estane polymers can help protect and maintain aesthetics in demanding surface applications for automotive and consumer products, building and construction, and graphics. Estane material can also be recycled due to its thermoplastic behaviour.

Estane TPU can endure long-term exposure to UV light, moisture, and wear and tear

endurance for melt coating end applications that need to maintain initial clear or bright colours, and withstand harsh conditions, like tents or inflatables.” Lubrizol Engineered Polymers www.lubrizol.com

Choosing the right laboratory furnace configuration Thermcraft Inc offers a range of lab furnace configurations to cater to the specific needs of research activity. The three primary configurations – box, split tube and solid tube furnaces – each have distinct advantages, depending on the requirements. Split tube furnaces feature a cylindrical chamber with a split along its length. The chamber is usually covered with heating elements, and the split allows easy insertion and removal of samples. Commonly used for embedded within the tube walls for direct and efficient heating. They are suitable for processes requiring a continuous and controlled environment and are used in applications such as thermal analysis, pyrolysis and high temperature reactions where a sealed chamber is essential to maintain specific atmospheres or prevent contamination.

processes involving sample tubes or semi-closed environments, they are suited to applications such as crystal growth, chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and gas-solid reactions. The split design simplifies sample loading and minimises heat loss when the chamber is opened. Solid tube furnaces have a continuous cylindrical chamber without any splits. The heating elements are typically

Box furnaces are characterised by their rectangular or cuboidal chamber shape. They typically have a hinged or lift off door for easy access when loading and unloading samples or materials. The spacious interior and uniform temperature distribution make them suitable for tasks such as annealing, sintering, heat treating and material testing.

The absence of a split provides better insulation and containment. Most of the lab furnace configurations can be used horizontally or vertically. Thermcraft, Inc https://thermcraftinc.com

Clad metal wire products for EV batteries and charging stations Anomet Products has introduced to its range custom clad metal wire, rod and ribbon that can combine up to three materials to achieve specific performance characteristics, for designing electric vehicle batteries and charging stations. The clad metal products can combine up to three layers to provide properties such as high conductivity, corrosion resistance and performance in extreme temperatures. Featuring metallurgical bonds stronger than the weaker material, they can be supplied as wire, ribbon and rod for use in EV battery busbars and connectors. The custom-manufactured clad metal products incorporate two per cent or more cladding thickness; wire and rod are offered in sizes from 0.1 to 50mm OD, and ribbon 25mm wide. Typical fuel cells include aluminium, copper and silver cores, and inconel, Kovar®, nickel-iron, niobium, Nitinol®, molybdenum, stainless steel, tantalum and titanium external layers. Anomet Products www.anometproducts.com

Anomet’s clad metal products can combine up to three layers

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January 2024