Developments & Trends for the year ahead (Global and Domestic)
Global:
Smart Materials gaining traction in Automotive & Electronics
Self-Healing materials in particular are gaining traction. These materials can protect against scratches, cracks and corrosion. There are added benefits in which the material can impart the ability to restore color and gloss. A particular area of application is the combination of sensors & electronics into polymers, opening an entirely new sphere of application development. Examples of such applications could be self-regulating temperature control, active packaging and wearable electronics.
AI is being further integrated into materials development
The integration of AI systems into materials development is starting to have significant impacts on the research and the modelling of expected properties. The reduction of time spent on time-intensive research and modelling will only increase as the integration efforts of AI increase. According to Plastics Engineering the “technological leap empowers the creation of materials with unprecedented properties and functionalities”. There is opportunity for companies that embrace this technological leap initially to gain a first movers advantage in materials development in the coming years.
And as always a Market Data point or two for you
Market Data Nuggets
- – Global: 712 Bn USD Global Plastics Industry in 2023
- – NAFTA appears to be the second largest producer of plastics with ~19-25% of the overall production market in 2023
Domestic:
SPEF Scholarship Applications Available
More than sixty scholarships are available through the Society of Plastics Engineers Foundation (SPEF)
NPE 2024
“The Plastics Show”, May 6-10, Orlando, FL, is a global networking event that includes “learning centers”, “technology zones”, podcasts, and more. Suggest attending with a detailed plan of what you want to see and learn and who you want to meet. https://npe.org/
Glen Beall Honored
Glenn is an industry icon and leader with a legacy as an engineer, educator, inventor, consultant, author, industry activist, and historian. Glenn will be honored on March 6th at the SPE ANTEC in Kansas City. https://plasticshof.org/members/glenn-l-beall/
