Polymers in Sport and Leisure

References and Abstracts
the organic matrix and the low melting point of these
fibres. Hence, a major current concern is the evaluation
and improvement of the heat and flame resistance of these
structures and, more specifically, the need to investigate
the potential for use of intumescents. To understand the
performance of composite structures in fire and intensive
heat situations, it is necessary to examine the nature and
chemistry of their constituents. 52 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.795762
Item 17
European Plastics News
27, No.11, Nov.2000, p.53
POM GETS INTO GEAR
Warmington A
Automotive applications account for 46% of polyacetal
by end-use, with electric/electronic at 11%. Other
applications include industrial equipment, appliances,
consumer goods and sports equipment. Only four
companies currently produce POM in Europe: Ticona,
DuPont, BASF and Zaklady Azotowe. Rhodia and DSM
are also present as distributors and imported materials
have a stronger market presence in POM than in most
engineering polymers. Ticona is to increase capacity at
its main site in Kelsterbach, Germany, taking capacity
from 77,000 t/y to 100,000 t/y by the end of 2002.
Producers managed to push through a series of price
increases over the past 15 months.
WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no.795158
Item 18
Advanced Materials & Composites News
22, No.22, 20th Nov.2000, p.1-2
SAN DIEGO FIRM REDUCES BROKEN
BASEBALL BATS AND PLAYER INJURIES AS
WELL
Blackwrap Sports Inc.
Blackwrap Sports Inc. are reported to be using advanced
composites in the form of a safety tape, called Shocgard,
to strengthen the handles of baseball bats, allowing the
bats to flex to 5 in. without breaking. The tape is made
from a composite of graphite and Kevlar fibres and is
used on both wooden and aluminium bats. The benefits
of this tape to the sport of baseball are indicated.
USA
Accession no.794695
Item 19
Polyurethanes Conference 2000. Conference
proceedings.
Boston, Ma., 8th-11th Oct.2000, p.117-126
NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR VISCOELASTIC FOAM
Hager S; Skorpenske R; Triouleyer S; Joulak F
Bayer Corp.
(American Plastics Council,Alliance for the
Polyurethanes Industry)
The production and use of slow recovery viscoelastic PU
foams have increased rapidly. Their unique performance
characteristics, including shape conformance, vibration
and sound damping, and energy and shock absorption,
make these the foams of choice for many diverse
applications such as pillows, mattress toppers, automotive
trim, sports and medical equipment, and ergonomic
cushions and pads. These diverse applications require a
wide range of foam grades with tailored performance
properties. New polyol and formulating technology is
being developed to meet the increased demands for
improved processing, wider grade latitude and improved
performance properties of viscoelastic foam. The results
of systematic experimental design studies conducted in
the laboratory to help develop this technology are
reported. A key advance is the development of polyol
compositions that enable the production of high quality,
soft viscoelastic foams at 100 index and above. This
eliminates processing inconsistencies associated with low
index foaming, and yields foams with superior
performance characteristics such as improved
compressions set, reduced discoloration and finer cell
structure with improved feel. Formulating routes to
optimise key foam performance features such as low
resilience, slow but complete recovery, maintenance of
slow recovery characteristics with use, reduced
temperature sensitivity, good airflow, and good strength
properties are also identified. The results of machine foam
studies are presented along with additional foam
performance results. 1 ref.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE;
USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.794276
Item 20
158th. ACS Rubber Division Meeting - Fall 2000.
Conference preprints.
Cincinnati, Oh., 17th.-19th. Oct. 2000, paper 21
POLYETHER BLOCK AMIDE RESINS:
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN
THERMOPLASTICS AND RUBBERS
Dennis G M; O’Brien G
ATOFINA Chemicals Inc.
(ACS,Rubber Div.)
The Pebax family of polyether block amide resins is
discussed with reference to its performance characteristics
and typical applications. The PEBA structure combines a
regular linear chain of rigid polyamide segments
interspaced with flexible polyether segments. The
compatibility between this two-phase crystalline and
amorphous structure creates a blend of properties which
are said to bridge the gap between thermoplastics and
rubbers. Dynamic property testing, flexibility and impact
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