Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon Holds First Overseas Road Show In Hong Kong And Singapore

SEOUL, South Korea — November 9, 2018 — Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon announced on November 9 that Hyosung strengthened communication with overseas markets through “Corporate Day,” its company presentation for domestic institutional investors and analysts, and a “non-deal road show” for offshore institutional investors.

The meetings were attended by executives from 17 companies, including Goldman Sachs Asset Management, JP Morgan and Allianz. They displayed high interest in the business activities and directions of Hyosung Corp. and the affiliates it spun off in June. “Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon’s determination to improve communication with markets was highly praised. The presentations will be of much help to the assessment of Hyosung’s intrinsic value,” an industry source said, suggesting Hyosung should hold a road show abroad regularly.

Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon said he would keep trying hard after the spin-off to create values and enhance shareholder value on the basis of Hyosung’s technological competitiveness. Hyosung Corp. said that as a control tower of the group, it is focusing on the preparation of business portfolio and the enhancement of brand value. Four subsidiaries vowed to increase management transparency and at the same time concentrate on promoting corporate value as independent entities.

Hyosung TNC presented a plan to complete the construction of a spandex factory in India, for which it broke ground in June, and its marketing strategy for the home market of the South Asian nation. Hyosung Chemical unveiled a plan to expand its polypropylene business in South East Asia, propelled by Hyosung Vina Chemicals it established in Vietnam early this year. Hyosung Advanced Materials vowed to concentrate on tire cord markets in Vietnam, India, Thailand and other Asian countries. Hyosung Heavy Industries explained a vision to go beyond domestic energy storage systems (ESS) market it dominates to the global market by fusing power conversion system (PCS) and power management system (PMS) technologies it developed on its own.

Posted November 9, 2018

Source: Hyosung Corporation

Techtextil And Texprocess 2019: Almost Fully Booked Up

FRANKFURT — November 8, 2018 — With around six months still to go before they open their doors, the trade-fair duo of Techtextil and Texprocess is almost fully booked up. The number of registrations received for the two fairs, to be held May 14-17, 2019, is already significantly over that of the previous editions. Although companies can still register to exhibit at both events, they should not delay as the remaining exhibition space is limited.

Techtextil with a broad spectrum for all areas of application

To date, around 1,000 companies from 54 countries have registered for Techtextil 2019. The exhibitors at Techtextil present the complete spectrum of technical textiles and nonwovens. Next year will see a significant increase in the fields of technology and fibres & yarns. Also very well represented are suppliers of woven fabrics, coated textiles and functional apparel textiles. The exhibitors show fibre-based products for all areas of applications, in particular, an expanded range for the industry, for architecture and civil engineering, apparel, mobility, medicine, sport and hazard protection.

Texprocess shows the entire textile processing chain

With over 250 registrations already received from 31 countries, the concurrent Texprocess presents the complete spectrum of textile processing technologies from design, via cutting, making, trimming, textile digital printing, dressing and finishing, to textile logistics and textile recycling. In the case of Texprocess, too, there is only a limited amount of exhibition space still available.

New Techtextil Forum: deadline for programme proposals approaching rapidly

With the Techtextil Forum, Techtextil 2019 will have a new platform for the exchange of ideas and information between exhibitors and trade visitors, as well as researchers, developers and users of technical textiles. Techtextil Forum will be held within the framework of the fair, on all four days and free of charge for all trade-fair participants. Proposals for lectures, discussions and workshops can still be submitted until 16 November.

Posted November 8, 2018

Source: Messe Frankfurt

ANDRITZ To Supply A Complete Needlepunch Line To Spain-based Grupo SARI (Rubi Industrial)

GRAZ, Austria — November 8, 2018 — International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Grupo SARI (Rubi Industrial), to supply a neXline needlepunch line for the production of needlepunched felts. The line will process several types of raw material such as polyester, polypropylene, bi-component fibers, and viscose, and will produce needlepunched felts for technical markets including automotive, construction and filtration. The line is scheduled for start-up towards the end of 2018.

The scope of supply includes all of the machines and equipment — from opening and blending to the end of line. The line incorporates cutting-edge ANDRITZ technologies and equipment, such as:

  • a TCF-X high-capacity chute feed;
  • an eXcelle Dynamic card;
  • a Dynamic Crosslapper;
  • the state-of-the-art ProDyn and Isolayer systems for weight evenness;
  • a drafter; and
  • high-speed needlelooms A50.

Grupo SARI (Rubi Industrial), headquartered in Rubi, Spain, is specialized in the manufacture of nonwoven fabrics. The company has several plants in Spain and France and distributes its products mainly in Europe. It has gradually expanded its presence in various technical sectors (such as automotive, filtration, or construction) through key investments as well as increasing its R&D capabilities and continues to focus on developing its competencies in these markets to gain further relevance as a key producer of nonwovens.

In pursuit of this objective, Grupo SARI will launch this needlepunching line, with state-of-the-art ANDRITZ technology and versatile capabilities to offer a wide range of products, in order to provide the most appropriate solutions for each of the technical markets mentioned above.

Posted November 8, 2018

Source: ANDRITZ

17 New ASTM International Proficiency Testing Program Accreditations Bring Total To 45

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — November 8, 2018 — Today, ASTM International announced the addition of accreditation for the globally-recognized American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) for 17 of its proficiency testing programs.

The new accreditations cover programs including:

  • Diesel exhaust fluid;
  • Octane;
  • Polyethylene plastics;
  • Thermoplastics;
  • Stainless steel;
  • Aluminum;
  • Woven fabrics; and
  • Knit fabrics, and more.

“Labs that turn to ASTM International to help monitor their strengths and weaknesses throughout their organizations can enjoy increased confidence in knowing that their programs meet strict competency standards,” says Tim Brooke, vice president of laboratory services at ASTM.

The recent additions bring the total number of ASTM International programs that have achieved A2LA accreditation to 45, including cetane, engine coolants, biodiesel, and many more. More than 95 percent of ASTM’s proficiency testing programs have now been accredited.

Programs accredited through A2LA are assessed against criteria from a key standard: Conformity Assessment – General Requirements for Proficiency Testing (ISO/IEC 17043:2010).

More than 5,000 laboratories use ASTM’s statistical quality assurance tools in the proficiency testing programs.

Posted November 8, 2018

Source: ASTM International

Jabil, Recovery Force Advance Blood-Clot Prevention With New E-Textile Technology

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — November 8, 2018 — Today, Jabil unveiled a collaboration with Recovery Force to advance next-generation wearable medical technology. Praised as “a marvel of engineering” by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Recovery Force’s patented  technology delivers groundbreaking mobile compression to enhance circulation. The technology addresses a host of therapeutic conditions, including the prevention of blood clots (DVT) and reduction of post-operative pain as well as alleviating joint pain and sore muscles.

Jabil helped Recovery Force develop this platform technology, which embeds shape-changing memory fibers into various garments and footwear to produce therapeutic compressions. While this achievement on its own is a great clinical advancement, Recovery Force accomplishes this in a comfortable, lightweight and mobile form factor without requiring bladders, pumps, cords or electrical stimulation.

“Our technology lets patients and consumers be mobile, giving them a much better experience and quality of life after surgery, sports performances or other activities,” said Recovery Force Co-founder and CEO Matt Wyatt.

Still, leaving the wires and tubes behind was no easy feat.”We needed help to accelerate the technology yet struggled to find the right mix of capabilities,” explained Recovery Force Co-founder and executive vice president Matt Wainscott. “What we really needed was a total turnkey solution.” Not only did Jabil understand the challenges of textile-integrated electronics, a team of global experts were adept at adhering to strict quality guidelines and ISO 13485:2016 certification.

With Jabil, Recovery Force discovered a a dedicated manufacturing partner capable of assembling the disparate pieces of a complex technology and textile puzzle. Strong collaboration ensured the wearable technology was rigid enough to include pulsating wires without compromising flexibility or comfort.

“Jabil and Recover Force have developed a medical device to reduce healthcare costs by improving patient outcomes and compliance, which has taken our products to the next level,” concluded  Wainscott. Recovery Force’s first product, a compression back device to enhance blood circulation, will pave the way for future products. That device is targeted for release in the first half of 2019, followed by a calf device later in the year.

Posted November 8, 2018

Source: Jabil

GAEBB Group BV Acquires Assets Of Charles Vögele

MUNICH, Germany — November 8, 2018 — GAEBB Group BV, a joint venture formed by Great American Group LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of B. Riley Financial Inc., and bebe stores inc. has acquired the rights to purchase the assets of European fashion retailer Charles Vögele GmbH.

GAEBB has purchased substantially all common stock and assets, including remaining store inventory and merchandise, real estate, intellectual property and certain other assets. The purchase of the Charles Vögele businesses in Slovenia and Hungary was completed by GAEBB Group on September 25, 2018, and the purchase of its Austrian shares was completed on November 6, 2018.

On October 22, 2018, Austrian insolvency administrators approved the Charles Vögele restructuring plan. As part of the restructuring plan, GA Europe, a division of Great American Group, is executing a store closure program which will enable the retailer to focus on its remaining profitable operations. This deal broadens Great American Group’s footprint across Europe with expanded presence in Austria, Slovenia and Hungary.

“Charles Vögele is one of the largest and well-known fashion retailers in Europe and is highly-regarded among its loyal customers,” said Dr. Tino Bauer, managing director of GA Europe. “We believe we are uniquely positioned to restore its value and breathe new life into this iconic brand through our deep retail advisory experience and operations management expertise. After completing the restructuring plan, we believe that the business can be continued on a profitable basis.”

“We’re excited to partner with GA Europe on this opportunity,” said Manny Mashouf, CEO of bebe stores. “Charles Vögele has a strong reputation in the consumer marketplace, and I believe our combined expertise allows us to take this unique investment opportunity and realize the value of this brand.”

Posted November 8, 2018

Source: Great American Group, LLC

INVISTA’s Orange, Texas, Site Sets ADN Production Record

ORANGE, Texas — November 7, 2018 — INVISTA’s site in Orange, Texas, set a 12-month production record for adiponitrile (ADN), a key ingredient for nylon 6,6 plastics and fibers.

“Since deployment of our most advanced ADN technology at the Orange site in 2014, the facility has consistently set production volume records,” said Bill Greenfield, president, INVISTA Intermediates. “In today’s market, every pound is really important to our customers and the industry. I’m proud the team has continued this production trend through the third quarter of 2018 with another 12-month record.”

The performance increases can be attributed to the company’s latest ADN technology, which was developed at INVISTA’s global R&D facilities and piloted at the Orange site where it has been deployed for nearly five years. The technology brings improved product yields, reduced energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced process stability and reduced capital intensity, compared to existing technologies.

Role of INVISTA’s advanced ADN technology in short-term support for the global nylon 6,6 value chain

INVISTA is deploying its latest ADN technology in existing facilities and working to optimize production to increase yield even further.

  • INVISTA Orange: Since deployment in 2014, improvements in performance have enabled the Orange facility to set numerous production volume records.
  • Butachimie (INVISTA joint venture with Solvay in France): Announced approval to deploy the latest technology in 2017. The project is scheduled to come online in 2019.
  • INVISTA Victoria: Announced $250 million project at Victoria site to upgrade its manufacturing technology and increase production of ADN. Targeted to come online in 2020.

INVISTA’s long-term support for the global nylon 6,6 value chain

INVISTA recently announced a new world-scale ADN plant that will be located in China. Engineering is underway for a minimum 300,000-ton plant at an estimated investment in excess of $1 billion. Construction is targeted for 2020 and production would begin in 2023.

Posted November 8, 2018

Source: INVISTA

Silver Nanoparticles And Boron Nitride To Help Get Rid Of Carbon Monoxide Emissions

MOSCOW — November 7, 2018 — Russian chemists from NUST MISIS have developed a new hybrid catalyst for carbon monoxide oxidation consisting of hexagonal boron nitride and silver nanoparticles. This material makes it possible to get a full conversion of carbon monoxide at only 194°C. As stated in the Journal of Catalysis, this temperature is nowhere near the process’s record temperatures, but in the future, chemists can reduce the temperature of catalysis more by increasing the concentration of silver in the hybrid material.

Carbon monoxide (carbonous oxide) is one of the most harmful gases to people, but the gas is everywhere as it is released through car engine exhaust. Catalytic converters, which oxidize the gas to non-toxic nitrogen dioxide through catalytic reactions, are typically used to get rid of cars’ carbon monoxide exhaust. However, due to the increase in the efficiency of modern engines and a decrease in the temperature of the exhaust gases, catalysts have dramatically lost efficiency and as a result, carbon monoxide content has increased in them.

To fight this effect, chemists are actively looking for new types of catalysts for CO oxidation that can work at relatively low temperatures — around 150-200°C. American scientists have recently developed a catalyst for the carbon monoxide oxidation of individual platinum atoms distributed over the surface of cerium oxide. Some materials have allowed scientists to oxidize CO with a lower rate of conversion at temperatures below 100 degrees.

A group of chemists from Russia and Australia led by NUST MISIS’s Professor Dmitri V. Golberg has discovered a new effective catalyst that can be used to convert carbon monoxide. Scientists had previously shown that hybrid materials based on hexagonal boron nitride and silver nanoparticles are promising for this purpose. Similar materials, where boron nitride served as a carrier matrix for metal nanoparticles of the catalyst, have also been proposed, including for carbon monoxide oxidation, but gold and platinum were previously thought to be the best metals to conduct oxidation.

It turns out that hybrid materials with cheaper silver nanoparticles are also a very effective catalyst. To obtain these silver nanoparticles, researchers used the decomposition reaction of silver nitrate under the effect of ultraviolet light in a solution of polyethylene glycol. This approach allows scientists to obtain monodisperse silver particles up to 10 nanometers in size, which are uniformly deposited on the surface of layered boron nitride and on the polymer matrix of polyethylene glycol.

Materials with the maximum concentration of silver nanoparticles, which amounted to about 1.4 percent by weight, turned out to be the most effective. Such a hybrid catalyst allows carbon monoxide to be oxidized to carbon dioxide at a temperature of just 194°C. This number is still far from record values, but according to the researchers, in the future the temperature of the catalyst’s work can be reduced further by increasing the concentration of silver nanoparticles, and in particular, by transforming them from the polymer matrix to boron nitride.

However, scientists do note that the current parameters of the catalyst only make it possible to use them to clean things like factories emitting harmful emissions. In the future, by reducing the temperature of the carbon monoxide conversion, these materials can also be used to reduce the ratio of carbon monoxide in vehicle emissions.

The development of catalysts for the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide is relevant for the purification of harmful emissions as well as catalysts for other gas reactions-such as those to handle the decomposition of methane or to reduce carbon dioxide to hydrocarbons. Scientists around the globe are developing these catalysts to solve a number of technological and ecological issues.

You can read more about the most pressing issues of modern heterogeneous catalysis in the interview with British chemist Graham Hutchings.

Posted November 7, 2018

Source: National University of Science and Technology MISiS

Covestro To Host Summit Exploring The Future Of Automotive Mobility

PITTSBURGH — November 7, 2018 — Building on a rich history of innovation and collaboration in the automotive industry, Covestro will step forward as the first materials supplier to host a mobility summit, exploring the disruptive trends that are transforming the future of transportation. The half-day event will be held December 3 at the Energy Innovation Center in downtown Pittsburgh, home to Covestro’s North American headquarters.

The first-of-its-kind summit is called “RoadTrip 2030: Designing today for the passengers of tomorrow.” Those who can’t attend in person will have the option to participate virtually via a live broadcast.

RoadTrip 2030 will bring together the innovative players that are leading the charge toward a driverless future — from automakers, suppliers and ridesharing companies to research, engineering and design institutes. These diverse perspectives will converge in a dynamic program exploring the trends, concepts and materials that are shaping the future of automotive mobility.

“Designing for the passengers of tomorrow will require an unprecedented level of collaboration from industries throughout the value chain,” said Currie Crookston, head of Innovation at Covestro LLC, who will also serve as master of ceremonies at the event. “That’s why we’re so excited to convene such a diverse group of visionaries, in a city that has become a national hub for emerging vehicle technologies.”

The agenda features a mix of panel discussions, a keynote presentation and “backseat chats.” Confirmed speakers include:

  • Christian Crews, Futurist, Kalypso;
  • John McElroy, Host of Autoline Daily, Autoline This Week and Autoline After Hours, and President of Blue Sky Productions;
  • Raj Rajkumar, Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, and co-director of the General Motors-Carnegie Mellon Vehicular Information Technology Collaborative Research Lab;
  • Chris D’Eramo, Industrial Design Lead, Uber Advanced Technologies Group;
  • Paul Snyder, Chairperson, Transportation Design, College of Creative Studies;
  • Hans Dorfi, Director of Core Systems Engineering, Bridgestone Americas;
  • David Schutt, CEO, SAE International;
  • Paige Kassalen, Market Analyst, Future of Mobility, Covestro LLC;
  • Paul Platte, Mobility – Automotive, Covestro LLC;
  • Courtney Linder, Business Technology Reporter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette;
  • Nicole Wakelin, Freelance Automotive Journalist and Editor;
  • Robert Schoenberger, Editor, Today’s Motor Vehicles; and
  • James Rock, CEO, Seegrid.

A virtual journey into the future
RoadTrip 2030 will also serve as the launchpad for Covestro’s new virtual reality program, showcasing the critical role that materials will play in designing autonomous vehicle interiors that cater to diverse passenger needs. The immersive experience will transport attendees to the year 2030, where they can hop into the passenger seat of a virtual rideshare.

“We’ve been working closely with leading designers and industry experts to research mobility trends and visualize how those trends will impact the passenger experience a decade from now,” said Crookston. “RoadTrip 2030 presents us with the perfect opportunity to share our vision of the future and, hopefully, inspire the innovative thinking and collaborative solutions that will one day bring it to life.”

Posted November 7, 2018

Source: Covestro LLC

Axalta Opens Research & Development Center Dedicated To Coatings And Color At The Navy Yard In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — November 7, 2018 — Axalta, a global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, today celebrated the official opening of its coatings Global Innovation Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The 175,000-foot Global Innovation Center offers specialty labs, as well as office space. Its location in Philadelphia’s historic Navy Yard enables collaboration among Axalta employees, business partners, and customers throughout the Philadelphia area and beyond.

“Axalta’s Global Innovation Center will become the central hub for our global research, product development, and technology initiatives where we develop and deliver the most innovative coatings products in the world,” said Robert Bryant, Interim CEO, Axalta. “Whether in color technology, polymer and formulation chemistry, or application knowledge, the world-class capabilities and talent at Axalta’s Global Innovation Center will fuel new products and deliver the solutions that our customers want to grow their businesses into the future.”

Bryant and Axalta Chief Technology Officer Barry Snyder were joined at today’s ceremony by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, PIDC President John Grady, Liberty Property Trust Senior Vice President and Regional Director John Gattuso, and Axalta employees. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf also provided remarks, heralding Axalta’s economic contributions to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with current and future jobs planned for the Global Innovation Center, in addition to those presently provided by the Company in Philadelphia, Glen Mills, and Exton.

“The City of Philadelphia is known for the innovative spirit that founded our nation. This spirit still permeates today with countless companies choosing our city to put down roots for growth,” said Mayor Kenney. “Five years ago, Axalta showed its commitment to Philadelphia by relocating its global headquarters to Center City. Today, they open the doors to the Global Innovation Center, bringing new, highly-skilled jobs to Philadelphia. I thank Axalta for their contributions to our region and wish the company many prosperous years at the Navy Yard.”

The Navy Yard location offers an attractive workplace for new talent, and the Axalta campus was built with researchers in mind, modeling an academic setting with a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to foster teamwork and creativity.

“Axalta’s team of scientists and technicians at the Global Innovation Center will develop next generation coatings products and keep pace with emerging application needs,” said Barry Snyder, Axalta’s chief technology officer. “Regulations and customer demands call for newer technologically advanced coatings.  The increasing use of light-weight plastic and composite materials in vehicles to save fuel require new coatings formulations. Developing products to suit these and other needs will be the mission of the Global Innovation Center and Axalta’s worldwide research and development network.”

“There has been a long history of innovation at the Navy Yard, from the design and construction of state-of-the-art battleships and commercial vessels to today’s leading companies working on innovations like therapies to treat cancer, electric microgrids, energy efficiency buildings, and now coatings and color technologies that are used on products all around the world,” said John Grady, president, PIDC. “We are proud to gather today with our partners to cut the ribbon on Axalta’s Global Innovation Center at the Navy Yard and continue this tradition of innovation for years to come.”

The building, which is owned and developed by Liberty Property/Synterra, was designed by Erdy McHenry and merges design elements present throughout the Navy Yard. The front of the building is reminiscent of the classically inspired buildings preserved in the adjacent historic core of the Navy Yard, while the back of the building resembles the lofts and warehouse facilities nearby. The front of the building also features a two-story glass façade to maximize daylight while utilizing angled vanes to reduce glare and shade staff from the low angles of the late afternoon sun.

“Today we celebrate this exceptional new building and our strong partnership with Axalta, which entrusted Liberty with the important job of designing and developing their first Global Innovation Center,” said John Gattuso, senior vice president and regional director for Liberty Property Trust. “As the hub for vital research and development functions, every detail of the building has been arranged with the intention to excite and inspire all who work or visit. In the Navy Yard, Axalta will also benefit from the campus-like and collaborative environment set among many other leading-edge companies in their respective fields.”

The morning ribbon cutting began with a ceremonial rendition of the national anthem by the choir of Serviam Girls Academy, based in New Castle, Delaware. Axalta has partnered with Serviam as part of its commitment to STEM education, which includes the Axalta All-Pro Teachers Program with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia Science Festival with the Franklin Institute, and several other programs that honor STEM educators and students throughout Greater Philadelphia, North America, and other regions globally.

After the public ribbon cutting ceremony, Axalta hosted more than 100 customers for a first look of the Global Innovation Center with tours of the facility.

Posted November 7, 2018

Source: Axalta

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