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March 2021 / 43 NANOTECHNOLOGY Nanotechnology used for PET foam Sabic, a chemical manufacturing company based in Saudi Arabia, has used nanotechnology in the production of polyethylene ter- ephthalate (PET) foams for core materials in sandwich structures, which are composites held together by two skins. The new product features improved control over nucleation and cell growth, which creates smaller cell size and uni- form, narrow cell-size distribution compared to previous methods. The smaller cell size means the new PET materials have a reduced foam weight by minimizing resin uptake in sandwich structures as well as potentially increased strength properties. for improving melt strength and thermoformability. The nanotech- nology can be adapted for other resins in addition to PET, making it bene cial to a variety of industries. To learn more, visit www.sabic.com. ISU studies COVID-19 using nanotechnology The Nanovaccine Institute at Iowa State University (ISU) is develop- ing a COVID-19 vaccine that can be administered in one dose using nasal inhalation instead of nee- dles. The vaccine also won't require refrigeration, unlike other currently approved vaccines. "Our hope is for those clinical trials to begin sometime in the next 12 months, and once those clinical trials are complete, then we would be able to have a product," says According to Sunamita Anun- ciação, Sabic's LNP business development manager, the new material "may help to expand adoption of PET foam materials in a wide range of applications, from building insulation and cladding, to boat hulls and decks, to the core of wind turbine blades. In addition to improving PET foam's mechani- cal properties, our technology helps reduce weight, which opens new opportunities for sustainability. For example, lighter foam core mate- rials can allow designers to create longer, more ef cient wind blades. Lighter materials also reduce envi- ronmental impacts from shipping." In addition to being used for foaming processes, Sabic's new nanotechnology solution can also be used as a rheological modi er PROCESSING THE INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS MICRO INGREDIENT SYSTEMS & CONTROLS www.apecusa.com 616.374.1000