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Why polymer solar cells deserve their place in the sun

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via EurekAlert

Polymer solar cells may lag behind traditional silicon solar cells in longevity and efficiency, but could ultimately power autonomous remote sensors and wearable technology.

Unlike traditional silicon solar cells, organic polymer solar cells (PSCs) may never cover the hillsides of a megawatt solar farm. But, these lightweight, flexible cells show potential to provide solar power to remote microwatt sensors, wearable technology and the Wi-Fi-connected appliances constituting the “internet of things.”

Read the full story here: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-02/aiop-wps021618.php

Extruder makers hopeful for strong 2018

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via Plastics News

End market diversity is the blessing for manufacturers of extruders.

Extruders are used to make pipe and siding in the construction market, sheet and blown film in packaging and tubing for medical. Not to mention custom extrusion for everything from aerospace to writing instruments.

One slow market segment can be offset by another hot one, machinery officials said.

In construction, single-family housing starts were up 8 percent year to date through October, from the same period a year ago, on pace to hit an annual rate of 877,000 in 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Starts are beginning to get a boost from reconstruction activity from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Read the full story here: http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20171205/NEWS/171209960/extruder-makers-hopeful-for-strong-2018

Precious Plastic

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A 27-year-old created a series of machines to revolutionize how we recycle

via Insider 

Dave Hakkens of the Netherlands has designed a mini recycling plant. He posts how-to videos on his YouTube page that explain how to build each machine.

Blueprints and videos are free to the public.

More information here: http://www.thisisinsider.com/precious-plastic-machines-will-change-how-we-recycle-2016-4