Latest news with #materials


The Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Les Squires obituary
My friend Les Squires, who has died aged 76, was a scientific specialist in non-woven fabrics. He developed many materials and fabrics for medical, hygiene, insulation, agricultural and construction uses. After a long period in research at the chemicals company Johnson & Johnson, in the late 1970s he set up a business called Web Dynamics with a friend, Tim Woodbridge, to make new materials. They opened a factory near Bolton in Lancashire, and though they had some scary times as the economy fluctuated, they persevered and ultimately became very successful, opening a second factory in China. Behind his gentle, unassuming exterior Les had an inner core of steel, and in his professional life he would not be taken for a fool, nor would he back away from a challenge. He was one of the most capable people I have ever met, diligent and thorough in everything he did. Born in Wythenshawe in Manchester, Les was the first child of Bill, a post office administrator, and Joan (nee Rutter). Having failed the 11-plus, he left Sharston secondary modern school to work in Manchester for Geigy (later Ciba-Geigy) as a lab technician, using his time there to study for HNC and HND qualifications. When his girlfriend, Jean Lawton, went to Leeds University to study English literature, he visited her there, and decided that if she and her friends could do a degree, then so could he. After acquiring further qualifications he was accepted on to a degree course in colour chemistry at Leeds, where we met, staying on to do a PhD in polymer chemistry, followed by an MBA at Dundee University. Having married Jean in 1973, Les's first postgraduate job was with Johnson & Johnson in Gargrave in North Yorkshire, where he joined a team developing sanitary and medical materials including wound dressings. Promotion took him to Portsmouth in Hampshire before he moved in 1990 to work for a different company, Don & Low in Forfar in Scotland, where he patented several non-woven fabrics for use in construction and agriculture before setting up Web Dynamics in 1997. Les retired in 2018. He loved the outdoors, and he and I would often go hiking and climbing in north Wales and Scotland. He was also interested in gardening and home brewing, and the two of us played folk and classical music together, with Les on keyboards and me on violin. He is survived by Jean, their sons, Andrew and Neil, grandchildren Ben and Alice and his sister Janet.


Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
NMDC Energy, China's Hilong explores JVs in coating, materials works
Abu Dhabi-listed NMDC Energy and China's Shanghai Hilong Shine New Materials Co. (Hilong) signed a memorandum of understanding to explore joint ventures for coating and materials works in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Chinese company manufactures products related to high-end coating and new materials for industrial heavy-duty anti corrosion, NMDC Energy said in a statement. This includes oil country tubular goods coating and materials, pipeline coating and materials, concrete weight coating, and internal pipeline inspection. NMDC Energy reported a 25 percent year-on-year increase in net profit to AED 217 million in the first quarter of 2025, thanks to a 75 percent annual surge in revenues. (Writing by P Deol; Editing by Anoop Menon) ( Subscribe to our Projects' PULSE newsletter that brings you trustworthy news, updates and insights on project activities, developments, and partnerships across sectors in the Middle East and Africa.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS) Market worth $2.32 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.01%, says MarketsandMarkets™
Delray Beach, FL, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In terms of value, the HALS Market is estimated to grow from USD 1.54 billion in 2024 to USD 2.32 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.01%, as per the recent study by MarketsandMarkets™. The market is expanding due to the rising trend of durable and weather-resistant materials in the automotive industry. HALS plays a crucial role in extending the lifespan of vehicles exposed to harsh climates. Advanced polymers enhanced with HALS are preferred to enhance the crystallization rate and mechanical strength of materials Recent developments in HALS technology have enabled the creation of high-performance light stabilizers with greater efficiency and lifespan. Some developments include the incorporation of nanotechnology to produce nano-HALS, which provides superior dispersion and stability in polymer matrices. Also, implementing reactive HALS that chemically anchors into the polymer chain provides resistance to extraction and migration under harsh environmental conditions. Such technologies not only enhance the resistance and UV-stability of materials but also meet sustainability objectives by lowering the frequency of replacement or maintenance, thus changing the competitive conditions for manufacturers. Story Continues Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market for HALS and is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This dominance is mainly led by rapid urbanization and industrialization across China, India, and Southeast Asian countries. The automotive and building & construction industry growth has contributed to the rising demand for UV-resistant, durable materials. HALS are widely used in automotive components and construction materials to increase longevity and performance in harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, the favorable economic policies and growing manufacturing base drive HALS market within the region. The HALS market is segmented as polymeric, monomeric, and oligomeric based on type. Among these types, polymeric HALS accounted for the largest market share in terms of value in 2023 and will continue to dominate during the forecast period. This dominance is attributed to their lower volatility, long-term UV protection, and superior thermal stability. These properties make them highly suitable for the automotive, building & construction, packaging, and agriculture industries. Reduced migration of polymeric HALS during processing and their compatibility with a wide range of polymers contribute to their rising demand across end-use industries. Polymeric HALS are finding greater application in automotive coatings due to their better resistance to UV degradation and thermal stress. For example, BASF's Tinuvin product line features polymeric HALS specifically formulated for automotive exterior components and coatings, ensuring long-term protection and color retention in high-exposure conditions. In addition, SABO's SABOSTAB portfolio, featuring high-performance HALS for agricultural films, provides increased stability under long-term UV exposure with retained mechanical properties. These developments reflect the segment's transition toward long-life, application-specific stabilization solutions that pass rigorous durability requirements in key end-use markets. Get Customization on this Report: The HALS market is segmented into automotive, building & construction, packaging, agriculture, and others based on industry. The automotive industry was the largest end-use industry in terms of value in 2023, mainly driven by the increasing industrial need for high-performance materials that endure long exposure to UV radiation, heat, and environmental stress. HALS are used across various applications, such as plastic parts, coatings, and interior components, to improve durability, maintain appearance, and prolong service life. The lightweight vehicle trend and rising uses of polymers in exterior and interior automotive components also drive the demand for HALS in the industry. For example, Arkema provides its SpeedBlock line of HALS products specifically developed to provide long-term color stability and protection under harsh environmental exposure. These applications illustrate how HALS technology enables contemporary vehicle components' durability and visual integrity to meet OEM demands for extended service life and material sustainability. The HALS market is opening up with increasing opportunities fueled by strategic expansions, collaborations, and geographical diversification. Major players are consolidating their international presence and supply base to cater to high-demanding geographies effectively. For instance, SABO S.p.A.'s formation of SABO International Americas in Florida and a distribution facility in Georgia indicates a focused strategy to address increasing demand within North America through a diversified product portfolio of USDA bio-preferred certified offerings. Similarly, Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd.'s exclusive distribution agreement with Krahn Italia S.p.A. highlights the need for localized alliances to support expanded market access and improved service quality, especially in Europe. To leverage these trends, industry players need to emphasize regional expansion, customized product offerings, and strategic collaborations congruent with regulatory changes and customer performance expectations. These actions will facilitate long-term growth and competitive differentiation in an increasingly application-specific HALS market. Browse Adjacent Markets Specialty Chemicals Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: CONTACT: About MarketsandMarkets™ MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. 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