A New Kind of Polymer Heat Conductor

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frangible bullets, frangible projectiles, gamma ray shielding, high density polymers, high-density plastics, radiation shielding materials, Vibration damping material

Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new kind of plastic material. The polymer thermal conductor, rather than insulating heat, dispels it and functioned as a heat conductor. The new plastic is malleable, lightweight, and capable of conducting about ten times as much heat as most commercial polymers.

Lengthy monomer chains create the polymers. Usually, such chains wind up snarled in a sphere, which traps heat conductors. Engineers remained determined to solve this issue and, for years, experimented with an assortment of polymer conductors, but none were successful. Then they began to consider whether a scattering polymer would work.

The engineers started using oxidative chemical vapor disposition (oCVD), which developed into a rigid polymer chain and not the usual ball of tangled strands. The oxidant was flowed into a chamber with a vapor of monomers. The unit oxidized and formed polymers and the engineers then fabricated large-scale samples (about the size of a thumbprint).

The polymer samples performed remarkably. They conducted heat at roughly 2 watts per meter per kelvin. Such was roughly ten times faster than conventional polymers. The engineering team plans to conduct more research and also experimenting with how the new material could possibly work with electronics and other products.

Ecomass Technologies

Since 1998, Ecomass Technologies has provided innovative solutions through advanced composite materials and engineered thermoplastics. It is the groundbreaking leader in patented, non-toxic, high density plastics, high density polymers, and high gravity compounds. Its products are used widely in a number of applications, including radiation shielding materials, gamma ray shielding, vibration damping material, frangible projectiles, and frangible bullets, and molded solutions.

Like MIT, Ecomass’ engineers work with its costumers, both government and private industry, solve physical property and material challenges. Their design expertise takes you a concept all the way to a finished product or part. And, they support you every step along the way.

All of Ecomass Technologies’ Compounds meet the EU RoHS Directives, are 100% lead free, and contain no toxic constituents or U.S. EPA hazardous materials. They also comply with the Dodd-Frank Act, Section 1502.

If you have a special requirement, contact Ecomass Technologies via its RFQ Form at:

http://www.ecomass.com/contact-us/

Or see its website at: http://www.ecomass.com

It is probably already working on a solution.

 

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Injectable Medications in Polymer Syringes

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frangible bullets, frangible projectiles, gamma ray shielding, high density polymers, High gravity compounds, high-density plastics, radiation shielding materials, Vibration damping material

Various medications are injectable. Biologics, or medicines extracted or manufactured from organic sources, are one kind of injectable pharmaceutical. They successfully treat numerous autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, as well as Multiple Sclerosis and Cancer. Biologics are becoming more popular everyday. Antipsychotic medications, insulin and other diabetes treatments, and fertility treatments are other examples of injectable pharmaceuticals.

Prefilled syringes containing appropriate doses of injectable medications provide numerous advantages for both doctors and patients. They always contain the proper dosage amounts. Such greatly diminishes dosing errors and safeguards patients’ welfare, saves resources and costs, and improves patient compliance. And, for the patient who self injects, they make an unpleasant situation just a little more tolerable.

Prefilled Polymer Syringes

Prefilled glass syringes currently govern the injectable market. And, for some pharmaceuticals, glass remains the ideal storage material. Heparin, for example, remains stable and uncontaminated in prefilled glass syringes for decades, so it’s unlikely manufacturers will change its mechanisms for this and similar products. Viscous substances, such as dermal fillings, however, require a stable gliding force and a hardy leak free connection, protections that plastic syringes provide. Polymer syringes contain these protections.

Plastics engineers created a pioneering class of thermo elastic polymers that are as clear as glass, but weigh less, are highly resistant to breakage, and which actually prolong the medication’s shelf life. Such contain Daikyo crystal zeniths that that offer a range of properties that drug manufacturers like. They include:

• high heat resistance

• high break resistance

• increased low temperature tolerance, including exposure to freeze drying and liquid nitrogen exposure

• superior drain ability

• high transparency

• low surface energy and an 80 contact angle (glass has a 7 contact angle)

• Environmentally friendly (syringe can be incinerated without any residual ash)

• Wide pH range (from 2 to 12)

Ecomass Technologies

Since 1998, Ecomass Technologies has provided innovative solutions through advanced composite materials and engineered thermoplastics. It works with both government and private industry to solve physical property and material challenges.

Ecomass is the groundbreaking leader in patented, non-toxic, high density plastic, high density polymers, and high gravity compounds. Its products are used widely in a number of applications, including radiation shielding materials, gamma ray shielding, vibration damping material, frangible projectiles, and frangible bullets, and molded solutions.

All of Ecomass Technologies’ Compounds meet the EU RoHS Directives, are 100% lead free, and contain no toxic constituents or U.S. EPA hazardous materials. They also comply with the Dodd-Frank Act, Section 1502.

If you have a special requirement, contact Ecomass Technologies today. It has probably already solved it

Lead Bullets are Poisoning Eagles

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frangible projectiles, high density polymers, High gravity compounds, high-density plastics, Lead free ammunition, thermoplastic composite materials, vibration dampening

In early December 2017, Veterinarians at City Wildlife in Washington, D.C. treated a bald eagle suffering from advanced stages of lead poisoning. A Maryland police officer found the bird suffering by road. The center discovered high levels of lead in the bird’s system. Despite the center’s efforts, the bird died. It’s the third Eagle the center lost to lead poisoning in 2017.

A spokesperson for the center explained that the birds, which represent our nation, ingest carcasses of animals shot with toxic lead bullets. After hunters shoot animals and gut them, they leave the innards, which attract Eagles and other scavenging animals, who then suffer lead poisoning.

Veterinarians don’t exactly know how many animals succumb to lead poisoning. For every animal that’s known to suffer and die, so many more remain unnoticed.

Lead-free bullets would solve the problem, yet many oppose laws mandating their use, including pro-gun groups such as the NRA.

Ecomass Technologies

Ecomass Technologies specializes in developing High density plastic, high density polymers, high gravity compounds, and engineered thermoplastics. Its sales and engineering teams help commercial and government customers solve physical property challenges by developing over 100 high gravity thermoplastic composite materials engineered for weighting, balancing, radiation shielding, and vibration dampening applications.

Ecomass’ compounds replace lead and other metallic materials. They provide the design and production advantages of injection molded plastics, can be formulated up to lead’s density, and deliver metal’s physical properties. They help eliminating the need for secondary operations and, thus, reduce costs.

Lead Free Ammunition

One of Ecomass’ first and most significant high gravity applications remains the production of nontoxic lead free projectiles. It originally developed the ammunition for military and law enforcement. Such projectiles improve safety and eliminate lead contamination risk. Moreover, the frangible projectiles fully function and pass military and ammunition manufacturer’s strict ballistic performance tests.

All of Ecomass Technologies’ Compounds meet the EU RoHS Directives, are 100% lead free, and contain no toxic constituents or U.S. EPA hazardous materials. They also comply with the Dodd-Frank Act, Section 1502.

If you have a special requirement, contact Ecomass Technologies today. It has probably already solved it

Canadian Armed Forces Looks into Green Ammo

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frangible projectiles, green ammo, high density plastic, Lead free ammunition, lead replacement

In 2011, the Canadian Armed Forces, in response to concerns that its shooting ranges were threatening water sources, began searching for a new type of ammunition. Explosive rounds, particularly those from Howitzer artillery, scattered training sites. The military worried that the toxic chemicals inside the water-soluble rounds could seep into the drinking water.

A few years later, project RIGHTTRAC (Revolutionary Insensitive, Green and Healthier Training Technology with Reduced Adverse Contamination) found that the military could meet environmental concerns, plus lessen human health threats and save money all with one superior product – green ammo.

Artillery shells explode in specific conditions. Sometimes rounds partially and sometimes they don’t explodeat all. Partial or unexploded artillery doesn’t degrade in soil and migrates to groundwater, where it causes seriousenvironmental problems and drinking water health concerns.

The green ammo, initially designed just for training, proved more effective and more practical, meaning it could eventually become standard.

Ecomass Technologies

For nearly twenty years, Ecomass Technologies has provided innovative solutions through advanced composite materials, heavy plastics, and engineered thermoplastics. It’s worked with industry and government to overcome physical property and material challenges to meet their application needs. Its experience and proficiency in the formulation and development of high density thermoplastic compounds provides customers the freedom to function while it solves challenges. Ecomass Technologies’ goal is to empower it customers with the best materials at the lowest-cost and allow them to compete in their respective markets.

Frangible Ammunition (Green Ammo)

Frangible ammunition offers a lead free alternative to traditional lead rounds. lead free ammunition is produced with high density plastic, lead replacement, composite material.

Ecomass Technologies utilizes a highly controlled injection molding process to produce frangible projectiles and satisfies strictest tolerances to certify performance and reliability. Its frangible projectiles have passed strict military ballistic performance, as well asmany of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturers’tests.

Ecomass’compounds are RoHS compliant and do not contain any other EPA hazardous or toxic material. As well, all Ecomass Compounds comply with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act.

If you have a special requirement, contact Ecomass Technologies today. It has probably already solved it

 

New Research Could Allow Frangible Projectiles to Disintegrate After Designated Distance

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Frangible ammunition, frangible bullets, frangible projectiles

Frangible ammunition is pretty much the same than any other ammunition, with the key difference being that it uses a copper jacket instead of a lead core. The bullet is designed in such a way that when it hits a target harder than itself at full speed, it crumbles into pieces.

While this type of ammunition is expected to reduce the risk of collateral damage as the fragments are too small to cause any major harm, one of the biggest issues with frangible projectiles, and all other types of bullets for that matter, is that stray shots can often pose serious collateral damage, severe injury, and in some cases, even death.

Turns out a new research could soon be changing how the world looks at frangible bullets. Ernesto Marinero, professor of materials engineering, recently led a research group that has come up with a new range of frangible bullets which become non-lethal and completely disintegrate after traveling a particular distance, whether or not they hit an object.

The technology combines a limitation of range to the shrapnel-eliminating features of Frangible bullets and the stopping power of normal ammunition to limit the bullet’s range.

These frangible projectiles could drastically reduce the risk of injury and collateral damage, making such bullets even more preferable in sectors such as range shooting, law enforcement and military. The bullets have been patented by the Office of Technology Commercialization at the Purdue Research Foundation and can be licensed by companies.

Lead is Back in America’s Federal Wetlands

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frangible projectiles, Lead free ammunition

The use of lead bullets for waterfowl hunting on federal wetlands was banned by the Fish and Wildlife Service in the year 1991. Lead bullets were also banned on lands within the range of Californian condors in the year 2008. On January 19, 2017, the Obama administration extended the 1991 ban to account for all hunting on all federal wildlife refuges, national parks and lands.

The problem isn’t with the lead bullet itself. It occurs when hunters clean the animal and leave its remains, including the expended lead bullet, on the field. The problem occurs when a shot animal escapes the hunter and dies later. Birds and scavengers then feed on these remains, and often end up eating parts of the lead bullets. Once ingested, the lead hinders their ability to fly, causes starvation and blindness and also leads to seizures and death.

In a complete turn of events, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke rescinded the order as one of his first acts after taking office. Jamie Rappaport Clarke, the CEO of Defenders of Wildlife states that the use of lead ammunition in an age when alternate measures such as lead free ammunition and frangible projectiles are readily available is unacceptable. “We know the incredible harm that lead poses to people and to wildlife,” says Clarke.

Secretary Zinke argues that the law was a step banning hunting on public lands. “It worries me to think about hunting and fishing becoming activities for the land-owning elite,” says Zinke.

Whether or not hunting and fishing are becoming activities for the elite, we do know that the lead bullets that are used by hunters to hunt deer can find its way into venison. So can anyone guess what’s going to be served on dinner plates soon?

It’s never too late though. Some might believe that rescinding the ban was the right thing to do, but common sense dictates that we get rid of lead as soon as possible. With alternatives such as frangible projectiles and lead free ammunition readily available, it seems unimaginable that hunters would make their families and their beloved hunting environment go through the dangers that lead poses.

Activities like hunting and fishing hold a special place in America’s heart, and it is our responsibility to make sure that they’re available for future generations to come. And while the environment around us is already suffering from the dangers of lead poisoning, it still isn’t too late, provided we act now as a society and do something about this issue that affects our children and their future once and for all.

Lead Poisoning Claims Even More Victims

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frangible projectiles, Lead free ammunition

Lead has been used by humans in various forms throughout the ages. From cooking utensils and beauty to commercial and industrial applications, this deadly toxin found its way into all walks of life before humans woke up and realized the danger that it posed in front of humanity and its future generations. Lead was consequently banned in the United States by the mid-nineties, but somewhat bafflingly, it is still used in bullets used to hunt small animals and game birds and in fish tackle. And this is when lead free ammunition is easily and readily available!

The case of lead poisoning is nothing new. Ask any resident of Flint on the dangers of lead and they would probably tell you horror stories as they recount their experience of having to deal with one of the worst health disasters in recent U.S. history. As a society, we seem to be ignorant to the dangers of lead, and that’s a huge surprise considering that agencies have been trying to promote lead free ammunition and educate people on the dangers of lead and lead poisoning for decades.

Bald eagles are the latest victims of lead with cases being reported all over the country. These birds often feed on carcasses that were killed by hunters using lead based ammunition and end up getting exposed to the dangers of lead. The problem is particularly concerning in the Midwest during deer hunting season as hunters often leave gut piles behind which are then scavenged by bald eagles.

One such bald eagle just succumbed to its death in Arlington despite the best efforts of the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center on the very same day when Interior Secretary Ryan Zinkecanceled a last-minute action taken by President Barack Obama to phase out lead based fish tackle and ammunition in national wildlife refuges by the year 2022.

Suzanne West, Director of Sarvey Wildlife Care Center recounts the plight of the dying bird. “This bird made very heart-breaking crying sounds all throughout the day and night. We can only try and hope for the best.” Such was the level of toxicity that the poor creature was subjected to that despite their best efforts, the center’s personnel couldn’t save the bird or reverse the effects of poisoning.

The order issued by the Obama administration was intended to protect these very birds from lead poisoning and promote the use of lead free ammunition. This ammunition, sometimes referred to as green ammo, is produced from frangible bullets made from nontoxic plastic or metal composite materials. However, reports state that Zinke believed that the order would have led to an increase in fishing, hunting and recreational shooting on lands that are currently managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The former congressman also highlighted the importance of consulting local communities and industry experts before passing such actions.

And it isn’t just the bald eagles or nature that is a victim of lead. Small children have also tested positive for lead poisoning after consuming meat from animals that were shot using lead ammunition. “It is bad for wildlife and it’s bad for kids,” says LessanaLahner, a Sarvey veterinarian. She urges using lead free ammunition such as lead-free frangible projectiles or copper bullets, both of which are proven save for wildlife and non-toxic for humans.

Why You Should Switch to Frangible Ammo

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frangible bullets, frangible projectiles

Bullets have been around for a really long time. Man began using bullets made out of lead, stone or clay millennia before the concept of firearms was even developed and the Romans even managed to take the basic bullet to the next level with whistling bullets that traveled at speeds of 100 meters per second and were made using 1-ounce lead balls in their centers. The modern-day bullet has evolved tremendously, with one particular invention holding center stage- the frangible bullet.

The Purpose of a Frangible Bullet

Frangible projectiles were first created for shooting galleries back in the mid-20th century, but as science started to gain a foothold in the industry and the world progressed to a new era, these projectiles became more and more advanced. The main purpose of a frangible bullet is to eliminate or reduce the chance of a backsplash or a ricochet. While the early projectiles were more about minimizing injuries, the modern-day bullets are also about self defense and close-quarter battle.

The Composition of a Modern Day Frangible Projectile

The modern day frangible bullet is made with powder metallurgy, a process that requires sintering and pressing powdered metals into the shape of the bullet. Copper is the most commonly used metal because of its ductile and malleable properties, and also because it easily deforms under comprehensive and tensile stress. Other metals like tin are used as binding agents. The frangibility of these projectiles makes them the ideal choice for self defense, hunting and steel plate shooting. Not only do they offer a cleaner kill and the best chance to drop the attacker, they also disintegrate on impact to reduce the risk of wounding bystanders due to over-penetration.

A Cause for Concern?

Many shooters believe that lightweight projectiles are not accurate. However, when tested in real life situations, every caliber of frangible bullets turned out to be as accurate as non-frangible counterparts at distances that varied from 7 yards to 25 yards. With great accuracy, came great precision as well. In simple terms, accuracy is when you hit the target. Precision is when you hit the exact group where you wanted your bullet to land.

Getting the Job Done

Frangible projectiles aren’t just a great option for steel plates. They’re obviously a great choice for close quarter training, but they can also take your hunting and self defense to the next level. Permanent wound cavities, shattered bones and penetration depth ensure that they have a devastating effect on the target, while a lack of ricochet means that they only affect the intended target and not an innocent bystander. With frangible bullets, you’ll always have the option to get the job done quickly, while making sure it gets done right!

If you’re still to explore the world of frangible projectiles, it’s high time you get into the game. There’s no ricochet, no over-penetration, no backlash and the perfect aim. What’s not to love about this modern-day ammo!

Frangible Bullets Could Make the World a Safer Place

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Frangible ammunition, frangible bullets, frangible projectiles

Frangible projectiles, also called soft rounds, are designed in a way that they break upon impact with hard surfaces rather than ricocheting everywhere during close-quarter action. It presents a great, much-needed change in the way bullets were made for centuries, and departs from the existing school of thought, both in terms of personal protection and range shooting. Most important is that a frangible bullet is made using copper jackets, a refreshing change from the lead bullets and all the damage and lead poisoning they bring along with them.

Jason Villalba, a Texas State Representative, approached ballistic experts and members of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to determine the type of ammo that would be best used as ammunition which can be used by school marshals in active shooter situations.

Even though frangible ammunition is specifically designed to break upon impact with hard surfaces, experts raised a concern that this type of bullet could easily surpass the body of the intended target or sheet rock walls and endanger anyone in the immediate vicinity.

Based on his discussion with experts, Villalba spoke about amending the legislation to state that school marshals will not be allowed to carry the ammo unless it has been specifically been approved by TCOLE. “There are multiple types of frangible ammunition…. there are a number of different types of ammo that can work and will work and are frangible,” says Villalba.

Certain experts including Ken Alexander and Buford Boone who worked with the FBI pointed out concerns about the use of this type of ammo. After all, once a bullet is fired, there is always a chance that it pierces drywall and causes unintended damage. Villalba argued that while no ammunition completely eliminates the risk of collateral damage, frangible bullets are as close as one can get to minimizing the damage and stopping the attacker.

There are several different types of frangible ammunition in the market, and experts are currently testing ammunition that can be added to the included list by TCOLE. Sgt. Wade Parham, an instructor with ALERT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Program) believes that there isn’t any pistol ammo that fails to penetrate walls and breaks up at the same time. He also says that while frangible projectiles might shatter into pieces when it hits common materials used in schools such as concrete, brick or hard tile floors.

The act that brought the role of school marshal came into existence after the Sandy Hook school shooting back in 2013, and this position is given to a volunteer whose role is only known to the school administrator and local law enforcement. There are certain specifics such as frangible bullets, firearms proficiency, training requirements and mental health evaluation that needs to be taken into account as well.

Says Villalba, “We want to ensure legislation is revised so that it will maximize the safety of our children and safeguard against an active shooter, protecting our children, our students, and do everything we can to find the best way to provide that last line of defense and keep others safe in these horrible situations.”

Technology undergoes continuous change and this means that newer, safer and more effective means of ammunition are bound to crop up from time to time. Villalba’s openness to amend the legislation is good news for all as it can bring various experts together and help chart out the best way forward.

Ammo the Key to Hunting Deer?

Tags

Frangible ammunition, frangible bullets, frangible projectiles

Anyone who has gone deer hunting probably has a fair share of horror stories of frozen torture and narratives of stopping that young buck in its tracks. Deer hunting is unlike any other. It demands persistence and patience, but most importantly it requires basic skill and a steely grit. While there is no substitute for sheer hard work and the ability to catch the animal dead in its tracks, having the right frangible projectile could certainly make the difference between a successful deer season or a few days of torture in the wild.

Hunters around the world are crediting frangible ammunition to a successful kill and you’d begin to wonder whether having the right ammunition can make so much of a difference. Could the solution to actually ending up with a deer really be so simple? Let’s find out.

Let’s say that you’ve used a particular brand of frangible projectiles

So what really went wrong? Was it just sheer bad luck? Probably not! Turns out that the deer hunting rifle shoots different brands of ammo differently. So what worked for you at the range might not work in the woods if you just happened to change the ammo. To save yourself from future embarrassment, make sure you follow these simple tips.

Choose the Right Frangible Ammunition

Try out the copper-alloy bullet. Since these bullets are less prone to fragmentation, they usually offer consistent expansion and can even retain as much as 90% of the original weight. This allows the bullet to penetrate deeper into the body, increasing the chances of a devastating wound. It also offers quicker and cleaner kills, something that every hunter loves.

Match the Load

Try to match the bullet you’re shooting with the game you’re trying to shoot. This sounds simple, but it could make a world of difference to the end result.

Carry Spares

Always make sure you have enough spare ammunition. You don’t want to run out of ammo and run to the local supply store, only to realize that your preferred brand of frangible ammunition isn’t in stock.

Use Identical Loads

The bullets you use to sight your hunting gun should have the same weight and grain to the bullets you use in the woods.

Avoid Changing the Ammo Mid-Season

If you must make a change, head over to the range to see how the new bullet performs in your deer hunting gun.

Remember, rifles tend to shoot different bullets in a different manner. If you’ve sighted your rifle with a particular brand and have seen some joy, stick with that brand for the entire hunting season. It could make a world of difference, or shall we say, the difference between ordering in some pizza or enjoying a rich venison stew.

Happy hunting!