Jan 18 2010
Axion International Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:AXIH), a next-generation technology innovator utilizing recycled plastic for high-load industrial products, today announces that its technology was showcased in a special feature article and on the cover of the January 2010 issue of Materials Performance magazine, the world's largest circulation journal dedicated exclusively to corrosion prevention and control.
Entitled “Corrosion-Resistant Thermoplastic Timber Is Constructed of Recycled Milk Jugs and Automobile Bumpers: U.S. Army Builds First Thermoplastic Timber Bridge Capable of Bearing the Weight of a Battle Tank,” the special feature article spotlights the innovative thermoplastic technology that is utilized by Axion International to construct high-load thermoplastic bridges, specifically the bridge at Fort Bragg, which is displayed on the cover with a fully loaded 70+ ton M1 Abrams Tank parked across its span.
“Receiving a featured article in Materials Performance and the lead cover for 2010 is a great honor,” said James Kerstein, CEO of Axion International. “As the premiere journal dedicated to corrosion prevention and control, we couldn’t think of a better marriage of technology and ideas, with our 100% recycled plastic materials able to last over half a century with little to no maintenance.”
The Materials Performance article describes Axion’s breakthrough in high-load thermoplastic structures whereby two distinct plastics are blended in a patented process that was developed by a team of scientists led by Thomas Nosker at the Advanced Polymer Center at Rutgers University.
From the article: “Rutgers research team worked with Axion International, Inc. (New Providence, New Jersey) to develop an innovative glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic I-beam for vehicular bridge structures… On a first-cost basis, this design innovation allows a bridge constructed with thermoplastic timber to be competitive with a traditional wooden bridge.”
In fact, during accelerated testing, Axion’s thermoplastic material can last decades with minimal to zero upkeep and is naturally resistant to rot, rust and corrosion due to its inert composition. With a density similar to wood, the thermoplastic timber is also easily handled without heavy equipment and can be cut and drilled with standard tools such as chain saws, circular saws and power drills.
The article goes on to say, “All of these attributes make thermoplastic timber a viable candidate for replacing decaying structures currently made of wooden timbers or any project where treated lumber is used, particularly where environmental conditions and corrosion are a concern.”
Source: http://www.axionintl.com/