Materials | technology BIOPLASTICS New route to glycolic acid
VTT of Finland has developed a way to improve the quality of bio-based plastic packaging. It says it can now produce
glycolic acid – the monomer from which the bioplastic PGA is made – more efficiently than before.
“Bio-based plastics are a
tangible step closer to a bio-based economy. This new
POLYCARBONATE PC protects loggers from injury
Rottne Industry has used polycarbonate sheet from Sabic in the windshields and windows in its latest line of logging equipment. The company chose Lexan
Margard polycarbonate sheet to improve protection for operators, while enhancing visibility. “We’ve had tremendous
feedback on the enhanced optical quality of our windshields,” said Jan-Åke Björck, purchasing manager for Rottne Industry. “Opera- tors report clearer, sharper views from the cab, enabling them to work more efficiently and safely.” Lexan Margard MR5E sheet, a two-side, hard-coat- ed, ultraviolet (UV) protected sheet is available with screenprint, protective hard coating in 3D-formed shapes as an option. The material provides a weight saving of around 50% compared to glass, and is virtually unbreakable. A second grade, MR5IR,
www.filmandsheet.com
windows, reducing heat build-up in the cabin and cutting air conditioning costs on hot, sunny days.
absorbs near infrared (IR) light to improve operator comfort and protection against hot weather conditions, as well as UV protection and abrasion and impact resistance. MR5IR was used in
forwarder windshield and
MR5IR sheet absorbs near IR light absorption in the wavelength range of 780- 1400nm. By managing IR heat from sunlight striking the operator’s cabin, the material helps save energy and protects against potentially harmful UV radiation, yet provides clear visibility. Both products were supplied from Sabic’s new sheet extrusion line located in Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands. ❙
www.sabic-ip.com
generation of plastic packag- ing reduces our dependence on oil and offers superior quality compared to traditional plastic packaging,” said research professor Ali Harlin. Bio-based PGA has high
barrier properties. Adding it to the structure of traditional plastic packaging improves its quality. As well as strength and
heat resistance, packaging must be airtight, vapour- proof and grease-resistant. Bio-based PGA is 20-30% stronger than PLA and can withstand temperatures 20˚C higher. It also breaks down more quickly than PLA, but its biodegradability can be regulated if necessary. ❙
www.vtt.fi
ANTIMICROBIALS
Masterbatch acts fast to kill micro-
organisms US-based PolyFusion has developed an antimicrobial masterbatch for thermoplas- tics, after two years of development. The company says that its
SafeTouch is different to other products because of its fast mode of action. When evaluated on the ASTM, E2149:10 dynamic contact protocol, it has a (1-hr) test timeline. In comparison, PolyFusion says that ion exchange and phenol-based antimicrobials are tested on a (24-hr) test timeline via a sterile cover slip test protocol. Target markets for
SafeTouch include soft touch amorphous plastics that can become contaminated with microorganisms. CFU reductions of 99.99% are typical when using SafeTouch at a 1-2% loading level into the melt.
The masterbatch is
EPA-registered and available in pellet and powder form. It is compatible with commod- ity and engineering thermo- plastics.
No special handling
considerations are required when using the SafeTouch additive, and it does not affect pigmentation or the physical properties of the processed plastic. The first customer will be in the UK, says PolyFusion. ❙
www.polyfusionllc.com
December 2012/January 2013 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 45
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