materials | Bioplastics
polyhydroxyalkanoate] can play a role as they can be used with PLA to improve performance while maintain- ing bio-content and compostability. We also see a role for speciality PHAs in modifying conventional, biode- gradable polymers such as PBS.”
Figure 1: Lightweighting opportunities: stiffness of the latest Ingeo compounds from NatureWorks compared to ABS
Source: NatureWorks
Figure 2: Typical material and application properties of PLA, ABS and the latest Ingeo PLA compounds
In general, Senechal sees the main technical area of interest in bioplastic compounds at present in improving performance – in particular high temperature perfor- mance and temperature resistance, as well as improv- ing impact resistance. “As far as the compounding process is concerned, it is our experience that the current range of commercialised bioplastics can now be compounded on standard plastics equipment, but it is necessary to follow the technical guidelines developed by the industry to preserve polymer integrity and performance,” he says.
In order to meet the challenges in bioplastics
compounding, Metabolix has developed a new amor- phous Mirel PHA material that can be used as a performance modifi er for a range of polymers including PVC and PLA. In the case of PLA, the company says that the a-PHA additive improves the toughness-modulus balance of PLA to provide a means to extend its performance range. Metabolix is now working with processors and brand owners in a range of applications for compounds incorporating Mirel a-PHA. “New applications include a clear packaging fi lm,”
Source: NatureWorks
Senechal, vice-president, strategy and commercial development. “We see an emphasis on recycling and believe it is because the infrastructure for recycling now allows the consumer to close the loop easily on the disposal of the material. However, as a result of this trend we are also seeing an interest in bioplastic materials for applications where recycling is not a viable end-of-life solution and biodegradation is the most viable option.” New solutions for bioplastic compounds and
additives for bioplastics continue to be developed, he says. “No single biopolymer does everything but innovative solutions can be achieved by combining and compounding biopolymer resins to produce the functionality and product performance attributes to match the intended application,” explains Senechal. “This area is very dynamic and we see great potential to combine biopolymers to improve function and reduce costs. This is an area where our speciality PHAs [a-PHA,
44 COMPOUNDING WORLD | June 2016
says Senechal. “PLA fi lm modifi ed with a-PHA is both tough and ductile, creating a clear fi lm that provides an excellent surface for printing and messaging, and is suitable for a broad range of packaging applications. For sheet extrusion and thermoformed packaging applica- tions, we have also introduced a softer and more rubbery version of PHA that offers a fundamentally different performance profi le from semi-crystalline forms of PHA and is ideal for thermoforming applications. The use of a-PHA for PLA modifi cation allows for the creation of bio-based, compostable ‘clam shell’ thermoformed containers used in food and consumer packaging.”
Targeting 3D print The fast growing market for 3D print materials is also showing big interest in bio-based polymers. “We have been able to improve the toughness/modulus balance in 3D printing fi laments with blends of Mirel a-PHA biopolymer and PLA. The modifi ed fi lament prints at the same speed and temperature profi le as standard PLA with an improvement in layer-to-layer adhesion, resulting in good quality and consistent thickness. The resulting parts will be softer and tougher than parts made with pure PLA allowing for prototyping of parts with properties more similar to actual production materials. In addition, for compounds used in injection
www.compoundingworld.com
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