BIOPLASTICS | TECHNOLOGY
Flexing renewability in PVC compounds
PVC may not immediately spring to mind when considering renewable plastics but the introduction of bio-based plasticisers could change that. Perstorp is the latest to launch into the renewable plasticiser fray - its recently introduced Pevalen Pro renewable polyol ester (non-phtha- late) plasticiser is claimed to give PVC an environmental boost and provide superior performance. “Brand owners and consumers are
searching for new plastics and materials with a sustainable profile and low carbon footprint,” says Jenny Klevås, Perstorp Global Marketing and
product with a significantly better environmental footprint.” Perstorp launched its original
Product Manager for the polyol ester plasticiser platform. “We believe that flexible PVC with Pevalen Pro is the perfect combination as it offers precisely what they are looking for, that being a high-performance
Another company active in this area is Biomer of
Below: Parts produced in a copolymer of hydroxybu- tyrate with hydroxyhex- anoate from Kaneka
Germany. Company President Urs Hänggi says PHB has “unique (hidden) properties” that can be exploited to great advantage by those with an understanding of how to compound and process it. He explains that the PHB chain is highly regular, with only C4 sub-units, and absolutely isotactic, both of which facilitate crystallisation. The chains are also highly linear and have no branches, so they do not entangle. The glass transition temperature of PHB is at 0°C or below. “This means that polymer chains keep on moving and crystallising even at room temperature. Such a combination of proper- ties is unknown in any synthetic thermoplastic.” Hänggi says the regularity of the polymer yields
hard, creep resistant parts while the linearity of the polymer chains allows adjustment of melt viscosity on the machine. In addition, the glass transition temperature results in stable parts.
Pevalen non-phthalate plasticiser in 2014 as a premium performance alternative to phthalates for applica- tions where health concerns are a main focus. Pevalen Pro is an addition to that product line. It will be initially available with up to 40% renewable content, with the long-term potential of becoming fully renewable. Perstorp foresees application in coated fabrics, artificial leather, flooring, wall covering and automotive interiors. �
www.perstorp.com
The PHA family of polymers is broad and
versatile. Japanese company Kaneka produces a copolymer of hydroxybutyrate with hydroxyhexano- ate (PHBH) that can be processed by extrusion and injection moulding methods. The company recently said it would expand its manufacturing facility at Takasago to around 5,000 tonnes/yr. The expanded capacity is set to begin operation in December.
Compounding success Among the compounders experiencing success with PHB (and other biopolymers) is MAIP in Italy. It has supplied one of its IamNature compounds for the Etik frames used in the Mylos range of wiring accessories produced by ABB. They replace frames made in traditional thermoplastics (PC/ABS for example). IamNature is said to be strong and durable, resistant to heat and light, and water resistant. MAIP managing director Eligio Martini says that the compound, which was developed specifically for the application, also has exceptional scratch resistance. MAIP uses an extensive range of biopolymers:
The Bios series are biodegradable and made from renewables; Kios is also made from renewables but is non-biodegradable; and Orios are biodegradable but fossil-sourced. The company’s main focus to date has been on the Bios family, which includes PLA, PHAs, and other polymers derived from biomass. The IamNature compounds use polymers from the Bios family (predominantly PHAs) together with vegetable-based and mineral fillers, and natural colours. MAIP has developed over 100 different formulations, all of them compostable. Some have
30 COMPOUNDING WORLD | September 2019
www.compoundingworld.com
PHOTO: KANEKA
PHOTO: PERSTORP
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