FORMULATION AND COMPOUNDING | BIOPLASTICS


Innovation in bioplastics: the cycle of renewal


Growing interest in renewable bio-based polymers is driving development of new additives and feedstock options.Peter Mapleston reports


New ways to make the most of renewable resources in bio-based thermoplastics continue to emerge. That may be through the development of innovative additive solutions that improve processability or product performance, or by the use of a wider range of crops to make bio-based polymers. Or simply the emergence of new and more unusual applications. The Interface and Performance Business Line at


Evonik offers additives that improve the com- pounding of biopolymers, as well as porous polymer carriers based on biopolymers. As an example, the company cites its Tegomer H-Si 6441 P, a solid siloxane additive that helps to prevent thermal degradation of biopolymers such as PLA during compounding. The additive also allows a higher functional filler and pigment loading for engineered biopolymer applications. One factor pushing growth in bioplastics is the


increasing restrictions on single-use non-biodegrad- able plastics in many countries. This trend started in Europe, but is spreading around the world quite quickly. The effect of an adoption in China is espe-


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cially important, given the size of the market and that express food delivery services are very popular, according to Evonik. “No doubt with the implemen- tation of new regulations, bioplastic base packaging will play a more critical role,” says Allen Dang, Global Compounds Segment manager at the company. This has prompted Evonik to develop a multi- functional additive, Tegomer DA 800, based on a modified fatty acid derivative for use as a disper- sant as well as to provide antistatic and antifogging properties in PLA and other bio-based polyesters. “Tegomer DA 800 has outstanding food contact status including EC, FDA and GB9685. Customers can use it in bioplastic packaging applications without any concern,” he says. Dang also highlights Evonik’s Accurel XP series,


which are intended for compounders that cannot or prefer not to use liquid additives. Accurel XP products are porous polymer carriers that can absorb large amounts of liquids. The Accurel XP 950B and Accurel XP 951B products are based on PBAT and PLA respectively and both are capable of


September 2021 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 27


Main image: Waste from soy production and processing is one of the latest feedstock streams to be considered for bio-based plastics


IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK


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