K‘2010 Preview New High Performance Thermoplastic Copolyester DSM: Following the successful introduction of EcoPaXX, a bio-based Polyamide 4.10, DSM Engineering Plastics will be launching Arnitel ® Eco at K 2010. Arnitel Eco is a high performance thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) with a 20%- 50% content derived from renewable resources, depending on the hardness of the grade. The new material is specifically suited for applications in Consumer Electronics, Sports & Leisure and Automotive Interiors. According to DSM there is a clear customer need for biobased engineering plastics which combine performance with a reduced carbon footprint. LCA calculations based on Arnitel Eco show a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, cradle to gate, of up to 50% versus oil based thermoplastic copolyesters. Arnitel Eco is a first generation product, which is currently not yet suitable for high temperatures. However, additional generations of the product are envisaged for the future. www.dsmep.com 06B11 The Broadest Portfolio of Renewably-sourced Materials DuPont: The strategy of DuPont Performance Polymers is to offer polymers that are at least 20% renewably sourced and have equal or better performance than the entirely petrochemical-based materials that they replace. DuPont has the industry’s broadest range of highperformance, renewably-sourced polymers, including DuPont Sorona ® EP thermoplastic polymers, which exhibit moulding characteristics similar to high-performance PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), DuPont Hytrel ® RS thermoplastic elastomers, which contain 35% to 65% of renewably sourced material and provide the same established performance characteristics as the original Hytrel® and, thirdly, the family of DuPont Zytel ® RS long chain nylons – initially consisting of Zytel RS polyamide 1010, which is 98% renewably sourced, and Zytel RS polyamide 610, which is more than 58% by weight renewably sourced. Renewably sourced materials from DuPont can help reduce dependence on petroleum and reduce the net production of greenhouse gases. Consumer Awareness Boosts Demand for Bio-polyamides EMS GRIVORY: The interest in bio-based products from EMS-GRIVORY has been growing steadily. Specifiers in various industries chose GreenLine polymers for new applications in response to increasing environmental awareness by consumers. In 2009 EMS-GRIVORY introduced various series of biopolyamides - Grilamid 1S PA1010, 2S PA610, Grilamid BTR (amorphous, transparent) and Grivory HT3 PPA. GreenLine products show performance levels directly comparable to, or higher than, those of long established polymers. New Grilamid 1S and 2S formulations have successfully conquered applications in consumer products from hand-held electronics to sports goods, Grilamid BTR allows the production of high quality optics and Grivory HT3 helps improve connecting devices in the E&E sector. GreenLine products are made completely or partially from derivatives of castor oil. Thus GreenLine products allow users of engineering plastics to significantly reduce the CO 2 and GWP footprint of their products. GreenLine products are not at all biodegradable but fully recyclable, carrying the potential for further footprint reduction thanks to material recycling alongside the lifetime of the application. www.emsgrivory.com 06E61 New ‘Wave of TPU Specialties’ Merquinsa, the TPU Specialty Company, will be exhibiting for the first time in Hall 6, one of the main fair halls. Under the motto ‘Everything You Can Imagine’, in line with its thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) specialties and sustainability focus, Merquinsa on this occasion will unveil a New ‘Wave of TPU Specialties’. Among other Pearlthane ® products visitors will find Pearlthane ECO, renewable-sourced Bio TPUs (see also p. 50). Recognized global brands now make ‘Green Shoes’, ‘Green Cars‘ and ‘Green Electronics’ from Merquinsa´s Bio TPU polyester and polyether-based product ranges. Several new commercial Renewable-sourced Bio TPU applications will be exhibited at K2010. www.merquinsa.com 06A31 www.dupont.com 06D33 32 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5
K‘2010 Preview Innovations in Bioplastics Allow for New Applications FKuR: The results of the combined research activities of FKuR Kunststoff GmbH and Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Oberhausen in Germany are principally new special grades which are based on PLA or cellulose. Besides the already well-established applications in the agricultural and hygiene sectors, it is now possible to produce films for deep freeze and various multilayer applications made from Bio-Flex ® . Also at K’2010, innovations in the area of injection mouldable cellulose acetate compounds will be presented. With the Biograde ® product line, FKuR sets new standards within the bioplastics range. Thanks to an excellent heat resistance (with values up to 115 °C) it is now possible to realise applications in consumer electronics and household appliances made from bioplastics. Mouse made from Biograde ® C 9550 (Source: FKuR) www.fkur.com 06B66 FKuR Kunststoff GmbH produces and markets special customized biopolymers under the brand names Bio-Flex (polylactic acid/copolyester compounds), Biograde (cellulose ester compounds) and Fibrolon ® (natural fibre reinforced polymers). The close cooperation of the company with the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT ensures outstanding know-how and quality standards. Make It Possible PolyOne will feature reSound biopolymer compounds, which incorporate up to 50% bio-derived content by weight and offer increased sustainability without sacrificing performance. PolyOne’s exclusive reSound biopolymer compounds combine engineering thermoplastic resins with bio-derived polymers such as PLA, PHB, PHBV and biopolyesters. reSound compounds have a unique balance of temperature, impact and cost performance that enables manufacturers to reduce the environmental impact of their products while delivering exceptional performance equal to or better than conventional engineering resins. Potential applications and market opportunities that can benefit from the performance properties of reSound compounds, while improving the carbon footprint, include: • Consumer durable goods • Electronics equipment • Medical devices and equipment • Interior automotive components ‘Make It Possible’, PolyOne’s theme, showcases the customer-focused approach to developing innovative and responsible solutions that help its customers differentiate their products, win new business, reduce operating costs and meet sustainability goals. www.polyone.com 08G46 Masterbatches Based on Biodegradable Carrier Polymers Lifocolor present their BIO masterbatches based on biodegradable carrier polymers using environmentally friendly colouring systems. The products, from the German company based in Lichtenfels, are suitable for colouring cellulose, polylactic acid (PLA), polymer starch, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and further renewable raw materials. Lifocolor BIO colorants will allow end products to be specified as biodegradable according to the internationally accepted standard EN 13432 for the compostability of packaging materials. www.lifocolor.de 7.1C30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 33
