Materials The German
Materials The German company Polyfea of Zell im Wiesental recently introduced a novel biodegradable material system which is especially suitable for water proofed applications in agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, nurseries, viniculture, greenhouse, floristry and forestry. Caprowax P TM is based on a patented mix of aliphatic polyesters and modified vegetable triglycerides and is free of nitrogen and aromatics. Novel Two different Caprowax P compounds are currently available. Caprowax P 6002 can be used for the manufacture of thermoformed and injection moulded products such as plant pots, vases, cans, boards, edge protection and similar applications. biodegradable material ...for textile systems, composites, thin-walled containers and wrappings Monofilaments and fibres for fabrics can be produced with Caprowax P 6006. Potential applications are nonmetallic binding wires, threads, strings, knotted and bound systems, tracery, webs and different fabrics made from round, flat, tear-proof and compressible monofilaments. Bottles, tubes, balloons, pipes, hoses etc. can be manufactured by extrusion or stretch blow moulding.This compound is also available as a powder and can be used as a matrix for composites with natural fibres, for bonding purposes or as a carrier material. For the processing of Caprowax P pre-drying is not necessary. Processing temperatures are between 80° and 150°C, which allows gentle processing at low viscosities. Materbatches in many different colours are also available. Caprowax P compounds are waterproofed, flexible at low temperatures and do not tend to develop mildew. „Our products are made from 53% to 77% renewable resources, protected by European patents and Caprowax P 6006 is compostable according to EN 13432 in profiles up to 500 µm thick“ comments Albrecht Dinkelaker, General Manager and Owner of Polyfea. www.caprowax-p.de 26 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/07] Vol. 2
Materials “Let’s Be One with Mother Nature” www.econeerusa.com EcoPol TM is an aliphatic polyester copolymer which Econeer Co., Ltd from USA / South Korea developed by using ethylene glycol, dimethyl isophthalate, adipic acid as main ingredients with the goal of making progress for the environment under the motto of “Let’s Be One with Mother Nature”. Most of the base ingredients are from renewable resources such as corn and beans. The synthesis of the EcoPol base resin goes through a two stage reaction called esterification and polycondensation. With simple processes which are characteristic for polyester synthesis, various kinds of monomers can be copolymerized. By controlling the composition of the materials and the catalytic system the mechanical properties can be adjusted in order to meet the requirements of potential applications. Left: Songchul Kim, president of Econeer Korea right: Eugene Lee, president of Econeer USA EcoPol compound is available for instance as film with different thicknesses and physical properties and can thus adjust its biodegradation speed for example in soil. So it can be used not only for agricultural applications such as mulching film but also for packaging materials such as compost bag, disposable table cover etc, continuously broadening its scope of applications. Especially, the disposable EcoPol table cover gets a good reputation from customers due to its excellent water proof properties, resistance to oil, strength and rigidity, as the company states. Compared to other biodegradable plastics currently sold on the market which are susceptible to heat and difficult to process in injection moulding, EcoPol not only offers excellent heat stability with a softening point of 100-110°C. With its adjustable melt index, it can be can be used for a number of applications such as film, coating material, adhesive, ink binder, injection moulded, extruded and thermoformed products. “With these advantages in addition to a competitive price, Econneer aims to expand its marktes,” says Eugene Lee, president of Econeer USA, Inc.. “We are contstantly trying to improve the mechanical and thermal properties as well as the processability of our resins alongside with efforts to reduce the cost”, he adds. The name Econeer stands for Ecology + Pioneer which means that the company strives for being one of the leading companies in the development of new technologies for the preservation of the environment. “Our products will be the frontrunner to realize the company motto of harmonizing human with nature and will grow to be the main contributing product for greener world and more affluent human life”, as Eugene puts it. bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/07] Vol. 2 27
