Injection Moulding In
Injection Moulding In research projects shared with the West Saxony High School Zwickau and the Technical University Chemnitz (both Germany), mould maker ZAHORANSKY GmbH Formen- und Werkzeugbau in Rothenkirchen, Germany has realised two innovative manufacturing processes on the basis of renewable, biobased raw materials and developed them ready for series production. The ‘cardboard toothbrush’ is one of the resource-saving alternatives for disposable solutions in the hotel, hospital and air travel areas. Here are the toothbrushes are often only a few days in use and the end up in the trash. The bio-compound toothbrush can be easily disposed of into the biowaste bin. After about a month the bio-toothbrush will have completely decomposed. Innovative toothbrush and more In addition, the raw materials required for the manufacturing process are biobased and renewable as well as fully recyclable. The use of biopolymers is here also an economic and socially interesting factor. The price coupling of synthetic, oil based plastics to the continually climbing oil price and the increased interest of consumers in ecologically harmless products and processes are no longer factors that can be ignored. To this end, waste paper fibres are pressed to free-flowing, bulk solids and thereafter processed with a matrix to injectable granulate. The matrix thereby consists of a biopolymer (e.g. PLA, PHB, or others). The injection moulding technology and the mould technology has been successfully implemented together with the West Saxony High School Zwickau. In cooperation with the TU Chemnitz, a coloured pencil casing of natural fibre reinforced bioplastics has been developed that can be produced in the injection moulding process. Contrary to the traditional manufacturing of coloured pencils that comprises of thirteen processing steps, this solution is both cost and energy efficient. In addition, the use of natural fibres contributes to the protection of natural wood resources. Within the frame of the project, the Zahoransky Group developed a method of procedure for the manufacturing of the plastic parts as well as a special injection mould adapted to requirements. The result of the joint research project is a biobased pencil casing, the mechanical characterics of which are strongly reminiscent of cedar and pine wood. The knowledge that has been gained is an important step in the direction of a coloured pencil manufactured completely in 2-component moulding. The process offers, in addition, the possibility of the ergonomic creation of the surface without additional work processes and is therefore sustainable and efficient in a number of respects. The current ‘going green’ and sustainability issues are an especially important focus of the research made by all groups. In most of the Zahoransky Group’s products, innumerable resourcesparing solutions are now being implemented. From energy saving measures, the use of biobased raw materials through to increases in productivity, the issues of the future are already being innovatively addressed. MT www.zahoransky.de 20 bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/12] Vol. 7
BIOADIMIDE TM IN BIOPLASTICS. EXPANDING THE PERFORMANCE OF BIO-POLYESTER. NEW PRODUCT LINE AVAILABLE: BIOADIMIDE ADDITIVES EXPAND THE PERFOMANCE OF BIO-POLYESTER BioAdimide additives are specially suited to improve the hydrolysis resistance and the processing stability of bio-based polyester, specifically polylactide (PLA), and to expand its range of applications. Currently, there are two BioAdimide grades available. The BioAdimide 100 grade improves the hydrolytic stability up to seven times that of an unstabilized grade, thereby helping to increase the service life of the polymer. In addition to providing hydrolytic stability, BioAdimide 500 XT acts as a chain extender that can increase the melt viscosity of an extruded PLA 20 to 30 percent compared to an unstabilized grade, allowing for consistent and easier processing. The two grades can also be combined, offering both hydrolysis stabilization and improved processing, for an even broader range of applications. Focusing on performance for the plastics industries. Whatever requirements move your world: We will move them with you. www.rheinchemie.com
