Materials New additive
Materials New additive for biopolymers The HallStar Company (Chicago , Illinois, USA) introduced HALLGREEN R-8010, a new and recently patented, bio-based polymeric succinate that improves the flexibility and pliability of biopolymers including polylactic acid (PLA), starch-based polymers, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and polyhydoxybutyrate (PHB); while maintaining long-term compatibility. “Brittleness can be a real problem with biopolymer products,” said Robert Hu, HallStar Vice President, R&D. “Hallgreen R-8010 enhances the flexibility and pliability of compounds and end products, and it provides tangible benefits at customers’ manufacturing facilities by increasing throughput and reducing energy consumption.” Test results show that performance benefits can be seen at concentrations as low as 10%. When used at 30% loading levels, Hallgreen R-8010 provides performance benefits that include a Tenfold increase in elongation percentage at break and a 5% reduction in tensile strength and in tensile at break. In addition, Hallgreen R-8010 increases the melt flow index, which can increase throughput and reduce melt temperature and energy consumption in customers’ manufacturing facilities. “The Hallgreen line has become the go-to modifiers for customers that need environmentally friendly esters,” said John Paro, HallStar Chairman, President, & CEO. “As industry continues to develop and improve sustainable products, we expect the reliance on our high-performance renewable ester plasticizers will continue to grow.” MT www.hallstar.com New ‘basics‘ book on bioplastics This new book, created and published by Polymedia Publisher, maker of bioplastics MAGAZINE is now available in English and German language. The book is intended to offer a rapid and uncomplicated introduction into the subject of bioplastics, and is aimed at all interested readers, in particular those who have not yet had the opportunity to dig deeply into the subject, such as students, those just joining this industry, and lay readers. It gives an introduction to plastics and bioplastics, explains which renewable resources can be used to produce bioplastics, what types of bioplastic exist, and which ones are already on the market. Further aspects, such as market development, the agricultural land required, and waste disposal, are also examined. An extensive index allows the reader to find specific aspects quickly, and is complemented by a comprehensive literature list and a guide to sources of additional information on the Internet. The author Michael Thielen is editor and publisher bioplastics MAGAZINE. He is a qualified machinery design engineer with a degree in plastics technology from the RWTH University in Aachen. He has written several books on the subject of blowmoulding technology and disseminated his knowledge of plastics in numerous presentations, seminars, guest lectures and teaching assignments. 110 pages full color, paperback ISBN 978-3-9814981-1-0: Bioplastics ISBN 978-3-9814981-0-3: Biokunststoffe Order now for € 18.65 or US-$ 25.00 (+ VAT where applicable, plus shipping and handling € 5 or US-$ 7) order at www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/books, by phone +49 2161 6884463 or by e-mail books@bioplasticsmagazine.com 34 bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/12] Vol. 7
Book Review Industrial Applications of Natural Fibres Natural (plant based) fibres, such as flax, hemp, jute, abaca or animal based fibres such as silk or wool are becoming more and more popular for use in industrial applications. These fibres can support technical innovation and at the same time provide sustainable solutions. Such bio-based materials are very versatile and are being used in applications in a wide range of industries, from textiles and consumer products to the automotive and construction industries. The book ‘Industrial Applications of Natural Fibres: Structure, Properties and Technical Applications’ was published in 2010 and covers the value chain from the origin of natural fibres to finished engineering applications, including current research activities. Starting from the agricultural production of plant and animal fibres, the book describes the various processing steps, from natural generation, fibre separation and fibre processing, to the manufacturing of the final product, such as polymer composites, nonwovens, felts and fabrics. Structure, Properties and Technical Applications The book explains the individual processing steps, taking into account the specific characteristics and qualities of natural fibres. It also describes how to influence the chemical and structural properties of the fibres and the product properties. Even though the book contains contributions from 42 authors, edited by Jörg Müssig, it is well structured into the five parts: • Background (including history, basics and economic aspects) • Vegetable Fibres • Animal Fibres • Testing and Quality Management • Current and Potential Applications In each of the five parts, the reader finds separate chapters with comprehensive lists of references for further reading. An equally comprehensive index allows the reader to quickly find whatever he may be looking for. ‘Industrial Application of Natural Fibres’ is a useful resource for everyone interested in the development of natural based materials and products. In particular those working in chemical engineering, sustainable chemistry, agricultural sciences, biology and materials sciences will find it a valuable source of information. Michael Thielen Jörg Müssig (Editor.) John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ISBN 978-0-470-69508-1 bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/12] Vol. 7 35
