Additives/Masterbatches
Additives/Masterbatches the exception of liquid paints, is also not state of the art in injection moulding. However, the use of masterbatch is conceivable, for example, based on the PLA grades studied. In order to test this possibility in practice, higher-filled compounds with a resin system content of 10 wt. % were produced in the compounding process, which corresponds to the technical limits of the equipment currently in use. This masterbatch was then blended directly during injection moulding with native PLA Ingeo 3251D during dosing in the feed hopper. Testing of the samples produced showed that the mechanical properties achieved were slightly poorer than those of the pure compounds. Still, this method represents an alternative for simpler application, which requires targeted research. Another important aspect for the practical application of the resin systems or compounds is their suitability for the production of plastic parts. The injection moulded test specimens used to determine the mechanical properties cannot be compared with the complex geometries of many moulded parts. In order to create practice-relevant conditions, PLA modified with the resin systems was processed at a manufacturer of injection moulding machines based in Germany. A drone body was selected as the moulded part. The compounds were processed compactly and by using the MuCell process (physical foaming). As shown in Fig. 5, both variants can be used to produce moulded parts in the required quality. Summary and future prospects The project yielded a range of rosin-based additives for commercially available biobased polyesters, which, when added in small proportions, resulted in a significant improvement in Charpy impact strength. Due to the natural basis of the chemical raw materials, the content of renewable raw materials in the compounds and products remained almost unchanged. Additives such as Bremar RK 7103 are already available as a liquid system for the production of compounds from the company Robert Kraemer GmbH, both as samples and in larger quantities. For direct application in the injection moulding process, there is also the option of producing masterbatch. In order to make it easier for the final user to handle the products, trials are currently being conducted to fill biobased carrier polymers (e.g. PLA) with a high proportion of additives. Another promising idea that is currently being investigated in a research project is the use of resin systems for the functionalisation of bioplastics. It is conceivable that barrier properties could be generated by resin systems that, for example, enable specially treated polylactic acids for the packaging industry and make additional surface modifications or multi-layer composites superfluous. References: [1] www.european-bioplastics.org www.strukturleichtbau.net Figure 5: Drone body made of PLA with resin system (left - compact; right - physically foamed) 30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/20] Vol. 15
www.bio-pac.info bio PAC organized by bioplastics MAGAZINE call for papers Conference on Biobased Packaging 11 - 12 May 2021 - Düsseldorf, Germany Renewable carbon is key for future proof circular packaging. There are only 3 sources of renewable carbon: • recycling • all types of biomass (waste streams) • directly from CO 2 utilisation All three sources are essential for a complete transition to a circular economy. At the bio!PAC conference we focus on packaging based on biobased plastics and CO 2 based plastics. Packaging is necessary for: » protection during transport and storage » prevention of product losses » increasing shelf life » sharing product information and marketing But: Most packaging have a short life and therefore give rise to large quantities of waste. Accordingly, it is vital to make sure that packaging fits into natures eco-systems and therefore use the most suitable renewable carbon materials and implement the best ‘end-of-life’ solutions. Renewable carbon packaging » can be recyclable and/or compostable » fits into the circular economy of the future » is made from renewable resources or waste streams » can offer environmental benefits in the end-of-life phase » can offer innovative features and beneficial barrier properties » helps to reduce the depletion of finite fossil resources and CO 2 emissions bio!PAC 2021 That‘s why bioplastics MAGAZINE (in cooperation with Green Serendipity is now organizing the 4th edition of bio!PAC - conference on packaging made from renewable carbon plastics, i.e. from renewable resources. Experts from all areas of renewable carbon plastics and packaging will present their latest developments. The conference will also cover discussions like end-of-life options, consumer behavior issues, availability of agricultural land for material use versus food and feed etc. The full 2-day conference will be held on 11-12 May 2021 in Düsseldorf, Germany (venue). Call for Papers now open: Please send your proposal to mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com Media Partner supported by Coorganized by bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/20] Vol. 15 31
