Shape-changing structures (smart structures) are able to change their shape in response to external stimuli. The change of shape is self-induced and requires no artificial energy input. In view of the increasing demand for efficiency and resource conservation, shape-changing (smart) materials offer a sensible approach to integrating functionalities into a component without giving rise to additional energy and material costs. Even greater sustainability is achieved if the components are produced from bioplastics.

Prototype of a weather-sensitive smart facade system

Bioplastics for Shape-Changing Structures

Polylactid

Kunststoff Werkstoffe

Thermoplaste

Biokunststoffe

Additive Fertigung

Green Shape Changers

The production of particle foams with low densities and at the same time high molding quality is difficult, so the development of foamed polymer blends could simplify the entire processing.

Blend

Partikelschäumen

Kunststoffverarbeitung: Verfahren

Schäumen / Reaktive Verarbeitung

Study of expandable PLA particle foams – Influence of the blend system on processability and properties

In surgical treatment of neck vertebrae inserts are often used which following removal of tissue from the intervertebral space prevent fusion of the vertebrae in an incorrect position. In order to overcome the disadvantages of previously used systems an absorbable metal polymer composite insert has been developed. 

Medizintechnik

Research: Absorbable Spinal Implants 

Melt volume flow rate (MVR) measurements provide information on the flow behavior of a polymer melt. With wood plastic composites (WPC), MVR measurements allow the flow and viscosity functions of unknown compounds to be easily predicted. 

Rheology: Characterization of WPC Melts 

The number of biobased monomers and plastics is growing. “Green” polyesters and polyolefins, for example, can be sustainably produced from biomass, sugar or recyclate. Suitable technologies and plants are available. Applications include packaging and everyday utility items. 

Trend Report (Part 2): Is the Future of Plastics “Green”? 

Almost unnoticed by the public, a manufacturer of elastomer injection molding machines two years ago founded a subsidiary aimed at biodegradable materials. The development of natural fiber-reinforced biomaterials is now gaining speed, and their adaptation to injection molding is opening the door to a world of “green” applications. 

Spritzgießen

Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Biomaterials: Injection Moldings for the Compost 

The plastics industry is working intensively to cut greenhouse gas emissions and save energy in the manufacture of its products. Whether biomass or carbon dioxide is the right route to choose will be shown by the eco and carbon dioxide balance over the complete product lifecycle. 

Trend Report (Part 3): Is the Future of Plastics “Green”? 

A manufacturer of blow molded articles from Thuringia, Germany, has succeeded in mass producing bottles from a natural fiber compound. These bottles, which look as though they have been turned from wood and smell like wood, offer a promising alternative to conventional packaging and new application opportunities. 

Polyethylen

Füllstoffe für Kunststoffe

Extrusionsblasformen

Packaging: Bottles from Wood 

Excellent flame retardant properties can also be achieved using biobased plastics for high-performance applications. Most of the time, however, they are not perceived as being a serious alternative unless rethinking with a green bias has taken place, or whilst such new applications are being developed. 

Polyamide

Green Polyamides: Ecologically Flame Retardant 

Incineration and composting are no longer the only options for treating waste plastic packaging made from renewable raw materials. A solvent-based process now offers new ways for recycling polylactide packaging materials. 

Recycling: Recycling Biopackaging Materials 

The development of a new thermoplastic vulcanisate (TPV), whose raw material basis consists of more than 90 % of renewable materials, has expanded the range of bio-based plastics. It complies with the requirements for toys, and further applications will come. 

Bio-TPV: Playing with “Green” Stags 

Polyamides offer substantial potential for the economic use of renewable raw materials. Materials already available are eminently suitable for automotive and construction applications, as the specifications imposed by these sectors attach special importance to high energy efficiency and sustainability. 

Bio-Polyamides: Potential Uses All the Way from Automotive to Construction 

Until recently, common defects of the cardiac septum required open-heart surgery to seal them. Such holes can be sealed in a minimally invasive way with a transcatheter plastic implant. For this purpose a fully biodegradable umbrella-occlusion system has been developed. 

Laserschweißen

Absorbable Implant: An Umbrella for Mending Broken Hearts 

The market and technology behind bioplastics is going from strength to strength, enjoying high growth rates and a rapidly widening polymer base. The main driving forces are major plastics users and innovative companies. They are creating new raw materials platforms for established plastics that are now partially or wholly biobased. Whereas compostable plastics are focused on a few segments, “drop in” bioplastics are increasingly going mainstream. The only fly in the ointment is the skeptics – not content with scaremongering about oil and gas recently, they are now casting doubt on renewable resources. 

Growth despite High Hurdles: Bioplastics 

When the organic waste bin in the kitchen is full, it needs to be taken – usually dripping, stinking and full of semi-decomposed waste – to the trash can. For this purpose, BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany, has developed organic waste bags made from ecovio FS, a compostable polymer. The bags make collecting and disposing of organic waste cleaner, less complicated and more hygienic. Unpleasant odors and pest infestations are prevented. This eliminates the hassle of scrubbing the bin in the kitchen, because the very good wet strength of the bags prevents liquid from teabags or fruit residues from leaking through. The bag remains intact. 

Decay on demand 

Organic Waste Bags Made from Ecovio FS 

Röhm Is Developing Thermoformable PLA Films

The raw material used to produce Europlex Film LJ 21123/123 is derived from non-genetically modified sugarcane.

The new PLA films from Röhm are suitable for a wide range of applications, including food packaging. The raw material used for Europlex Film LJ 21123/123 is derived from non-genetically modified sugarcane.

Röhm is now also developing plastic films using renewable raw materials. The new product is being developed under the provisional designation Europlex Film LJ 21123/123 and is a transparent, high-gloss and stable film based on polylactic acid (PLA). Unlike many other films based on PLA on the market, this film has not been biaxially stretched and can therefore be thermoformed.

As the raw material production generates significantly lower CO2 emissions, films made from polylactic acid are more climate-friendly alternative to petroleum-based films. PLA films thus contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the end product.

The new film consists of certified, compostable PLA which meets the requirements for industrial composting as per the ASTM D6400 US standard and the EN 13432 European standard. If the PLA film is not disposed of correctly, its persistence is many times lower than that of petroleum-based films. Furthermore, PLA films do not release toxic materials upon decomposition.

<ul><li>bio-based and industrially compostable,</li><li>can be thermoformed at 55°C,</li><li>highly transparent, light transmittance of over 92%,</li><li> high tensile strength and good flexibility,</li><li>can be stamped and cut, and</li><li>can be printed on.</li></ul>

Upon request, development samples of the film can be provided in thicknesses of 53 μm to 500 μm and widths of 200 mm. The datasheet with its technical specifications and approvals is also available upon request.

Europlex Film LJ 21123/123 has a wide range of properties which make it suitable for various interior applications, such as high-quality packaging for food and non-food items, as well as decorative films for Insert-Mold decoration processes, or printed products like graphics panels. “Our experience in film extrusion enables us to produce PLA films with high optical quality. We would be delighted to talk to interested parties about their specific requirement profile for their applications,” emphasizes Herbert Groothues, Head of Film and Extrusion Development.

The bio-based film is also suitable for food packaging – which is subject to particularly stringent regulations – as it meets the requirements for plastics with food contact in the EU (EU Regulation 10/2011), the USA (FDA 21 CFR) and China (GB 9685–2016). Possible applications include viewing windows on cardboard packaging or thermoformed packaging with high demands when it comes to an aesthetic, high-quality product presentation.

The raw material used to produce Europlex Film LJ 21123/123 is derived from non-genetically modified sugarcane. The supplier has implemented an environment management system as per ISO 14001:2015 and is certified according to Bonsucro. Bonsucro is an association of producers and processors of sugarcane who have agreed on globally recognized standards for social, ecological and economic sustainability.

Röhm GmbH  

https://www.roehm.biz

 Europlex Film LJ 21123/123 consists of a renewable raw material and can be shaped flexibly.

16:9

2022-08-09 - Produkt Röhm

issue 06/2022

issue 05/2022

issue 04/2022

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