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

Textile structures can be equipped with shape-changing properties at all stages of their production. So-called 4D textiles are created.

4D materials are ideal for personalized medical technology such as orthoses.

16:9

Formverändernde Textilien, sogenannte 4D-Textilien, bieten beispielsweise für die Medizintechnik große Vorteile. Herstellen lassen sie sich mittels FDM-Druck.

From Static to Adaptive Products with 4D Textiles

Into the Fourth Dimension  with 3D Printing

Three solutions for increasing the productivity in the automotive, medical and packaging industries are presented by Tederic at K 2022 with the Neo injection molding machine series. T

The Neo·Ec combines electrical and hydraulic drives.

Spritzgießen

Messe K-Kunststoffmesse

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Mehrkomponenten-Spritzgießen

Spritzprägen

Spritzgießmaschinen

Kunststoffverarbeitung: Maschinen und Komponenten

Medizintechnik

Medizinprodukte

Applications in Three Key Sectors

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 

Recent surveys by the European Bioplastics Association predict a fivefold increase of global bioplastics production capacity to almost 6 million tons between 2011 and 2016. Processors will have to get prepared for this new material, come up with solutions for the specific problems encountered when working with it, and optimize their processes. Injection molding of polylactide using hot runner technology is one step in this direction. 

Normalien und Heißkanaltechnik

Thick Film Technology: Bioplastics in Hot Runners 

For the first time, Lanxess has produced biobased polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) in a world-scale plant. It started from 1.4-butanediol (BDO) produced by a fermentation process from Genomatica with sugar as raw material. With this proof-of-principle trial, the specialty chemical group is underscoring its interest in chemicals based on renewable recources. 

Bio-Polybutylene Terephthalate: Opportunities for “Green” Plastics 

When organic waste spreads unpleasant odors and the trash bag tears on the way to the trash can, aggravation is preprogrammed. For this reason, a functional closure for reliable containment and safe transport is especially important. 

Environmentally Friendly and Reliable Closure 

Compostable Drawstring for “Organic Waste” Trash Bag 

Cost-effective manufacture of on-spec bioplastic components begins before the actual start of production. For example, pellets composed of hydrolyzable biopolyesters, such as polylactide, need to be pre-dried. Stabilizers can protect against loss of quality during processing and use in technical applications. Studies support this approach. 

Quality Assurance: Naturally Cost-Effective 

Comprehensive resource efficiency means far more than the preservation of natural resources. It also includes the productivity factors of material, machine and labor. The plastics industry has made a great contribution to resource efficiency, but often finds itself on the defensive. Yet a knowledge of the various relationships involved provides enough material to go on the offensive with arguments illustrating the benefits of plastics technology. 

The Plastics Industry Needs to Adopt a Bolder Approach 

Elektrische Antriebe

Verbundwerkstoffe / Werkstoffverbunde

Trockner

Extrusion

Pultrusion

Kunststoff-Recycling

Nachhaltigkeit

Kunststoffverarbeitung

Resource Efficiency with  Plastics Technology 

Plastics packaging is one of the main contributors to the global waste mountain. To avoid potential environmental problems, biodegradable bioplastics are increasingly being used for this application. But what about the additives and colorants? A masterbatch producer provides the answer. 

Coloration with Biodegradable Color Masterbatches 

Masterbatches

Sustainable Solution for Coloration of Bioplastics 

When bioplastics are involved, there is never a lack of questions and controversy: Which markets offer the long awaited breakthrough? In which technologies does it pay to invest? Or wait and see what comes of the financial crises, the shale gas boom and the return of cheap coal? Do laws like those for biodegradable tote bags provide the groundwork for investment decisions and market success? 

Challenges for Bioplastics 

New Ideas and Political Markets  

Bioplastics are considered to be eco-friendly and are currently used mainly for packaging and food contact applications. By optimizing the heat resistance of PLA-based systems, which can be achieved by targeted crystallization of semi-finished parts during the manufacturing process, the Fraunhofer ICT aims to enable their use in technical applications as well. 

Development of Materials Tailored to Process 

Environmentally-Friendly, Heat-Resistant Profiles 

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.

2022-08-09 - Produkt Röhm

issue 09/2022

issue 08/2022

issue 07/2022

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