Purac at Fakuma: To Exhibit PURALACT® Lactide (PLA), Green Alternative for Engineering Plastics

Purac will be presenting biobased solutions for high performance Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) at Fakuma 2012, 16-20 October in Friedrichshafen, Germany [#booth 4207 in Hall B4]. Fakuma 2012 is one of the most important exhibitions for the plastics processing industry worldwide, and will provide the forum for Purac to present its PURALACT® Lactide innovations. These innovations open up new possibilities for producers seeking biobased alternatives to current fossil fuel based engineering plastics.

PLA now offers the possibility to replace PS, PP and ABS in those applications where heat resistance is a key requirement. Purac's technology can increase the heat stability of PLA to the range of 80 - 180 degrees Celsius.

Purac's solutions for high performance PLA for the injection molding and thermoforming industries unlock bioplastic potential for high temperature applications, such as microwavable food packaging and hot beverage cups, and also for durable applications in a range of high end markets, such as automotive, carpet, clothing and consumer electronics and appliances. PURALACT L & D based homopolymers — known as PLLA and PDLA - are the key to this improved heat performance and are now commercially available from Purac.

At Fakuma 2012, Purac will demonstrate its capabilities by presenting thin wall, thermoformed hot beverage cups produced from PURALACT based PLA which are able to resist the high temperatures associated with hot beverages like tea or coffee.

Teknor Apex Offers Nylon 6/12, Glass & Carbon Fiber Reinforced Compounds for Auto Fuel Handling

Amidst current automotive industry concerns about nylon 12 supplies, two new injection molding compounds based on nylon 6 /12 provide comparable performance in the fuel-line components that comprise the major application for nylon 12, it was announced recently by the Nylon Division of Teknor Apex Company.

New Chemlon® 813 CI and 830 GHI fiber-reinforced compounds based on nylon 6 /12 polymer provide the excellent chemical resistance and low moisture absorption required in fuel line components, according to Jeff Schmidt, Automotive Market Manager. He noted that the compounds are already in commercial use for one such application.

The 13% loading of carbon fiber in the Chemlon 813 CI product provides antistatic conductivity often called for in fuel line components. Chemlon 830 GHI compound has a 30% loading of glass fiber for enhanced strength and rigidity in applications such as connectors. [Physical properties are outlined in the accompanying table.]

While some nylon polymers present problems in holding to desired part dimensions because of high levels of moisture pickup, the new nylon 6 / 12 compounds gain only slightly more moisture than nylon 12, according to Schmidt. "Finished part dimensions are acceptable in existing tooling used for nylon 12," he said, "with little to no modification needed. At the same time, Chemlon 800 Series materials process in shorter cycles and at higher melt temperatures than nylon 12."

The chemical resistance exhibited by Chemlon 800 Series compounds is very high, Schmidt noted. "Extensive testing has shown the compound to be well suited for fuel handling uses."

Automotive has long been the largest market for Chemlon nylon 6, 6 / 6, 6 / 10, and 6 / 12 compounds. "For manufacturers seeking alternatives to nylon 12, Teknor Apex provides extensive automotive industry experience, expertise in custom compounding, and strong engineering support," said Schmidt. "With nylon operations in the USA, the UK, and Singapore, we have sufficient compounding capacity to meet new demand for nylon 6 /12."

Researchers Develop Bioplastics Made from Waste Cooking Oil for Medical Applications

'Bioplastics' that are naturally synthesized by microbes could be made commercially viable by using waste cooking oil as a starting material. This would reduce environmental contamination and also give high-quality plastics suitable for medical implants, according to scientists presenting their work at the Society for General Microbiology's Autumn Conference at the University of Warwick.

The Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family of polyesters is synthesized by a wide variety of bacteria as an energy source when their carbon supply is plentiful. Poly 3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is the most commonly produced polymer in the PHA family. Currently, growing bacteria in large fermenters to produce high quantities of this bioplastic is expensive because glucose is used as a starting material.

Work by a research team at the University of Wolverhampton suggests that using waste cooking oil as a starting material reduces production costs of the plastic. "Our bioplastic-producing bacterium, Ralstonia eutropha H16, grew much better in oil over 48 hours and consequently produced three times more PHB than when it was grown in glucose," explained Victor Irorere who carried out the research. "Electrospinning experiments, performed in collaboration with researchers from the University of Birmingham, showed that nanofibers of the plastic produced from oils were also less crystalline, which means the plastic is more suited to medical applications."

Previous research has shown that PHB is an attractive polymer for use as a microcapsule for effective drug delivery in cancer therapy and also as medical implants, due to its biodegradability and non-toxic properties. Improved quality of PHB combined with low production costs would enable it to be used more widely.

The disposal of used plastics — which are largely non-biodegradable — is a major environmental issue. Plastic waste on UK beaches has been steadily increasing over the past two decades and now accounts for about 60% of marine debris. "The use of biodegradable plastics such as PHB is encouraged to help reduce environmental contamination. Unfortunately the cost of glucose as a starting material has seriously hampered the commercialization of bioplastics," said Dr Iza Radecka who is leading the research. "Using waste cooking oil is a double benefit for the environment as it enables the production of bioplastics but also reduces environmental contamination caused by disposal of waste oil."

The next challenge for the group is to do appropriate scale-up experiments, to enable the manufacture of bioplastics on an industrial level.

USM's Prof Develops Novel Plastic Material that Bleeds & Heels like Human Skin

It's the stuff of dreams that became a reality in a University of Southern Mississippi laboratory.

Inspired by his own dream of a technology now considered revolutionary in the world of plastics research, polymer science professor Marek Urban developed a unique type of plastic material that turns red or "bleeds" when damaged.

When the damage occurs, or when stressors mount that portend damage to the material, the molecule links that span along chains of chemicals within the material split and release a color simulating bleeding. After exposure to sunlight or change in temperature, the material begins repairing itself in much the same way human skin does.

"I dreamed of developing this after thinking about how human skin repairs itself when damaged, and how blood coming from the injury works as a sign of that damage," Urban said. "Sometimes, damage to material may not be visible to the human eye, but with the release of the colors that mimic bleeding we have a warning of damage."

The material has the potential to be developed into self-repairing surfaces in a wide variety of commonly used products, including cell phones, laptops and military weapons.

Stuff, a publication of Britain's Haymarket Media Company covering the latest in popular technology, cited the invention as among "5 materials that could change the world" in its May edition. In its assessment the magazine notes, "This plastic, which 'bleeds' red then heals itself with light, is being hailed as the Holy Grail of materials. The plastic could be developed for use in self-healing cars, planes and bridges. Oh, and gadgets. RIP insurance?"

Earlier this year, Urban made a presentation on the invention at the 243rd National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world's largest scientific society.

"Dr. Urban is one of the most inventive people I've come across," said his Southern Miss colleague Dr. Robert Lochhead. "He has a valuable talent that is rarely found; that is, to have an original idea that meets human or societal needs, and then to take that idea to an invention and implement it."

Urban is enthusiastic that further research, with the assistance of graduate students and staff in his Urban Research Group, can extend the material to usage in cars, planes and spacecraft, as well as large infrastructure. The development of similar material that can also withstand high temperatures is on the drawing board.

"I believe there are endless possibilities, and we continue our research in hopes of capturing those possibilities that can further enhance our quality of life through the products we access daily," Urban said.

UL Grants RTI Rating to Arkema's Black Kynar® Film Used for PV Backsheet

Arkema Inc. announces that Underwriters Laboratory (UL) has granted a final Relative Thermal Index (RTI) rating of 150°C mechanical and 140°C dielectric for its black Kynar® film, used in the construction of photovoltaic backsheet. This RTI rating is among the highest that has been granted by UL. The new, black version of Kynar® film will enable solar panel module makers to source black Kynar®-based backsheets to produce modules which can be more visually appealing and consistent in color to the dark silicon cells.

The backsheet provides insulation and protection from electric shock. The Kynar® film typically is the outer layer of the backsheet laminate structure, where PET film is used as the primary dielectric layer. However, PET weathering performance and hydrolysis resistance is poor.

"The primary function of the Kynar® film is to protect the PET such that the backsheet does not degrade over the life of the module," said Ron Partridge, senior business development engineer for Arkema's North American fluoropolymers photovoltaic market. "Kynar® film provides outstanding protection for the PET layer and resists degradation because it is extremely resistant to weathering and provides long-term UV protection for the underlying PET film. Kynar® film also resists moisture and environmental pollutants, Partridge noted. The low surface energy of the film provides excellent dirt shedding properties and is inherently resistant to mold and mildew growth," he added.

Kynar® PVDF polymer has been widely used in architectural coatings for more than 40 years and is an exceptional resin for weather-resistant coatings. Kynar® PVDF coatings showed excellent weathering performance after 42 years of continuous exposure in South Florida, based on Arkema's long-term weathering studies. This same weathering performance can be expected from Kynar® film and is seen in very aggressive and accelerated QUV-B weathering tests.

"The excellent thermal stability, coupled with the long-term weathering protection, will provide extremely durable protection for photovoltaic backsheets," said Partridge.

Quadrant to Design & Manufacture Customized PE Multi-flow Grating for 2014 CWG Pools

Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (EPP) is riding on a wave of medal-worthy achievements, as it celebrates its part in the success of the 2012 Summer Olympics and in the forthcoming 2014 Royal Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Chosen to design, manufacture and supply the deck pool grating & channel rail system for the three major pools and circular plunge pool at the London 2012 Olympic Park Aquatics Centre, Quadrant has also been awarded the contract for the development and manufacture of the innovative new pool deck grating used at The Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh. The venue will host the diving events for the Glasgow 2014 Royal Commonwealth Games. The grating provides the cover for the front end of the filtration system and substantially increases the return rate of water in all three major competition swimming pools.

Unlike the new build completed for the 2012 Summer Olympics, the Royal Commonwealth pools have been refurbished, presenting a different set of challenges for the Quadrant UK team to overcome.

The team developed custom multi-flow channel and rail grating designed to maximize the return rate of water for the unique design and construction of each pool. The overall dimension of the grating was slightly smaller than that of the Olympic pools, so the grating format was incorporated to cope with the flow of water back into the filtration system.

Polyethylene (PE) was chosen for the parts because of its strength, good chemical and corrosion resistance, and the fact that it is hygienic and easy to clean. Suitable for creating solid corner and angled sections, Quadrant was able to customize the parts according to the project's requirements. Ease of installation and removal were also important considerations for the customer.

The grating is visible around all three major competition pools adding appearance as an important design element in addition to strength and durability.

Stefan Willing, Commercial Director Quadrant EPP Europe, comments: "The multi-flow grating is an excellent product. The material has an extremely low moisture absorption rate and as a result will not swell or de-laminate. It is strong and keeps its "new look" for years to come. For both the Aquatics Centre and Royal Commonwealth Pool, the team worked closely with all parties involved to help give the end client a spectacular and impressive venue. We were all excited to see our work in place at the Olympic Park Aquatics Centre and are proud to be involved in the next Commonwealth Games."

Winning the contract for the Royal Commonwealth pools marks the second prestigious leisure industry-related project for the company and further establishes Quadrant's growing reputation as the authority in solving complex issues relating to the design, development and manufacturing of polymer solutions for various sectors of this industry, in addition to the many demanding markets using Quadrant products.

The £37m refurbishment program included the complete reconstruction of the largest and longest swimming pool in Edinburgh with an eight lane 50 meter pool, 25 meter dive pool & 25 meter training and warm up pool. The pools were used by the British Swimming squad for training in July 2012, ahead of the London Olympics. Originally opened in January 1970 by Princess Anne, the venue has already hosted two Commonwealth Games. It was closed for major refurbishment in June 2009, and officially reopened by former Olympic swimming champion David Wilkie in April 2012.

VICTREX® 90-Series PEEK Eliminates Use of Metals, Thermosets & Ceramics in High-end Markets

Aerospace, automotive, and electronics engineers have been tasked with finding material solutions that can reduce weight, improve functionality, and help consolidate or miniaturize parts in some of the most demanding environments. VICTREX® 90-Series high flow PEEK polymers were developed specifically for thin-walled, intricate component applications and offer higher mechanical properties with improvements in modulus, toughness, and coefficient of thermal expansion. Available in unfilled, carbon and glass-filled grades, these specialty polymers help facilitate the replacement of metals, thermosets, and ceramics due to their ability to reduce weight up to 80% and improve reliability due to their inherent thermal and mechanical properties.

When Mold Craft, a mold designer that specializes in small, intricate components, was challenged with molding a funnel tip with a 0.038cm (0.015in) wall by 0.945cm (0.372in) long followed by a 0.020cm (0.008in) wall by 0.254cm (0.100in) long, they selected VICTREX 90G as their material of choice for the application. According to Justin McPhee, Vice President of Engineering for Mold Craft, "the VICTREX 90G materials was chosen due to its high strength properties and the polymer's extremely high melt flow." As this was no easy task for the designer and molder, Mold Craft worked hand-in-hand with Victrex during the design and process development phases of the program. "There was much work done by Victrex in defining the exact material to use and supporting us to get the temperatures correct to optimize the parts. With their assistance, we were able to build an application that is working well for the customer," says McPhee.

VICTREX 90-Series polymers are widely specified in applications like brackets, clamps, stand-offs and fasteners for the aerospace industry due to the significant weight savings achieved that increase the fuel economy of the aircraft. Automotive bearings and bushings made fromPEEK thermoplastics also help to reduce vehicle weight and have no creep deformation after running at 5,000 RPM continuously for more than 2,000 hours, which improves the overall fuel economy and reliability of the vehicle. In electronics, VICTREX 90-Series grades are used in connectors, capacitors, sensors, bobbins and switches due to lower outgassing, increased ductility, higher knit line strength, and the ability to withstand the lead-free soldering process which can reach temperatures up to 280°C (536°F).

With higher filler loadings, up to 60% of the total polymer weight, the VICTREX 90-Series grades are outperforming materials like liquid crystal polymers (LCP), polyphenylenesulfides (PPS), and ceramics because of their enhanced mechanical properties and toughness. Also, these highly-filled PEEK compounds have similar, or sometimes lower, viscosities versus LCP, PPS, and epoxy thermosets. This leads to shorter cycle times and lower manufacturing costs due to faster crystallization and smoother melt flow during the injection molding process. VICTREX PEEK polymers exhibit outstanding chemical and hydrolysis resistance including showing no loss of tensile or flexural strength after conditioning at 200°C (392°F) in 1.4MPa (203psi) steam for over 2,500 hours. VICTREX 90-Series PEEK also shows very consistent electrical properties after high temperature exposure.

For supply assurance and peace of mind for engineers, designers and sourcing professionals, Victrex has the ability to provide PEEK polymers at a time when many other polymer manufacturers are struggling to keep up with customer demand. Victrex has a proven track record of investing in capacity ahead of demand, creating a stable supply position for its global customers. Victrex offers delivery for its standard products used in the transportation and electronics markets including VICTREX 90G, 90GL30, 90GL60, 90HMF20, and 90HMF40 with a maximum lead time of 5-7 days around the globe.