Braskem Provides Sugarcane Ethanol Derived Green PE-based Packaging for Organic Bread

Eureka! Organic Bread is introducing three bread varieties on the East Coast. The new flavors are certified Vegan and USDA Organic, and the renewable bag demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability. Braskem and Bimbo packaging engineers have been working to produce bio-based packaging using Braskem's Green Polyethylene, which is produced from sugarcane ethanol, a 100 percent renewable raw material. The sugarcane used is non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) based. The bread packaging is made with 36 percent bio based material; verified using ASTM D6866, Eureka! Organic Bread bags are the first packaged bread in North America to use this renewable and sustainable technology.

For each ton of plastic produced, green plastic sequestrates approximately 2.15* tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere. To help consumers recognize green plastic in stores, Braskem created a seal, which guarantees the renewable content of the plastic.

Braskem has been making Green Polyethylene since 2010 at its Triunfo Petrochemical Complex, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the south region of Brazil. The plant's capacity is 200 kton/year and the total investment amounts to US$290 million.

Source: Braskem

Momentive's Lightweight CF Epoxy Door Structure Wins SPE's ACCE's 'People's Choice' Award

Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. ("MSC") won the "People's Choice" Award for the "Most Innovative Composite Part" at the annual Society of Plastics Engineers Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition (ACCE) last month in Novi, Michigan. The lightweight carbon fiber epoxy door structure submitted by MSC was singled out by vote of conference attendees.

Judging for the competition was based on the impact and trendsetting features of each application, including construction materials, processing methods, assembly methods, and other technologies that made the application possible. Design benefits, weight and cost reduction, parts consolidation, functional integration, and improved performance were also taken into consideration.

The winning component was a light-weight, carbon fiber epoxy door and window frame profile produced by Benteler-SGL for 2013 and later Porsche 911 GT3 Cup coupes. The composite was manufactured by high pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM) using MSC's EPIKOTETM 04695-1/EPIKURETM 05357 epoxy resin system, carbon fiber (Sigrafil® type C40 supplied by SGL Group) and polyester fiber. The component's Class A surface was finished in the body color.

Innovative features of this part include a simplified, integrated 2-piece design with a single structural inner piece incorporating the header, and a Class A outer panel. The door is a light-weight, trimmed body structure weighting 5.5 kg, compared to 15.0 kg for the standard series door. The raw body of the door weights 4.0 kg and the polycarbonate window and paint weight 1.5 kg. The inner and outer shells are manufactured via HP-RTM, and the outer shell is designed as a "micro-sandwich" to achieve the requisite buckling strength and performance at the minimum weight.

Design benefits of this MSC epoxy resin composite part are: a greater than 60% weight reduction, compared with metal; lower vehicle center of gravity; Class A appearance; and short cycle-time production. The HP-RTM process is set up in automated steps, accommodating build rates from low volume (500 pieces/year) to high volume (up to 100,000 pieces/year) with a fully automated process line.

Source: Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.

Braskem, Amyris & Michelin Collaborate to Develop & Commercialize Renewably-sourced Isoprene

Amyris, Braskem and Michelin announced recently that Braskem is joining a collaboration already launched in 2011 between Michelin and Amyris. This collaboration was initiated to develop and commercialize renewable isoprene, sourced from various biomass as an additional sustainable pathway to produce isoprene.

Under the terms of the agreement, Braskem, Michelin and Amyris will work together to develop a technology to utilize plant sugars, such as those found in Brazilian sugarcane or cellulosic feedstocks, to produce renewable isoprene. Adding the expertise of Braskem, the largest petrochemical company in the Americas and one of the global leaders in the production of biopolymers, Amyris and Michelin will accelerate the industrialization of renewable isoprene.

Amyris will share its rights to commercialize the renewable isoprene technology developed under this collaboration with Braskem. Michelin will maintain certain preferential, but not exclusive, access to the renewable isoprene to be produced by this technology. The companies will not disclose details of the agreement, including the financial contributions of each party.

This joint project, with Amyris and Braskem, will give Michelin an additional sustainable sourcing channel for poly-isoprene for the production of quality tires, providing a high-performance, environmentally responsible material.

“With this new partnership, we join forces with Amyris and Michelin in the development of an innovative technology that strengthens our commitment to improve people’s lives, creating solutions through sustainable chemistry,” said Luciano Guidolin, Vice President for Polyolefins and Renewables of Braskem. With a proven track record in leading research in sustainable chemistry, Braskem has already an experience in the development of 100% renewable polyethylene.

“Braskem is an ideal partner to join our isoprene project with Michelin. They bring the right expertise and share in our commitment to transform the chemical industry through sustainable product innovation and superior performance,” said John Melo, President & CEO of Amyris. “Amyris has led the way in producing long-chain hydrocarbon molecules via fermentation, from anti-malarial drug precursors to long-chain hydrocarbon molecules used in cosmetic emollients and even fuels. Building on the success of this proven technology to produce tailored hydrocarbons, we are revolutionizing the way products are made, one molecule at a time,” concluded Melo.

“We are pleased to have a strong industrial partner join our ongoing collaboration with Amyris. Braskem’s chemical industry experience, coupled with Amyris’s biotechnology expertise, will support Michelin’s goal of addressing the long-term needs of the tire industry for sustainable sourcing with renewable chemicals,” said Jean-Christophe Guerin, Head of the Materials Division of Michelin.

Source: Amyris

DSM Unveils Dyneema Purity® Radiopaque UHMWPE Fiber for Devices Used in Orthopedic Trauma

DSM, among the global leaders in biomedical materials science and regenerative medicine, announced the launch of its Dyneema Purity® Radiopaque fiber, one of the radiopaque ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE) medical fibers in the world. The fiber is the newest addition to DSM's medical Dyneema Purity® fiber portfolio.

Dyneema Purity® Radiopaque fiber is designed to support the development of medical devices for use in orthopedic trauma. The fiber contains a radiopacifier, which makes it the only UHMWPE fiber currently available that is visible in x-ray images. This feature helps surgeons with medical device and implant visualization both during and after surgical interventions.

The fiber will initially be used as a replacement for metal surgical cables that are used in procedures to treat bone fractures. The fiber is 15 times stronger than steel but maintains high pliability and increased flexibility, which may help lower the risk of bone damage. Steel does not conform well to the natural contours of the human body. A small contact point between the bone and metal wire leads to high levels of pressure in a concentrated area during surgery. On the other hand, UHMWPE fibers conform directly to complex bone anatomy, which increases surface contact and spreads force more evenly, reducing the risk of the cable cutting into the bone. The fiber is biocompatible and chemically inert, which can help reduce tissue inflammation, irritation and complications associated with metal allergies. All of these factors can increase patient comfort and promote shorter healing times.

UHMWPE fiber has additional advantages for cable construction. If a steel cable is wrapped around portions of a bone that require repairs, both ends of the cables must be guided through a tensioning device. Once fixation is complete, no incremental adjustments are possible and a re-adjustment can only be accomplished by cutting the cable and starting all over again. In contrast, a cable construction made from UHMWPE fiber promotes more flexibility and allows for re-tensioning after primary fixation without the need to start from scratch.

"With its impressive durability, flexibility and X-ray visibility, our Dyneema Purity® Radiopaque fiber gives device manufacturers the opportunity to use UHMWPE fiber in new applications," said Carola Hansen, Director of Biomedical Polyethylenes, DSM Biomedical. "Creating quality and innovative materials that help patients and surgeons is of the utmost importance to DSM."

"As an orthopedic surgeon, I have firsthand knowledge of the current challenges presented by traditional, steel cable solutions," said Professor Dr. Lodewijk van Rhijn, head of the department of orthopedic surgery at the University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands. "DSM's new Dyneema Purity® Radiopaque fiber has high flexibility which has the potential to reduce the chance of patients suffering from neurological damage. Further, the radiopacity would allow me to check instrumentation stability using x-ray imaging." Dyneema Purity® Radiopaque fiber is available worldwide.

Source: DSM

AIDC to Produce Composite Panels for Airbus' A320 Family Aircraft Aft Belly Fairings

Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) in Taiwan has become a new tier-one supplier for Airbus. Under the agreement, which followed a thorough evaluation process, AIDC will produce composite panels for A320 Family aircraft aft belly fairings. The contract was signed by François Mery, Airbus Senior Vice President Aerostructure, Procurement and Tony Liou, AIDC Senior Vice President.

The Airbus A320 Family is one of the world's best-selling single aisle product lines. As of end July 2014, the A320 Family had accumulated over 10,900 firm orders, with more than 6,100 aircraft delivered. The latest version A320neo, featuring new engines and Sharklets, has already gathered 3,200 orders before even entering service.

To date, 83 Airbus aircraft have been ordered by airlines in Taiwan, including China Airlines, EVA and TransAsia Airways, with 67 in operation. As among the leading aircraft manufacturers, Airbus seeks to explore further collaborations with industries in regional markets and to considerably grow its industrial presence, especially in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region.

Source: Airbus

Biopolymer & PHA Producer Meredian Receives Investment from Perry- McCall

Meredian Inc., a privately held biopolymer manufacturer and one of the world's largest producers of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), announced the receipt of an investment from the world class engineering and construction group, Perry-McCall. Prior to this investment decision, the group was selected and is currently building out Meredian's manufacturing facility to produce the completely biodegradable plastic.

"As part of our validation of proof of concept and business model we addressed scalability with Tate and Lyle and modularity and buildout with Perry Mcall. Our model has been validated every step of the way by third party credible professional organizations," said Paul Pereira, Executive Chairman to the Board of Directors at Meredian Inc. In August 2013, the Engineering and Construction Group of Perry-McCall started working with the Engineering and Process Development Group at Meredian to create the design for the facility. After eight months of studying the process and working on the design, the internal group of Perry-McCall approached their President, Wayne McCall, about investing their own personal money in the project. After the preliminary design was completed in April, the engineering and construction company approached Meredian's Executive Chairman, Paul Pereira regarding their desire to invest.

"We are extremely excited about the project, because they have found a way to clean up landfills," said Wayne McCall of Perry-McCall. "While it takes between 500-1000 years for petroleum to break down, these bioplastics only take 5-6 weeks. The environmental and economic impacts are huge, and for us being design contactors, the product Meredian produces can develop more business for us."

Meredian's innovative biopolymer is at the leading edge of unparalleled advancement in the Bioplastics field, which they presented at the 9th Annual Biopolymer Symposium in May. Some of the recent accomplishments include gaining the FDA approval for Food Substance Contact, harvesting the first crop of canola to be used to create the PHA and partnering with the global provider Tate and Lyle to demonstrate the ability for Meredian's product to be manufactured on a mass scale. Additionally, they have also received four certifications and two statements from Vinçotte International confirming their PHA formula is completely biodegradable in six different mediums. They are the only biopolymer manufacturer in the world that has received certifications of biodegradability in anaerobic, soil, freshwater, marine, industrial composting and home composting.

In addition, Dr. Isao Noda, Chief Science Officer at Meredian has just been awarded a Professorship at Peking University, one of the most prestigious Universities in China.

McCall believes the supportive move is a "Win, Win" due to the fact the company has more investment dollars and the engineering group has an even greater reason for the project to come in under budget and ahead of schedule.

Source: Meredian, Inc.

DuPont's Collaborative Programs Help Replace Metal and Reduce Weight of Vehicles

Ask anyone in the automotive design or engineering community what technologies they are working on to lower emissions and improve fuel economy and half the time you'll hear "lightweighting," according to the results of a July WardsAuto survey sponsored by DuPont. Also topping the list are engine efficiency programs, vehicle electrification and adoption of diesel for engines.

Sixty six percent of the nearly 900 respondents said again this year that the 2017-2025 CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards) could get more stringent as a result of the upcoming mid-term reviews. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards require, on an average industry fleet-wide basis, 163 g/mile of CO₂ in model year 2025, which would be equivalent to 54.5 mpg (4.3 L/100km) if this level were achieved solely through improvements in fuel efficiency.

"The automotive industry is racing to develop safe, fun and affordable vehicles that are much more fuel efficient and produce far fewer emissions," said Pat E. Lindner, president, DuPont Performance Polymers. The EPA in April released a report on vehicle greenhouse gas emissions that concluded "automakers are off to a good start," and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in June published a Summary of Fuel Economy Performance report that shows auto manufacturers project fleet production is just above 34 mpg in 2014.

"We still have a long way to 54.5 miles per gallon in 2025," he said. "This is a marathon — not a sprint. Clear strategies need to be set, checkpoints need to be established and the most effective tool we have in this race is collaboration."

Results of the fourth annual survey also found powertrain systems are the primary target for today's lightweighting efforts and, while aluminum is expected to be relied on heavily to meet new CAFE standards, engineering plastics, advanced composites and multi-material or hybrid solutions will serve the industry well.

When asked to rate their confidence in the ability of today's materials to portfolio to help them meet the stringent regulations, half the respondents said they were only "moderately confident." "That rather ‘middle of the road,' ambivalent assessment of the material palette suggests we need to work together to continue to drive innovation," said Jeff Sternberg, director of DuPont Automotive Technology. "There is no silver bullet — every part and vehicle system faces a different set of requirements — but it is pretty clear that the automotive design and engineering community needs more support from advanced materials suppliers to reduce vehicle weight. The most effective approach involves value-chain collaboration to understand the needs and develop new materials, new designs, new manufacturing methods — or all three — to find solutions."

Current DuPont collaborative programs include DuPont™ Vizilon™ Thermoplastic Composite technologies, a family of solutions that combines strength and stiffness into lightweight structures to replace metal; advanced battery separator materials and battery chemistries that improve the range of hybrid and electric vehicles; and renewably sourced materials that offer the same or better performance than petroleum-based alternatives.

Now in its fourth year, the DuPont-sponsored survey with WardsAuto was conducted by Penton Market Research, Overland Park, Kan. Forty-five percent of the nearly 900 respondents indicate they work for system, component or parts manufacturers; 25 percent work for an automaker; and 30 percent work for engine, engine-service, engineering/design companies or automotive-related industries. Sixty four percent work in engineering, design, research or quality roles; 23 percent in sales, marketing, purchasing or corporate management role; and 13 percent represent manufacturing, production or other.

DuPont offers more than 100 materials and product families for the global automotive industry. Through its global application development network, DuPont Automotive is committed to collaborating with customers throughout the value chain to develop new products, materials, components and systems that help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and protect people and the environment.

Source: DuPont