Total/Corbion Form 50:50 Joint Venture for Bioplastics Development

 Total and Corbion have joined forces to develop bioplastics by creating a 50/50 joint venture to produce and market polylactic (PLA) polymers. The two partners plan to build a world-class PLA polymerization plant with a capacity of 75,000 tons per year at Corbion's site in Thailand that already has a lactide (PLA monomer) production unit that will become part of the joint venture. Corbion will supply the lactic acid necessary for the production of the PLA and the lactide.

Total/Corbion – Bioplastic JV

The new company will be based in the Netherlands and will launch operations in the 1st quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory approvals.

Bernard Pinatel, President of Total Refining & Chemicals, commented:
“I’m very pleased with this joint venture, which aims to become a major player in the growing bioplastics market. This investment is consistent with our One Total ambition of expanding in biofuels and bioplastics, in addition to our more traditional oil- and gas-based products. Corbion’s unique position in the lactic acid and biopolymers value chain makes it a natural choice for Total. The joint venture will allow us to supply an innovative material that is 100% renewable and biodegradable and that responds to sustainability concerns.”

Tjerk de Ruiter, CEO of Corbion, stated: 
“PLA is one of the first renewable, biodegradable polymers able to compete with existing polymers. The joint venture, which will combine Total’s technical and marketing knowledge and leading position in polymers with Corbion’s expertise in lactic acid and biopolymers, will enable us to supply innovative products and will accelerate market acceptance.”

PLA Bioplastic

PLA is a biobased, biodegradable polymer obtained by fermenting renewable resources (sugar or starch) to produce lactic acid. 
PLA is mainly used for food packaging, disposable tableware and textiles, as well as in numerous other industries such as oil and gas, electronics, automotive and 3D printing.
PLA is a fast-growing polymer market segment, with an estimated average annual growth rate of 10 to 15% to 2025.

A thermoplastic RTM process for large series

KraussMaffei will be demonstrating the production of an automotive fiber composite structural component with metal inlays under series production conditions at K2016. Frames for the roof shell of the Roding Roadster R1 sports car will be created several times a day at the trade show booth.

The individual steps prove how complex the process is while being cycle-time-optimized at the same time. The four sub-preforms and the aluminum and steel insert are first positioned on a gauge. This is followed by riveting the steel insert with one of the sub-preforms. A handling robot then positions the aluminum bracket and the preassembled hybrid components in the T-RTM mold. Here, the caprolactam is injected and the subsequent chemical reaction tales place in which the material cures into the thermoplastic Polyamide 6. After the reaction time expires, the handling robot removes the finished component. The use of what is called the near net shape approach, which takes the part close to its final form, means there is no need for complex post-mold processing such as milling the border area.

Melting the material on an on-demand basis:

KraussMaffei functions as the system provider for the complete production cell. An important component is the new RimStar 8/8 T-RTM metering system, which makes the melting process on-demand. Only the material for a few shots is melted at a time. This makes it possible to prevent a material aging of the two caprolactam components (caprolactam base material and activator or catalyst) by minimizing the thermal load on the melt. The new metering system also offers outstandingly accurate temperature control, from melting to injection into the cavity. "These properties, taken together, ensure consistently higher product quality and thus underscore the suitability for series production," says Fries.

The new metering system enables processing at temperatures of up to 180°C and thus is ideally suited for Polyamide 6. Other products optimally designed for the high temperatures include the MK 10-2K high-pressure injection head with a shot weight from 250 g at 100 g/s and the high-pressure injection pump, which KraussMaffei can customize thanks to its in-house pump manufacturing. Precision and space-saving handling of the T-RTM mold is ensured by a KraussMaffei compact mold carrier of type FTR with a clamping force of 3800 kN.

Advantages for fiber content, material consumption, post-mold processing

The T-RTM process has various benefits over parallel plastics processing processes, e.g. the familiar RTM with epoxy resin or polyurethane (PUR). The low viscosity of just five millipascal-seconds (mPA·s) – similar to water – allows the matrix material caprolactam to penetrate the fiber layers even with low internal mold pressures. For the application demonstrated at the exhibition, a clamping force of approx. 3500 kN is sufficient, meaning lower costs for investment and energy. In addition, the high flow capacity allows for low minimum wall thicknesses and allows the fiber volume content to be as high as about 60 percent.

A so-called near-net-shape approach, that is closely contoured production, allows the material input rate of plastic and expensive carbon fibers to be reduced. That in turn reduces material costs. In addition, the post-mold finishing steps are also kept to a minimum. While non-near-net-shape processes require the component to be separated via methods such as milling the edge areas, a punch solution can be implemented for this component, for example. Besides the near-net-shape approach, the multi-preform concept also effects a further reduction in fiber waste and allows a (sectional) load-dependent fiber architecture.
Compared to the three-dimensionally networked thermosets, the chain-like structure of thermoplastics constitutes a unique attribute: they can be reheated and reshaped, making them weldable and recyclable. The roof frame material can be regranulated and used together with its fiber content to produce parts in the injection molding process, for example.

High impact strength and more ductile fracture behavior

The mechanical properties of PA6 are also interesting for structural components. The thermoplastic features higher impact strength and more ductile fracture behavior than thermosets. That means that forces can be absorbed by the material deforming before a fracture occurs.

When T-RTM is compared to injection molding, the classic area of application for thermoplastics, its benefits can also be seen in its high fiber content and low viscosity, which allow the production of parts with very thin walls.

Source:KRAUSSMAFFEIGROUP

INVESTOR NEEDED:LOOKING FOR COMPANY'S ANTI-BACTERIAL SHEET BUSINESS FOR ASIAN MARKET

RACPLA Plastic sheet which is incorporated with Silver antimicrobial technology to eliminate micro-organisms. I think it is one time investment for many years and it's cost effective as well for long term basis.

1. Racquet Plastics, Belgium (Plastic sheet makers for all Hospitals)
Website: http://www.racquet-plastics.eu/index.html
ISO 22196 / JIS Z2801 Certified ANTIMICROBIAL PLASTIC SHEET to eliminate MRSA-HOSPITAL BUG ,E-COLI,SALMONELLA and MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCLOSIS,Algae,Fungi and others.

Combination sheets: Special sheets to be made to eliminate tuberculosis bacteria, algae, fungi, and MRSA,Ecoli, salmonella bacteria.And can be used this sheet in Operation Theater,Patient ward,ICU ,Laboratory,and corporate office.
Also this can be used in the following areas:
Wall lining in meat processing unit and poultry farms.

Wall lining animal operating theatre (horse, etc)
Wall line Quarantine tables
Wall lining Brewery
Egg incubator system,
mobile lab, stationary lab.

TB:
Combi sheets which can eliminate Mycobacterium Tuberclosis (TB)bacteria in short period.
Regarding TB there's not much what the supplier have, but if you understand the value of their Institute of Tropical Medicine, you will realize the certificate is powerful.
http://www.itg.be/itg/generalsite/Default.aspx?WPID=689&MIID=674&L=E

Attached the test certificate on Belgium's company plastic sheets for TB.

These sheets can be place on ceilings,walls and flooring for long term performance against TB and other bacteria.

Manufacturer Name:Racquet Plastics,Belgium

A single sheet size :1000 x 1500 mm

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SGL Group Starts Precursor Line for Carbon Fiber Production

SGL Group has celebrated the inauguration of the production line for precursor at its FISIPE site in Lavradio, near Lisbon in Portugal. Precursor is a polymer-based fiber which is used as the main raw material for the production of carbon fibers. The production line has been set up by converting and enhancing parts of the existing production facility in Lavradio. 

Investment of 30 Mn for Precursor Production Line:
The build-up has been completed last month following four years of research and development, construction work and qualification procedures. Over this period, in total, 30 million euros have been invested in Lavradio into different elements of the precursor production including the spinning line. As part of the global production network of SGL Group, the precursor from Portugal is being used as of September for the production of our new generation of high-end industrial SIGRAFIL carbon fibers in Moses Lake, Washington State (USA) and Muir of Ord (Scotland). The carbon fibers will then be used in various applications in the automotive, aerospace, as well as in other industries. 

Completion of Value Chain for Carbon Fiber Based Solutions:

“With the new precursor line at our Lavradio site we now have the complete value chain of high-quality carbon fiber materials available in-house to further support our customers in developing and utilizing innovative lightweight solutions” comments Andreas Wüllner, Chairman of the business unit Composites – Fibers & Materials (CFM) at SGL Group.

Development of Lavradio Facility

In addition, the completion of the precursor production line is also a consequent and successful step of further developing the business and set-up of the FISIPE site in Lavradio, Portugal. Having been founded more than 40 years ago, FISIPE has established as a specialist for acrylic fibers. Under the umbrella of SGL Group – which acquired FISIPE in April 2012 – the acrylic fiber business is maintained while the precursor production has been set up. 

“With around 350 employees in Lavradio and a production site of more than 200,000 qm now also including the new state-of-the-art precursor production line, we are proud to contribute to the further build-up of highly innovative composites and thus help to establish more and more fascinating lightweight solutions around the world. I would like to sincerely thank all colleagues involved in this project for their great support and engagement.” says Stefan Seibel, Managing Director at FISIPE in Lavradio.

Precursor Production – Profitable Growth

The precursor production is part of SGL Group’s path forward towards sustainable profitable growth targeting a 50 percent sales increase until 2020 in the fields of composites and graphite materials and systems. In future, the Company will focus on supporting and accelerating developments linked to the megatrends of mobility, energy, and digitalization.


Source: SGL Group

PolyOne Offers Metal-replacing Thermoplastic-based Material for Cosmetic Closures

Metal-replacing Gravi-Tech™ density modified materials from PolyOne give packaging designers and brand owners a means to convey quality and sophistication. Luxury cosmetics closures made using Gravi-Tech formulations give customers the texture and weight of metal, while also providing more design freedom than metals.

Design Freedom for Cosmetic Packaging Designers

Cosmetics brand owners are increasingly seeking new ways to engage consumers by appealing to their senses through luxury packaging.

Consumers are exposed to an ever-increasing number of choices, In order to stand out, brand owners want to interact with buyers earlier in their consideration process, and packaging design can help to foster that connection.

Darcy Meyers, global marketing director of packaging at PolyOne, said:
“A product’s package has the ability to connect with customers in a way that can communicate a brand’s value and quality. Sensory branding is so powerful that it evokes an anticipation of experience, essentially creating an expectation of performance for the consumer. We’re helping brands to design this experience into their cosmetics packaging with distinctive materials and finishes.”

PolyOne’s packaging solutions, including color and material options, work to engage consumers by creating an indulgent brand experience.
Gravi-Tech™

Gravi-Tech™ polymer-metal composites are unique, high-density materials developed as thermoplastic-based alternatives to lead and other traditional metals. These materials have been formulated using select metallic fillers and engineering thermoplastic resins to have densities similar to traditional metals, while also providing the design flexibility and processing ease of conventional thermoplastics.

Source: PolyOne Corporation

3A Composites’ Thermoplastic Rigid Foam Wins Airbus Qualification

3A Composites has won qualification from Airbus for its AIREX® R82.80 rigid high performance core, which is well-suited for aerospace sandwich applications.
Composites for Aerospace Industry

AIREX® R82.80 receives Airbus prerequisite due to:
Outstanding fire resistance,
Exceeding most stringent flammability and smoke density,
Exceeding heat release and toxic gas emission requirements such as FAR 25’853.

AIREX® R82.80 follows lower density than AIREX® R82.60 in obtaining Airbus qualification.

Eric Gauthier, President of Global Key Accounts at 3A Composites Core Materials said:
“We are excited to continue expanding our relationship with Airbus and delivering solutions to the aerospace industry”. 

Properties of AIREX® R82

Thermoplastic rigid foam 
Exhibits outstanding strength and stiffness to weight ratios
High impact resistance
Excellent dielectric properties
Very low moisture absorption

All of these make AIREX® R82 an exceptional thermoformable core material for use in structural applications that demand lightest weight, highest fire resistance, radar transparency or operation in extremely hot or cold environments. 

This demonstrates 3A Composites continuing focus on providing innovative solutions to sustainably fulfill its evolving customers’ demands. 

Source: 3A Composites Core Materials

Solvay doubles carbon fiber manufacturing capacity for aircraft structural applications in US

Solvay inaugurates a carbon fiber production line at its U.S. Piedmont Facility, South Carolina, doubling production capacity of a key raw material to make carbon fiber reinforced composite materials and meeting increasing demand for lightweighting composite materials in the aerospace industry.

The new production line has won qualification by The Boeing Company to manufacture secondary structures such as wing movable flaps and engine nacelles, as well as interior applications.

The expansion covers the facilities and equipment to convert acrylonitrile monomers into standard modulus carbon fibers. This type of fiber is used to manufacture composite materials which have been pre-impregnated for use in applications on commercial and military planes.

“Through this strategic capacity expansion we offer our customers greater supply capabilities and contribute to their increased needs for reinforced composite materials to reduce weight and fuelconsumptionandto reduce assembly costs by integrated part design. For Solvay this production expansion results in greater flexibility to strengthen our growth ininnovative composite materials and our leading position in the industry,” said Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, CEO of Solvay.

Carbon fiber composite materials’ durability, strength and fatigue life allow them to increasingly and securely replace metals on aircraft, reducing their weight, noise and CO2 emissions. In addition, composites enable the molding of multiple sub-components into one assembly part, lowering the number of parts required as well as the assembly costs.

Source:SOLVAY


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