Studies Prove Recycling Compatibility of PA-containing Multilayer Films

 Following the studies already conducted in 2021 on the recyclability of coextruded polyethylene/ #polyamide (PE/PA) multilayer films, the independent institute cyclos-HTP GmbH has completed further extensive investigations into the recyclability of multilayer films containing polyamide 6 (PA6) and #ethylvinylalcohol (EVOH) copolymer.

Compatible for Recycling in the Polyethylene Film Stream:

The subjects of the studies commissioned by #BASF SE are coextruded PE/PA6/EVOH high-barrier films as well as and laminated PA6/PE films in household packaging waste. It has now been demonstrated that these two film types are also compatible for recycling in the polyethylene.

“The results show that PE film waste streams containing PA can be processed without significant adjustments to the recycling process. The certification confirms the standard market practice of PA-containing film waste already being recycled by film manufacturers today.

The compatibilizer, which is incorporated additionally into laminated structures to enable distribution of the PA component in the PE matrix, plays an important role. In coextruded structures, the already present tie layer used to bond PA and PE in the film becomes an effective compatibilizer during the recycling process.If additional functionalized #polyethylene (PE-g-MAH) is also added as a compatibilizer during primary film production, the polyamide is even recognized as a valuable material in the polyethylene recyclate by cyclos-HTP.”

Polyamides Help Reducing Packaging Waste:

The study on adhesive-laminated PE/PA films, which was set up in cooperation with SÜDPACK a manufacturer of high-performance films, clearly shows how these films, which were previously considered non-recyclable, can also be made recycling compatible. In this project, a laminating adhesive from Henkel was used. Based on the new studies, a broad portfolio of PA-containing packaging can now be certified as #recycling compatible.

Due to their unique property profile, polyamides reduce the amount of material used in packaging applications and therefore help to reduce packaging waste. They also improve the mechanical, thermal and processing properties of the packaging. While PE/PA/EVOH films are used in many cheese and sausage packaging requiring a high oxygen barrier, laminated structures are mainly found in printed film packaging in this segment.

Last year, the German minimum standard for determining the recyclability of packaging subject to system participation pursuant to Section 21 (3) VerpackG already recognized the recyclability of coextruded PE/PA films. The certification is another important fundament for a fact-based classification of polyamides in packaging. The results are made available both to the CEN standardization group, which is developing a “Design for Recycling” guideline at European level.

Source: BASF/specialchem

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Today's KNOWLEDGE Share: FDA CLEARS NOVEL CERVICAL INTERVERTEBRAL PEKK IMPLANT

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:

FDA CLEARS NOVEL CERVICAL INTERVERTEBRAL PEKK IMPLANT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance to a novel #cervical intervertebral body fusion system based on a new material, OXPEKK.

According to its supplier, VySpine™, LLC, the new system, brand named ClariVy OsteoVy™ PEKK, provides better osseointegration than PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone) which has been demonstrated through in vitro and in vivo studies utilizing animal models. PEKK also allows manufacturers to create porous shapes which facilitate bone ingrowth while also providing polymer’s signature lack of radiographic interference and biocompatibility, meaning no fibrotic tissue membrane formation.

According to the FDA 510(k) summary document, the ClariVy Osteo Vy™ system is indicated for “intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients.” The systems are designed for “use with autogenous bone graft to facilitate fusion” and “one device may be used per intervertebral space.”

Additionally, the implants are intended to be used with “legally cleared supplemental spinal fixation cleared for the implanted level,” namely, at one level in the cervical spine, from C3 to Tl, for treatment of cervical degenerate disc disease.

It is to be used in patients who “have six weeks of non-operative treatment.”

The device is called the ClariVy™ Cervical IBF System. In order to qualify for 510(k) clearance, the device must be substantially equivalent to a predicate device. The ClariVy Cervical IBF System is substantially equivalent to the primary predicate device of the same name in terms of “material, intended use, levels of attachment, size range, and use with supplemental fixation.”

The ClariVy OsteoVy™ PEKK Cervical IBF System is different from the primary predicate device because it utilizes OXPEKK material. VySpine submitted the device for 510(k) clearance. According to the company, “#PEKK (unlike PEEK) implants demonstrate #bone ingrowth, no radiographic interference, no fibrotic tissue membrane formation, significant increase in bony apposition over time, and significantly higher push-out strength compared to standard PEEK.”

The ClariVy OsteoVy PEKK clearance is the first in a long line of VySpine implants which will utilize the unique qualities of our proprietary OsteoVy PEKK designs.”As we researched OXPEKK and its unique characteristics, we began to realize that its composition accomplishes what we as an industry had always hoped PEEK would accomplish. But #PEEK fell short. We are very excited about the OXPEKK material and our partnership with Oxford Performance Materials to make this new device possible.”

Specifically, PEKK provides higher push-out strength compared to standard PEEK and, as noted earlier, bone growth characteristics comparable to Ti-coated PEEK with significant improvements in implant integrity and radiographic properties.

Source:https://ryortho.com/

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Sulzer Launches Licensed Technology to Manufacture PCL, a Biodegradable Polyester

Sulzer is launching a new end-to-end licensed technology – CAPSUL™ – for the continuous manufacturing of #polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable polyester often used in the packaging, textile, agricultural and horticultural industries.

Includes All Purification and Polymerization Steps:

The CAPSUL™ solution enables optimal process performance for production of premier quality PCL grades at competitive rates. It joins Sulzer’s existing offering in renewable and #circularplastic technologies, including

#polylacticacid (PLA) process technology.

Sulzer Chemtech’s CAPSUL™ PCL technology includes all purification and #polymerization steps as part of a fully integrated, highly efficient and continuous process. Building on Sulzer’s expertise in separation and reaction processes, the new #biopolymer technology is highly adaptable to a broad range of industrial scales that can help drive adoption of #biodegradable and compostable PCL. Key applications for high-quality PCL include consumer packaging, #3D printing, #footwear, #agriculturalfilms, textiles, and #medicaldevices.

Uwe Boltersdorf, Chemtech Division president at Sulzer, comments, “As a biodegradable polymer, PCL has a crucial role to play in the reduction of plastic waste. We look forward to enabling the larger scale production of PCL from conventional and more renewable resources, as we continue to support industry stakeholders leverage their competitive edge in #sustainability.”

Source: Sulzer/omnexus-specialchem.com

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Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Innovative fibre technology

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Innovative fibre technology could revolutionize building construction

With the Texoversum, Reutlingen University has put into operation a training and innovation center for the textile industry that is unique in Europe. The almost 2,000 square meter textile-like façade of the new building also causes a sensation architecturally: It charmingly combines the innovative power of this industry with the 160-year tradition of Reutlingen as a textile location. The highlight: The components were wound from fibres that are fixed with a special plastic resin.

The façade of the Texoversum is just one example of a brand new technology that could completely revolutionize the construction industry. The sophisticated structure was designed on the computer and is based on carbon fibres wound by robots. Similar to networks in nature, for example in spider webs, beetle wings or palm leaves, the fibre structures are also very lightweight, but at the same time highly resilient, and require very little material. This not only saves resources, but also facilitates transport and assembly of the components. 

The necessary strength and durability of the composite is provided by Covestro’s aliphatic polyurethane resin system Desmocomp®, in which the fibres are embedded as if in a matrix. “The resin is highly resistant to weathering and the sun’s high-energy UV radiation, making it very suitable for outdoor applications,” explains Pejman Norastehfar, architect and specialist for construction applications in Covestro’s Coatings and Adhesives segment. “Other plus points in the construction sector are its excellent chemical and flame resistance.” 

Source: JEC Group/ #managingcomposites #thenativelab

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Polyimide Market

 Polyimide:

I have completed an assignment on the Polyimide applications and market demand and forecast when comparing with the existing grades for European market for a well-reputed market research company and shared my insights on Polyimide.And also share inputs on existing trends,pricing and comparison over other competitors in the global market.

I have covered an overview of the landscape of the market, key players of dominance with their established grades in various segements in the European market and their market share mainly in the European market.

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#polyimide #marketresearch #europe #pricingstrategy #automotiveindustry #aviation

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:(linear elastic fracture mechanics)

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:

Time for some really basic "LEFM" (linear elastic fracture mechanics).

Fracture Mechanics essentially assumes all materials or parts do contain "defects".

It is a reasonable assumption if you think about dust and all sorts of contaminants (including fillers with poor surface treatments) present in our polymer plants, compounding facilities and molding shops.

If a defect is small enough, a tensile stress (steady or dynamic) will trigger a relatively stable and slow crack growth rate.

This is captured by the exponent "m", i.e. the slope of the linear region II of the graph shown above.

When the crack "a" reaches some critical length, the stress intensity factor K reaches the value K1c where the crack enters the unstable crack growth region, quickly leading to part failure.

Some polymers are good because the stable crack growth is really slow (low value of "m"), some polymers are good because they survive despite the presence of a large crack (high K1c value).

The overall performance of a polymer, for instance under a fatigue test, is a combination of these two fundamental characteristics.

It is time to brush-up your knowledge about polymer mechanical performance and failure mechanisms.

Source:Vito leo

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#polymers #failuremechanism #crack #compounding #injectionmolding

Covestro Expands Circular PC Availability in the U.S. After Gaining ISCC+ Certification

Covestro’s Newark, Ohio, polycarbonate compounding facility has achieved ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) PLUS certification, increasing availability of the company’s mass balanced polycarbonate products in the U.S.

This achievement comes on the heels of the certification of #Covestro’s Baytown, Texas, facility earlier this year and marks a major step forward in the path towards circularity for polycarbonates in the U.S.

Contain up to 89% Attributed Bio-circular Raw Materials:

Makrolon® polycarbonate, which is compounded at Covestro’s Newark facility, is a high-grade plastic used in the automotive, electronics

and healthcare industries, among others. With its ISCC PLUS certification, the site will now be able to manufacture Makrolon® RE grades, which are renewable attributed products. RE grades are produced using existing infrastructure, can contain up to 89% attributed bio-circular raw materials and have the same physical characteristics of conventional Makrolon® #polycarbonate. #Makrolon® RE grades are part of Covestro’s broader CQ (circular intelligence) portfolio of products, and the ISCC PLUS certification expands the company’s circular offerings available in the United States.

“This ISCC PLUS accreditation is an important milestone that offers added value to our customers and key industries,” said Samir Hifri, chairman and president of Covestro LLC. “Covestro’s polycarbonate production in the U.S. is now more sustainable – from sourcing and production in Baytown to compounding the polycarbonate in Newark. Our Makrolon® RE series is a preferred option for customers looking for solutions to reach climate goals.”

Covestro’s Newark, Ohio, site is the company’s premier polycarbonate compounding facility in North America and one of six Color Competence and Design Centers globally. The facility, which is home to approximately 150 employees, produces polycarbonate and polycarbonate blends and offers technical expertise in color matching and design.

Learn all about polycarbonate (PC), a high-performance tough, amorphous, and transparent thermoplastic polymer.

“Our team in Newark understands the ambitious circularity targets set by Covestro globally,” said Rich Rogers, Newark site manager. “Our employees recognize that we have a key role to play in making our products and production more sustainable. We are excited to contribute to the efforts in advancing Covestro’s circularity journey.”

ISCC PLUS-certified polycarbonates from Covestro’s Newark facility will be produced using a mass-balance approach in the existing #production infrastructure, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint of the final product. Covestro could begin supplying select ISCC PLUS-certified products from its Newark facility in 2024.

Source: Covestro/omnexus-specialchem

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