BASF and trinamiX present solutions supporting textile circularity

trinamiX GmbH, a leading provider of mobile spectroscopy solutions and a subsidiary of BASF, and BASF SE with loopamid®, a recycled polyamide 6 entirely made from textile waste, will jointly present their solutions for textile sorting and circularity at the Textiles Recycling Expo at booth 2341 in hall 3. The event takes place in Brussels, Belgium from June 4 to 5, 2025. Together, they will showcase approaches to textile circularity – from reliable material identification to the use of recycled polyamide 6 for high-performance textiles.

loopamid: Polyamide 6 made entirely from textile waste:

loopamid is a recycled polyamide 6 that is entirely based on textile waste. “The technology behind loopamid allows textile-to-textile recycling for polyamide 6 in a wide variety of fabric blends, including those with elastane,” said Dag Wiebelhaus, Head of Innovation Management at BASF’s Monomers division and loopamid project lead. BASF recently announced the start-up of the world’s first commercial loopamid plant. The production facility at the Caojing site in Shanghai, China, has an annual capacity of 500 metric tons and utilizes industrial textile waste from textile manufacturing and post-consumer waste for producing loopamid. The feedstock includes cutting scraps, defective cuts, offcuts and other production textile waste from the textile industry. These materials are collected and provided to BASF by partners. End-of-life garments made from polyamide 6 and other textile products can also be utilized for the production of loopamid. All these waste materials are challenging to recycle because they typically consist of a mixture of different fibers and materials as well as dyes and additives. Additionally, for post-consumer waste recycling, buttons, zippers and accessories must be removed in advance. BASF works closely with partners and customers to accelerate the development of collection and sorting systems.

trinamiX: Textile identification made easy

trinamiX Mobile Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy Solution enables fast, reliable and non-destructive identification of a wide range of textiles and blends – such as polyester, cotton, wool or #polyamide including PA 6 and PA 6.6. #BASF has utilized #trinamiX technology to qualify PA 6 waste streams for their loopamid® product.

The system features a robust, portable NIR spectrometer, accompanied by an app that leverages sophisticated cloud-based data analysis, along with a customer portal for managing results, downloading reports, and exporting data. 

To meet the specific needs of recyclers, trinamiX offers a flexible solution that accommodates different workflows. Users can choose between a compact handheld device for spot checks or a semi-automated setup that can be seamlessly integrated into a sorting table, allowing for automatically triggered scans for enhanced efficiency.

trinamiX PAL Two – Next generation handheld spectrometer

Visitors will also experience trinamiX PAL Two, the latest generation of trinamiX’s handheld spectrometer. Designed for even more convenient, single-handed operation, it features a built-in display for direct, on-device results – making it ideal for use in various environments and industries.

“We’re excited to join the Textiles Recycling Expo for the first time and meet the vibrant community. Our innovative solution promotes greater transparency and empowers informed decision-making throughout the textile value chain by providing reliable on-the-spot identification. We are making this accessible to everyone dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for textiles. Together, we can drive positive change and transformation in our industry!”, says Adrian Vogel, Team Lead Circular Economy at trinamiX.

source:BASF

BASF intends to take over shares in Alsachimie joint venture from DOMO Chemicals

BASF and DOMO Chemicals have signed an agreement giving BASF the right to take over DOMO Chemicals’ 49% share of the Alsachimie joint venture, in which BASF currently holds 51%. According to applicable laws, the intended transaction is subject to consultations with the relevant social bodies of Alsachimie, following which both companies would enter into a binding purchase agreement. Pending these consultations, BASF and DOMO Chemicals expect to close the transaction by mid-2025. 

For BASF, the 100% ownership of Alsachimie would be a strategic step to complement the company’s strong footprint at the site in Chalampé, France, its European hub for polyamide (PA) 6.6 precursor production. As the sole owner of Alsachimie, BASF would be able to further strengthen its production setup and maximize backward integration into key raw materials in the PA 6.6 value chain.

“As a key supplier for polyamide 6.6 precursors, it is our priority to ensure the reliable supply in Europe,” said Dr. Stephan Kothrade, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE. “By taking over the shares of our partner DOMO Chemicals, we are further strengthening our leading position and long-term commitment to the polyamide 6.6 value chain and paving the way for future growth with our customers in industries such as automotive and textiles.

For DOMO Chemicals, the intended transaction aligns with our strategy to continue to focus on delivering tailored polyamide solutions in the core segments automotive, consumer goods, industrial and electrical & electronics industries,” said Yves Bonte, CEO DOMO Chemicals.

Alsachimie was founded in February 2020 as a joint venture between BASF (51%) and DOMO Chemicals (49%). The company is located at the French-German border and produces essential precursors for polyamides, including KA-oil, adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine adipate (AH salt).

source: BASF

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : “Intercrystals” pave the way for greener electronics and quantum technologies

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Scientists discover class of crystals with properties that may prove revolutionary

Rutgers University-New Brunswick researchers have discovered a new class of materials – called intercrystals – with unique electronic properties that could power future technologies.

Intercrystals exhibit newly discovered forms of electronic properties that could pave the way for advancements in more efficient electronic components, quantum computing and environmentally friendly materials, the scientists said.

As described in a report in the science journal Nature Materials, the scientists stacked two ultrathin layers of graphene, each a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal grid. They twisted them slightly atop a layer of hexagonal boron nitride, a hexagonal crystal made of boron and nitrogen. A subtle misalignment between the layers that formed moiré patterns – patterns similar to those seen when two fine mesh screens are overlaid – significantly altered how electrons moved through the material, they found.

“Our discovery opens a new path for material design,” said Eva Andrei, Board of Governors Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences and lead author of the study. “Intercrystals give us a new handle to control electronic behavior using geometry alone, without having to change the material’s chemical composition.”

By understanding and controlling the unique properties of electrons in intercrystals, scientists can use them to develop technologies such as more efficient transistors and sensors that previously required a more complex mix of materials and processing, the researchers said.

“You can imagine designing an entire electronic circuit where every function – switching, sensing, signal propagation – is controlled by tuning geometry at the atomic level,” said Jedediah Pixley, an associate professor of physics and a co-author of the study. “Intercrystals could be the building blocks of such future technologies.

”The discovery hinges on a rising technique in modern physics called “twistronics,” where layers of materials are contorted at specific angles to create moiré patterns. These configurations significantly alter the behavior of electrons within the substance, leading to properties that aren’t found in regular crystals.

The foundational idea was first demonstrated by Andrei and her team in 2009, when they showed that moiré patterns in twisted graphene dramatically reshape its electronic structure. That discovery helped seed the field of twistronics.

Electrons are tiny particles that move around in materials and are responsible for conducting electricity. In regular crystals, which possess a repeating pattern of atoms forming a perfectly arranged grid, the way electrons move is well understood and predictable. If a crystal is rotated or shifted by certain angles or distances, it looks the same because of an intrinsic characteristic known as symmetry.

The researchers found the electronic properties of intercrystals, however, can vary significantly with small changes in their structure. This variability can lead to new and unusual behaviors, such as superconductivity and magnetism, which aren’t typically found in regular crystals. Superconducting materials offer the promise of continuously flowing electrical current because they conduct electricity with zero resistance.

Intercrystals could be a part of the new circuitry for low loss electronics and atomic sensors that could play a part in the making of quantum computers and power new forms of consumer technologies, the scientists said.

The materials also offer the prospect of functioning as the basis of more environmentally friendly electronic technologies.

“Because these structures can be made out of abundant, non-toxic elements such as carbon, boron and nitrogen, rather than rare earth elements, they also offer a more sustainable and scalable pathway for future technologies,” Andrei said.

Intercrystals aren’t only distinct from conventional crystals. They also are different from quasicrystals, a special type of crystal discovered in 1982 with an ordered structure but without the repeating pattern found in regular crystals.

Research team members named their discovery “intercrystals” because they are a mix between crystals and quasicrystals: they have non-repeating patterns like quasicrystals but share symmetries in common with regular crystals.

“The discovery of quasicrystals in the 1980s challenged the old rules about atomic order,” Andrei said. “With intercrystals, we go a step further, showing that materials can be engineered to access new phases of matter by exploiting geometric frustration at the smallest scale.”

Rutgers researchers are optimistic about the future applications of intercrystals, opening new possibilities for exploring and manipulating the properties of materials at the atomic level.

“This is just the beginning,” Pixley said. “We are excited to see where this discovery will lead us and how it will impact technology and science in the years to come.”

Reference

Moiré periodic and quasiperiodic crystals in heterostructures of twisted bilayer graphene on hexagonal boron nitride

Xinyuan Lai, Guohong Li, Angela M. Coe, Jedediah H. Pixley, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi & Eva Y. Andrei

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-025-02222-w

source:Nano Technology World/ Rutgers

My presentation on Supply Chain Management for COPVs

3 DAYS TO GO:

Join me on 7th & 8th June 2025 workshop on Type 4 COPV Hydrogen Cylinder Manufacturing workshop at Vadodara ,Gujarat to hear about my experience on Type 4 cylinder manufacturing that address the significant challenges in the Liner and fiber over-wrapping cylinders manufacturing process,raw material selection,Supply Chain Management for COPVsright approach and proper way of handling,testing and certifications in the competitive Type 4 Cylinder market & the future of the hydrogen economy that is going to enhance our lives as well as zero emission.

You can register online at - https://lnkd.in/g9sEhag8

Sharing the clearest way to succeed in the Type 4 H2 Cylinder manufacturing project and WHY MANY PROJECTS are not able to meet the testing requirements.

To know the failure mode in depth and then get into this project if you are able to provide all that project needs for passing the certifications.

Sharing my experience on How to achieve WIN-WIN STRATEGY in Type 4 Hydrogen Cylinder Project. Looking forward to seeing everyone at this event. Contact me to have an online session on this project anytime in case you miss this opportunity.

#polymers #polymerscience #compositescylinders #plasticsindustry #hydrogen #compositematerials #manufacturing #hydrogeneconomy #storagetank #india #cgd #pipeline #naturalgas #gas #greenhydrogen #electrolysers #ccus #hydrogenmobility #alternativeenergy #renewableenergy #environmental #cleanenergy #netzero #carbonfiber

Zeon and Visolis Advance Toward Construction of Bio‐based Isoprene and SAF Facility

Zeon Corporation President and CEO: Tetsuya Toyoshima and Visolis Inc. today announced that, following the successful completion of a joint feasibility study, the companies are initiating preparatory steps toward construction of a new production facility. The proposed facility, for which multiple sites are being evaluated, is intended to support commercial‐scale manufacturing of bio‐based isoprene and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using Visolis’ proprietary fermentation and downstream processing technology.  

This effort builds on the longstanding collaboration between Zeon and Visolis to develop and scale next‐generation, bio‐based materials. The feasibility study confirmed the competitive advantage of Visolis’ platform for producing high‐purity isoprene and SAF at commercial scale and further solidified Zeon and Visolis intent to collaborate closely on scale‐up of the technology for both #isoprene and #SAF production. In light of these promising results, Zeon is exploring next‐phase planning activities, including detailed engineering, site assessment, permitting, and stakeholder engagement.

Visolis has proven to be a valuable innovation partner, and we are excited to take this important next step together,” said Tetsuya TOYOSHIMA, President and CEO of Zeon. “#Bio‐basedisoprene and SAF are key to our long‐term vision for #sustainable growth, and this project reflects our commitment to delivering impactful technologies in collaboration with leading startups.” The initiative is aligned with Zeon’s broader sustainability objectives and decarbonization strategy, while advancing Visolis’ mission to commercialize their technology.

#Zeon and #Visolis will continue working closely to evaluate project milestones, engage with relevant authorities, and assess market demand in preparation for potential construction.

source:Zeon Corporation

SCGC and Braskem to supply ethanol for Asia’s first bio-based ethylene production

Braskem Siam, a joint venture between #SCGChemicals Co. (SCGC; Bangkok, Thailand) and Braskem S.A. (São Paulo, Brazil), has signed a Letter of Intent with Mitr Phol Bio Fuel, part of the Mitr Phol Group the world’s leading sustainable in the food products industry and ASEAN’s leading ethanol producer to supply agricultural based ethanol for the production of #bioethylene. Braskem Siam will produce bio-ethylene for SCGC, which will use it as feedstock to produce bio-based Polyethylene (bio-PE) that has a negative carbon footprint and is recyclable, just like conventional polyethylene. This addresses the growing demand for environmentally friendly polymers in the Asian and European markets and aligns with Thailand’s development goals in ethanol production for sustainability. This collaboration will enhance the development of ethanol value chain in Thailand, as well as concretely promote a low-carbon society.

Salin Panichsarn, Deputy Managing Director of Braskem Siam, provided an update on the progress of the bio-ethylene plant, saying, “We are currently evaluating the construction of the plant at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong Province. This facility will integrate Braskem Brazil’s expertise in bioplastics technology with SCGC’s Green Innovation. It will be the first plant of its kind outside of Brazil. The goal is to produce bio-ethylene from ethanol derived from agricultural products, replacing fossil fuel-based ethylene, with a production capacity of 200,000 tons per year. This will be the first bio-ethylene production plant in Asia. The plant is expected to be completed by 2027. Braskem Siam has an estimated ethanol feedstock demand of over 450 million liters per year, and we are sourcing high-potential ethanol feedstock both domestically and internationally.

Thunyawee Pongwattanasuk, Managing Director Ethanol Business of Mitr Phol Bio Fuel, said, “As one of the region’s largest ethanol producers, this Letter of Intent aligns with our strategy to expand beyond the fuel sector and increase our contributions to the bioplastics industry. Mitr Phol Bio Fuel is ready to support Braskem Siam and all stakeholders in producing and delivering the quality ethanol needed to drive the establishment of the bioplastics production plant in Thailand.

#Braskem Siam also plans to expand its Responsible Ethanol Sourcing Program by leveraging the principles and sourcing processes from Braskem Brazil and adapting them to the Thai context. This includes establishing standards for assessing producers in collaboration with environmental experts to ensure that business partners sustainably manage their cultivation areas, water resources, pesticide use, and waste disposal. Additionally, the program will require partners to uphold transparency and fair labor practices,” added the Deputy Managing Director of #BraskemSiam.

source:Braskem/ chemengonline.com

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Volumetric Shrinkage

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

I read a recent post that was a bit misleading about minimizing warpage in the molding of unfilled polymers, like simple PP.

The post was advocating for uniform packing pressure to be the key of lower part warpage. And it was supported by pictures from simulation.

I just want to be a bit more specific and more technically correct here :

Lowest warpage in these materials will come when volumetric shrinkage is as uniform as possible, not always corresponding to the most uniform packing pressure.

In complex parts, or very variable thickness part distribution, you might have to produce occasionally somewhat non uniform packing pressure to achieve the most uniform shrinkage.

That is because shrinkage is a combination of pressure and flow-time.

When flow ceases quickly you need more pressure to achieve a certain shrinkage. When packing flow lasts longer, you will need less pressure to reach the same shrinkage.

So make sure, when looking at your Flow Analysis results, to concentrate on volumetric shrinkage results.

Also, do not forget that higher viscosity unfilled crystalline polymers (HDPE typical example) can still warp because of anisotropic shrinkage despite a uniform volumetric shrinkage.

Vito leo

#warpage #packing #shrinkage