bioplasticsMAGAZINE_0903

Preview
The Biopolymers and Biocomposites
Research Team (BBRT) at Iowa State
University promotes research and
development of new formulations and
processes for biorenewable polymers and
composites. BBRT focuses on renewable
oils polymerization, protein-based plastics
processing, protein-based adhesives, and
cellulosic-based composites. The team
has a broad range of knowledge including
polymer chemistry, characterization, and
processing.
At NPE2009, BBRT will display samples
including flowerpots made from plant
protein; biobased coatings and adhesives;
and composites made from natural oils,
fibers, and agricultural co-products. The
team will also demonstrate their Bioplastics
Footprint Analysis Software. It allows users
to compare petrochemical and biobased
plastics and calculate the overall processing
costs, energy requirements, and greenhouse
gas emissions. The software compares
the costs and eco-profile of plastic parts
from different materials using the specific
parameters for each part.
Evonik Industries - With the development of VESTAMID ® Terra,
Evonik is presenting a new member of its Vestamid family: a group of
new polyamides, the monomers for which are based entirely or partly on
renewable raw materials.
Vestamid Terra DS is based on polyamide 1010 and is the polycondensation
product of 1,10-decamethylene diamine (D) and 1,10- decanedioic acid
(sebacic acid-S). Because both monomers are extracted from castor
oil, Vestamid Terra DS is a material that is based 100 percent on natural
resources. Technically speaking,VestamidTerra DS occupies a position
between the high-performance long-chain polyamides such as PA 12 and
PA 1212 and the standard polyamides PA and PA , which have a shorter
chain length.
Vestamid Terra HS partly made of renewable resources. It is based on
polyamide 10. The material properties can be found between the highperformance
polyamide 12 and the standard polyamides PA and PA .
Like Vestamid Terra DS, Vestamid Terra HS is semicrystalline and thus has
high mechanical resistance and chemical stability.
www.evonik.com/hp
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Plastic Technologies, Inc. (PTI) announces its ability to produce
small quantity extrusion prototypes for multilayer cast film and sheet
products (including bioplastics) within two weeks. The company can also
prototype a limited number of thermoforms.
“We believe we are one of the first companies to offer film and sheet
prototyping capability from small resin quantities—10 to 40 pounds.
Moreover, we can deliver the prototypes faster than previously possible,”
says Jason Haslow, project engineer, PTI.
The prototyping capability includes up to three materials and five layers.
Materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate,
polypropylene and barrier polymers (such as ethylene vinyl alcohol
copolymer and nylon). Emerging biomaterials such as polylactic acid can
also be prototyped.
www.biocom.iastate.edu
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www.plastictechnologies.com
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Jamplast Inc. is one of the largest distributors of raw plastic materials and biopolymers in North America. The Jamplast
team will be exhibiting and presenting at NPE to help attendees have a better understanding about biopolymers and how to work
through the decision-making process when considering the right products for their molding needs.
At NPE the Jamplast team offers technical counsel and support that will help visitors identify material-based solutions.
Jamplast also particpates in a Panel Forum: ‘Biopolymers and Sustainability Revealed‘: There remains a cloud of uncertainty
around the ‘sustainability’ buzzword when it comes to success, performance, profitability and where to get started. The panel
of speakers will address the challenges, opportunities and uncertainties about biopolymers. (Find more details about the
presentations at www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/200902/NPE1).
Jamplast is an authorized distributor of NatureWorks biopolymers, Cereplast biopolymers and JER Envirotech
biocomposites.
www.jamplast.com
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